Safari Packing Guide

South African safaris are casual, so there’s no need to pack fancy clothing items or buy a whole new khaki wardrobe. It’s important to remember that while Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a Big 5 wildlife reserve, the safari lodge offers guests a boutique and luxurious safari experience. 

It’s best to check the weather and read through your safari itinerary before packing for your trip. We always recommend making slight additions and packing the necessary safari essentials along with your favourite seasonal attire. 

Lightweight cotton layers, hats and breathable clothing is always great for the summer. Winter nights in the Karoo are always much colder than midday temperatures, so please ensure you pack warm jackets and versatile options depending on the weather. 

Going on safari means you’ll get to see incredible wildlife and surround yourself with nature — but it also means you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing stay at a safari lodge or camp. Most game reserves in South Africa have swimming pools and spa facilities for guests to enjoy during their safari leisure time. 

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is renowned for its luxurious safari lodge facilities and rejuvenating atmosphere. All safari guests are welcome to enjoy the main lodge swimming pool or book a poolside spa treatment. Ambassador Suite guests enjoy access to a private pool overlooking panoramic views of the reserve.

You can wear any kind of pants, shorts, leggings, and even your blue jeans if that’s your style! It’s good to have a variety of clothing options, from jeans to lightweight cotton pants, because early mornings and late evenings in the Karoo can get chilly.

For add-on safari activities, like the Karoo horseback trails and night-time stargazing experience, comfortable and durable clothing (like denim jeans) is a great idea.

In most cases, your sneakers or closed-toe shoes are a good choice for a safari in South Africa. If you are going to be doing lots of walking or additional safari activities, trail shoes or a pair of hiking boots will be a good fit.

Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes, sandals, or even your favourite pair of crocs, for walking around Inverdoorn’s safari lodge.

Yes, you can wear leggings on safari. Going on safari in South Africa is a relaxed and casual experience, so guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and breathable layers — especially during the summer months. However, as the weather in the Western Cape varies from season to season, we strongly encourage all guests to check the weather forecast prior to packing for their trip.

The luggage you bring on safari will depend on the transport you are using to get to the reserve and the length of your stay. 

Most of our safari guests are tourists and travellers from Cape Town, South Africa. It is normal for guests to bring the same luggage they travel with on the plane. Therefore, as a general rule, we advise guests to pack as if they were going on a flight. 

• Use a sturdy or squash-able bag, as your case might be packed into a trailer or transport compartment with other cases and bags.
• If you have more than one large bag per person, please remember to inform your transport provider to ensure the appropriate space can be made available.

Yes, you can wear shorts for your Karoo safari. From cotton shorts to denim shorts to gym shorts to khakis — whatever you prefer! However, we only recommend wearing shorts if you are not planning on going on a walking safari. Long socks or long pants are often recommended for walking safari tours, as they provide added protection from insects and the elements.

Remember, the best way to plan for your safari is to check the weather forecast and your Inverdoorn safari itinerary before packing for your trip!