[RedOctober]

Hello all,

I am leaving at the end of January to spend a semester studying at the University of Cape Town. This will be my first time in Africa so if any of the better traveled members could give me advice on what sort of clothing to wear there I would greatly appreciate it. I'm having trouble getting a read on a city famous for having one foot in Europe and one foot in Africa.

Additionally, I'm planning to go north a number of times for Safaris and mini excursions and I'd like a recommendation on a bush jacket. I know they're somewhat outre and considered impractical but I can't resist getting the picture even if I barely wear it. I promise I won't wear it with a pith helmet. If anyone can recommend a well made one with classic styling I'd be very grateful.

Finally, wide brimmed hats seem to be a necessity when out in the sun. Any thoughts on those are welcome as well. I'm hesitant to get the Tilley just because it screams retiree so much but I might end up caving. I've got a nice felt western hat I've taken to a couple of dude ranches that I think would work well. But would that be too out of place?

Again any advice is most welcome and greatly appreciated.

 

[Flanderian]

Sorry, never been, so I can't offer any first-hand suggestions. But I believe member Oldsarge is one of the few members who has actually been on safari, and I know he's an avid outdoorsman, so you might do well to PM him for some advice.

 

[Oldsarge]

Your best source for safari clothing is TAG. Orvis and Cabela's also carry the kind of gear I like but only seasonally and the prices are higher. If I ever make it back to Africa, TAG will be getting an order before I leave. Made in Africa, by Africans, for the world.

For Capetown, dress like a Californian. But try for a stylish Californian. The climates are identical.

 

[RedOctober]

Oldsarge,

Much appreciated, I had a feeling you'd know what was what. TAG seems to be exactly what I need for that phase of the trip. I wonder what your thoughts on hats are? It seems that there's all sorts of conflicting advice out there on the internet.

 

[Oldsarge]

The sun can be intense. Do not fall for the dangerous idea that you should wear a ball cap that only protects your eyes. Your ears and the back of your neck can get skin cancer just as easily as your nose. On safari a broad brimmed hat is essential, something with a brim over 2" (I like 2 1/2"). If you can get a wool felt for around $90, good. Otherwise, something like the Akubra Stylemaster in acorn is worth the price. And no zebra, giraffe or leopard skin hat bands until you get your own!

 

[derum]

Capetown weather can be pretty changeable, but chino's/jeans and cotton shirts will suit for almost every occaision unless you are going to a formal dinner at an hotel or nice restaurant. Everywhere else, wear whats comfortable.
It gets very windy at any time of year, and in late autumn/winter/spring nights can get chilly.
No idea about safari wear, other than don't wear something that makes you look appetising, but sarge can help you more there.

 

[Canadian]

I have a TAG safari coat. Cost me about 100CDN and I've worn it on a number of desert excursions. They are dressy enough to wear to a restaurant or hotel, but they are cheap and casual enough to wear in the field. I recommend a khaki version, I think they come in Moss and Stone as well. Moss reminds me too much of an army fatigue shirt, and Stone seems to be too fragile when it comes to stains.

I've had it for two years, it's holding up still. And I believe it's made in Zimbabwe.

As for a field hat, a brimmed hat will do. Columbia makes a model with a cape to cover the neck with a very generous brim to protect your face and eyes.

C.