The ultimate Bushwise packing guide

Wondering what to pack for your Bushwise course? Student Emma Dalmeijer, an IFGA Professional Safari Guide student, shares her experience (and a few lessons learned) about what really works in the African bush – from vellies and khaki shorts to rain jackets you might never use.

Before arriving at Bushwise, I stood in front of my wardrobe, wondering what on earth to bring. I had never been to Africa before, so I had little idea of what to expect. In the end, I chose what seemed sensible: a pair of mountain shoes from a local outdoor store, one pair of zip-off pants, some denim shorts, a few old shirts, a rain jacket, and, for headwear, a cap and some headbands.

My plan was simple – comfortable, practical, and multi-functional clothing.

However, when I arrived in South Africa, I quickly realised that dressing for the bush is something of a science in itself.

The shoe dilemma

On my first morning on campus, I stepped out in my sturdy mountain shoes — only to have another student say, “Your feet will be so hot! We’re buying vellies in town.”

(Vellies are a shoe worn by almost all South Africans, usually made from leather)

At first, I didn’t think much of it. My shoes were perfectly fine… during winter, at least. But when summer arrived, the inside of those shoes became almost unbearable. That’s when I decided to try a pair of vellies.

I immediately understood why South Africans rely on them. They’re breathable, lightweight, and quiet, making them ideal for tracking animals without leaving heavy footprints in the sand. My mountain shoes didn’t stand a chance against them!

That said, my personal favourite footwear remains flip-flops, or “plakkies”, as they’re called here. Every South African seems to live in them, and I now understand why.

Shorts that mean business

My zip-off pants seemed like a clever idea at the time, until I met the thorny vegetation of South Africa. Every branch I brushed past caught onto the material, leaving small holes behind.

Fortunately, Bushwise provides a professional uniform. The khaki shorts are made of durable, comfortable fabric, and the pockets are spacious, making it easy to carry everything needed for a bush walk.

Compared to the tiny pockets on the shorts I brought from home, these were a revelation.

Shirts and rainstorms

When it came to shirts, my tank tops and T-shirts served me fairly well. However, most students preferred the traditional safari-style button-up shirts with roll-up sleeves and ventilation panels. Personally, I kept things simple, though I could see the appeal of those designs.

The real surprise came during the rainy season. Coming from the Netherlands, I assumed my rain jacket would be indispensable. But when the rains arrived, I watched the South Africans walk out in shorts, plakkies, and T-shirts as though nothing had changed. Apparently, rainwear isn’t a necessity here!

Hats and sunglasses

One absolute essential is a hat. My old baseball cap works perfectly well, though around camp you’ll see everything from bucket hats to wide-brimmed safari styles. As long as it shades your face and eyes, it does the job.

Sunglasses, surprisingly, are less critical than I expected, and a good hat provides most of the protection you need.

Tools of the trade

Clothing aside, one of the most useful items I brought was my Swiss Army knife. I’ve always liked multi-tools, but here I discovered the South African equivalent – the Leatherman.

It does everything a Swiss knife can, but with the added benefit of strong pliers, which turn out to be incredibly handy. South Africans swear by them, and I can see why. They’re practical, durable, and,  if I’m honest,  rather impressive to have on hand. Naturally, I had to get one for myself.

The ultimate bush outfit

After a few months at Bushwise, I’ve perfected my go-to outfit, and it’s quite simple: a pair of vellies, the toughest khaki shorts you can find, a light button-up shirt, a Leatherman, and a reliable hat. Stick to neutral, earthy tones, and you’ll blend right into the environment.

Want to experience the African bush for yourself? Bushwise offers a range of wildlife courses, ranging from a few days to a year!