Want to turn heads with stunning style and confidence? The fashion world is evolving, and plus-size queens are leading the way. African fashion is about energy, pride, and joy. You deserve to shine - boldly, beautifully, and authentically.
Embracing Your Style
Beautiful African dresses for plus-size queens offer the perfect combination of comfort, flair, and cultural pride. Fashion should celebrate your body - not hide it. Choosing the right silhouette makes a world of difference.
Key Styles to Consider:
- Flowing, floor-length Ankara or Kente maxi dresses offer effortless elegance.
- Peplum designs accentuate the waist and create a flattering hourglass effect.
Don’t shy away from large, vibrant patterns. Bold Ankara prints look stunning on all body types. How you style your outfit can elevate your entire look.
The best looks come from perfect fits, not clothing tags. Tailoring is your best friend. Love your arms? Want to showcase your waist? Prefer flowy comfort? Absolutely. Yes. Definitely.
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Plus Size Safari Guide
Going on safari is a trip of a lifetime. I created this Plus Size Safari Guide for other travelers because I wish I’d had this guide when I was planning my safari trip. I was frustrated that I couldn’t find any outfit inspiration, packing guides, or shopping tips from women my size for women my size.
Packing Essentials for a Safari
The dos and don’ts around packing for safari can be daunting for anyone. Finding these items in extended sizes is a big task, but that’s where I come in.
- Do wear neutral greens and browns.
- Don’t wear blue jeans or black since they tend to attract tsetse flies.
- Do bring a hat to protect your head and scalp from the blazing sun.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and water for your game drives.
Plus, you need lightweight, breathable fabrics and layers; you need wide fit hats and shoes; you need outdoorsy clothes. I’ve got everything you need in this Plus Size Safari Guide.
Comfort on the Flight
The 16-hour flight overseas to South Africa was unfamiliar and scary. It was expensive. It was exciting! And I had the most spectacular adventure of a lifetime. The last thing I should have to worry about when planning the trip of a lifetime is if I can find the right clothes in my size.
We flew Delta direct from Atlanta to Johannesburg. It was a 14.5 hour flight there and a 16.5 hour flight home. The flight was long, restless, and uncomfortable. I could not sleep and instead focused on reading and watching movies. The flight was miserable, so it’s best to have realistic expectations and lots of ideas for how to spend the time.
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I was able to fit the seat and seat belt comfortably enough on the Delta flight. But on the smaller planes between Johannesburg, Skukuza, and Cape Town, I was definitely squashed in the seat and just fit the seat belt. I know you can ask for seat belt extenders if needed.
I also get restless legs on flights, so I ordered compression socks to help with the swelling and restlessness. They made a huge difference, so I highly recommend them. I also dressed as comfortably as possible in stretchy leggings, a knit tee shirt, and cuddly sweatshirt.
Safari Experience
I did have some nervousness about riding in the safari jeep. We booked our safari at Lion Sands Game Reserve and stayed at their Narina Lodge. The jeeps have three rows of passenger seating, with two seats per row. Each row has a divider console that holds blankets, ponchos, and field notes. The seats were spacious and cushioned, and we were able to stash our camera bag on the floor below. The jeep was not cramped at all, so I was very pleasantly surprised.
You will have to climb in and out of the jeep for game drive snacks or to go the bathroom in the bush. The jeep drives up to a platform at the lodge, so getting in and out is fairly easy. But during each game drive, we stopped for snacks and drinks, and we had to climb out on our own. Just something to be aware of.
Representation Matters
Representation is so important. I know too many women - plus size women especially - who are afraid to fly, travel to unfamiliar places, or experience new things because they don’t feel like they’re welcome. They worry they won’t fit in, both literally and figuratively. And a lot of this fear and anxiety stems from lack of representation.
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They don’t see women who look like them doing the things they dream of. Many of us sit on the sidelines in life, feeling like we don’t deserve particular experiences or opportunities. That those experiences aren’t for us.
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Adventure Awaits
Don’t let your size be a barrier to experiences that will better you. I guarantee I’m not the first plus size woman to go on safari, though maybe I’m one of the first to blog about it. And that’s because I want to create that representation, that yes, safaris are accessible to plus size women.
I saw elephants, giraffes, and warthogs. I looked leopards and lions in the eye. And I witnessed a pack of wild dogs take down an impala, just before the hyenas rushed in steal their prize. I sprawled out in my plunge pool each afternoon, watching the elephants splash and play in the watering hole below. Mostly I learned that parts of the world are still so wild and fierce.
Maybe you’re like me and never dreamed you’d get to go on safari in your lifetime. But then you go and you survive and you’re better for it. And you realize if you can do that, then what else can you do? Adventure is out there!
