Going on a safari is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This Plus Size Safari Guide is designed for travelers, especially plus-size women, who need outfit inspiration, packing guides, and shopping tips tailored to their size. It addresses the challenges of finding safari-appropriate clothing in extended sizes and shares personal experiences as a plus-size person during the long overseas flight, game drives, and overall safari adventure.
Representation is crucial. Many plus-size women are hesitant to travel to unfamiliar places or try new things because they feel unwelcome or worry about fitting in, both literally and figuratively. This fear often stems from a lack of representation - not seeing women who look like them living out their dreams.
Seeing plus-size women, 50+ women, and women with disabilities living passionately and fearlessly in their bodies can be incredibly empowering. Sharing their stories, adventures, and victories shows what's possible and inspires others to pursue their own dreams.
Packing Essentials for Your Safari
The dos and don’ts around packing for safari can be daunting for anyone. Here are some key considerations:
- 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.
Additionally, you need lightweight, breathable fabrics and layers, wide-fit hats and shoes, and outdoorsy clothes. Finding these items in extended sizes is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable safari.
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Clothing and Accessories
You’ll have to shop around to find everything you’ll need for your plus size safari wardrobe: from cotton undergarments, to lightweight layering pieces, to sturdy khakis and ankle boots. I’d suggest packing a variety of casual mix-and-match separates in shades of olive green and khaki that you can combine in different ways.
The warmer climate and more conservative atmosphere call for lightweight layers and full-coverage pieces in linen, cotton, and athletic fabrics. Quality basics are essential for safari. You want breathable cotton layers that’ll keep you cool and covered in the South African sun.
Make sure to pack layering tops like tanks, tees, vests, and pullovers. Many game drives start before sunrise, so you’ll want a jacket for the early morning that you can remove as things heat up.
While keeping clothing practical and simple, you can have fun with accessories like sunglasses, neckerchiefs, and statement earrings, and a woven rattan handbag to wear to dinner.
Footwear
When it comes to shoes, you’ll want a lightweight boot for your game drives and a walking sandal for wearing around the lodge. For my everyday boot, I chose a lace-up high top ankle boots with a zip up the side for easy on-and-off. I wore these boots on every flight, rushing through airports, on game drives, and on bush walks through dewy grass and mud.
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Table: Essential Safari Packing List for Plus Size Women
| Category | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Neutral-colored tops (tanks, tees, vests) | Breathable cotton layers |
| Clothing | Khaki pants or shorts | Sturdy and comfortable |
| Clothing | Lightweight jacket | For early morning game drives |
| Footwear | Lightweight ankle boots | For game drives and walks |
| Footwear | Walking sandals | For wearing around the lodge |
| Accessories | Wide-brimmed hat | Sun protection |
| Accessories | Sunglasses | Eye protection |
| Accessories | Neckerchiefs | Style and sun/dust protection |
| Other | Sunscreen | Essential for sun protection |
| Other | Bug spray | Protection from insects |
The Flight Experience
5 hacks for flying while plus size
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 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. If we ever make the trip again, we will not fly coach for such a long flight. We will either upgrade to first class for a roomier, more comfortable flight.
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. And thankfully the smaller flights were only half-booked, so you could likely get a row of two seats to yourself for a more comfortable flight.
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.
Still concerned about ‘flying while fat?’ Or flying in general? Read around online so you can set realistic expectations.
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Safari Jeep Experience
There was some nervousness about riding in the safari jeep. The jeeps ended up being surprisingly cushy and comfortable. 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.
Embrace the Adventure
Don’t let your size be a barrier to experiences that will better you. 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. I had eight hours each day to absorb the stories and anecdotes of our guide on game drives. And I sampled game meats and South African wines back at the lodge.
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!
