Khaki and neutrals exist for a reason. In the bush, blending into your surroundings is part of the experience, and there's something deeply elegant about a palette that nature itself has designed. But I never see it as a rule, I see it as a starting point to build something fun around.

The way I made it my own was through texture and proportion whilst staying in neutral tones. A striped raffia bag, an oversized linen shirt worn loose, a utility vest with gold hardware and cut out details. Let the details and fun twists do the talking for you!

If I had to repack my safari wardrobe, I would first think about the staples and then add in a few key detail pieces. The below items make the cut every time and work from breakfast to sundowners.

• An oversized white or khaki linen shirt, the hardest working pieces you'll pack. Wear it open over a tank, belted as a dress, or thrown over shorts or trousers when the temperature drops.
• A tailored short in a neutral chocolate brown, sand or khaki. Elevated enough to be cute for photos but relaxed enough for a full day on a game drive. Make sure that the shorts have pockets as well as loops for a classic brown belt to complete your look. Avoid drawstring shorts for a more polished look.
• One great utility piece. This is something I packed plenty of, but if you are packing only for a few days make sure to bring at least one: a vest, a jacket, something with pockets that actually functions. I brought a full length jumpsuit, a shorter playsuit as well as two utility style jackets in different sizes to fit both my partner and I. My pieces all had subtle gold studs and detailing which made all items easy to match with the bag I packed with me during the day with all of my essentials.

• A day bag: Pack a small suede shoulder bag for your essentials, the texture grips the seat of the vehicle and won't slide around even on the bumpier drives. Mine was from DeMellier, linked in the article below.
• A wider brim hat (not too wide!): Non-negotiable for protecting your face and scalp from the sun. Look for one with a chin drawstring for windier drives, it makes all the difference. We also loved the Royal Madikwe caps for the breezier days, and they stayed on without a second thought.
• And one pair of boots that can get you through anything. Mine were dark chocolate leather, structured and polished with a wide, low heel that was comfortable enough for long days and sturdy enough to tuck trousers into. They worked with everything, looked incredible against the landscape, and never once let me down.You probably only need one pair of boots if they are good ones! I also packed some ankle length cowboy boots but I didn’t wear them nearly as much as my classic brown leather ones.

Style meets the bush, how do you balance both?

I love fashion, and Royal Madikwe felt like the perfect opportunity to explore a new kind of style, one shaped by the environment rather than a trend. What surprised me most was how naturally practical and stylish coexist when you choose your pieces with intention.

Reach for natural fabrics that breathe, pieces that move freely, and a palette that comes alive in natural light. And don't default to one shop, the best safari wardrobe is built from individual finds. Use my packing list as your guide, search widely, and prioritise pieces you'll reach for long after the trip is over.

Gym gear and evening outfits.

On safari, your day is built entirely around the drives. Breakfast follows the morning one, dinner follows the evening one, which leaves little time and even less desire to change into something silky. I never once reached for a strappy sandal or an evening dress. Partly because the mood never called for it, and partly because when the sun goes down in the bush, covered feet and a comfortable layer are simply the smarter choice.

Between the game drives and the pull of sitting in our beautiful room watching animals at the watering hole, the gym simply never called to me. Even with Royal Madikwe's stunning facilities and private yoga sessions on offer, it just wasn't that kind of trip. Save the space and bring just one or two gym outfits for when the motivation kicks in.

My Reiss wide-leg jumpsuit, tucked into my brown boots, cinched with a belt and finished with a small brown silk scarf and my hat. Effortless, elegant, and completely practical all at once; comfortable from the 6am game drive straight through to dinner.

If there is one thing I would tell every first-time safari packer, it’s to bring a long-sleeve jumpsuit. You don't have to think at all in the early morning, you're covered in all weather, and you look completely put together regardless. The ultimate safari life hack!

Edit before you zip your bag. Lay everything out, and pair all the outfits together for each day. Make sure you plan two game drive outfits per day as well as some cosy clothes to lounge around in. You will wear far less than you think, and the pieces you reach for will be the ones with the most versatility. Choose natural tones, natural fabrics, and pieces you genuinely feel comfortable in. When you are in the wild nothing except for the wildlife will matter but feeling chic and put together makes the pictures even more fun to look back at! Enjoy your trip!

Building your safari capsule or feeling inspired to channel a bit of ‘khaki fever’ at home? Visit this link to shop for the pieces Anna wore on safari!

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