A Shoe Guide For all those of you who love traveling no matter what. Come hell, high-waters, snow, or storm you just keep traveling!!! Let’s take a look at the Best Shoes for African Safari.
I truly believe that travel is an activity that can never leave you unhappy, no matter what It broadens your horizons and teaches you so many new things.
It also shows you different outlooks towards life along with various cultural values.
Africa as a continent over the years has been able to surface for its wonderful heritage and culture.
Apart from that its wildlife safaris are like none any other country has across the globe.
Anyone traveling to Africa would surely never miss out on one of these safaris. Now would they??? Surely not.
To ensure you are ready for them I have put together a list of the best options of footwear one would need.
These options will ensure you are protected as well as comfortable throughout.
Take your pick basis your travel needs from the Best Shoes for African Safaris below.
- Timberland Women’s Boots/ Timberland Men’s Boots
- Salomon Women’s Boots/ Salomon Men’s Boots
- Columbia Women’s Boot/ Columbia Men’s Boot
Finding the right footwear for your trip to Africa is super important. Keep in mind all your planned adventures and the wilderness of amazing Africa.
While traveling through the wilderness one can witness the beauty of nature at its peak.
From jungle Safaris to treks, from water rafting to bird sighting name the outdoor activity and its available.
Africa is such a big continent filled with beauty, mystery, and interesting activities.
However, to ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest, make sure you find yourself in the right shoes.
Take your time and read up well before you pick out what you need. As it can affect your adventures, especially the treks and hiking expeditions.
While Selecting the Best Shoes for African Safaris make sure that they aren’t too heavy. Traveling light is essential especially with all the outdoor activities.
Essential points to keep in mind while choosing your pair of the Best Shoes for African Safaris.
Flat/Comfortable heels: Keep in mind that you will have lots of walking and traveling to do.
Try and stick to flat comfortable heels, this will make sure your feet and ankles are taken good care of.
Closed Shoes: Having closed shoes not only protects your feet from dust and dirt. It also keeps your feet protected from insects and mosquitoes.
It will also prevent them from getting too dry and flaky in the heat.
Thick Outsoles: Having thick robust outsoles is essential especially for those long treks. Your feet will surely thank you after a long hike or walk through the wilderness of Africa.
They will save your feet from accidents to do with thorns, stones, plants, or sharp objects.
Good Breathability: The Best Shoes for African Safari surely provide good breathability. This is a very important feature, especially with the temperatures.
Keep in mind you need to keep your feet fresh and comfortable through your long days.
Good Durability: Durability is a feature that enters this list as one cannot have shoes that give up halfway through your hikes or treks.
Your shoes need to make it through a lot of uneven surfaces and jungle walks without giving way.
Easy to Maintain and clean: With all the off-road activities you are surely going to have very muddy shoes.
Hence while Selecting the Best Shoes for African Safaris make sure the ones you pick can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth.
So Happy Reading, Happy Shoe Hunting!!!
The 3 Best Shoes for African Safari Reviewed: Here Are the Market’s Very Best
So, Let’s go ahead and find your feet what they truly need. An amazing pair of shoes to make this trip a memorable one that you won’t forget.
The Best SAFARI BOOTS For Africa That One Can Own
WOMEN
MEN
Hiking boots or Safari Boots are super essential when it comes to African Safaris.
Finding the Best Shoes for African Safaris in the boot category can depend on the kind of safari you are planning on taking.
If mountain climbing is more your thing, then you will need very sturdy boots. Find boots that will be great on rough, uneven terrains.
If you are planning on some bird watching or slightly lighter outdoor activities don’t worry. We have just the boots for you, stylish as well as very functional.
Lastly, make sure the boots you pick are waterproof. The ones I have shared have all the needed features to keep your feet very happy.
All the Shoes we have shared with you are just perfect for your African Safaris.
What features make them the Best Shoes for African Safari’s?
- Most of the options shared are waterproof and breathable thus will help ensure your feet are comfortable, fresh, and dry at all times.
- They are robust, durable, and will keep you protected along your trails.
- They come with good traction and are sturdy to help prevent slipping on rough or slippery terrains.
- They come with soft and well-cushioned uppers that keep your feet comfortable and protected.
- They are closed Boots, preventing any sorts of injuries from thorns, bushes, or other insects.
- Pick light-weight styles. The more light-weight the boots, the more comfortable the long walks become.
- They have good arch support and are sturdy
- The boots are normally laced, makes sure yours are nylon cord, braided laces. The flat cotton laces tend to have a shorter life-span under so much tension.
What holds them back?
- They can be heavy and add weight, hence try and wear them while traveling
- Sometimes due to the dry climate & temperature conditions, these boots are not advisable. Especially on walking trails and rough terrains.
- Sometimes in case, you walk through rivers or streams these boots might get wet inside. They then become difficult to dry.
The Best WALKING SHOES For African Safari's
WOMEN
MEN
If you are looking at a trip filled with wildlife spotting, long safari drives, and walks, you need the perfect pair of walking shoes.
Jeep safaris tend to involve a bit of walking on rough terrains to catch a glimpse of majestic wildlife. However, longer treks might also be called for.
Hence ensure you find yourself a good pair of comfortable & supportive walking shoes.
I sometimes find it a tat bit difficult wearing boots continuously. In that case, I resort to comfortable walking shoes like my Nike or Adidas ones.
Try and reach out to your Safari organizer they sometimes are the best people to suggest what would be the appropriate shoes needed.
They can suggest footwear basis the kind of Safari you have selected.
What features make them the Best Shoes for African Safari’s?
- Sneakers tend to be much lighter than other shoes. But are way more comfortable than a lot of other shoe categories.
- They are closed shoes and can keep your feet protected from mud, dust, and insects.
- They are breathable and help keep your feet fresh and happy through the day.
- Select a good brand and you will find yourself with a very durable and stable pair of shoes.
- They come with good arch support and stability.
- They are very well-cushioned hence keeping your feet comfortable despite the rough terrain.
- They have patterned outsoles that help with traction on rough, uneven surfaces.
- They are mostly used for other activities apart from difficult treks and hikes.
What holds them back?
- They are not as good as Safari boots when it comes to trekking or hiking the difficult terrains of Africa.
- They may not provide the sufficient traction needed, unlike safari boots do.
- They are not normally waterproof and hence can become a problem.
The Best SAFARI SANDALS For Africa
WOMEN
MEN
Sandals normally come in 2 categories. The ones with thick soles and the ones with thinner soles.
Thick soled sandals are the ones you are looking for. They ensure they keep you protected and comfortable.
I have carefully found sandals that can work well for an African Safari. They will be keeping your feet safe and comfortable throughout.
So, go ahead read the pros and cons and take your pick.
What features make them the Best Shoes for African Safari’s?
- They are an open option for hotter months.
- They are much lighter than boots.
- Since they are open sandals your feet won’t face a problem when it comes to breathability.
- Pick a good branded pair of sandals and you won’t have any issues with stability and comfort. Durability is something most of the good brands keep at the top of their list when it comes to outdoor sandals.
- They offer arch support and cushioning needed for long walks and hikes.
- Most of the Safari sandals come with good traction. Their outsoles are robust and sturdy even on the most difficult terrains.
- They are excellent for treks & hikes involving crossing or encounters with water bodies.
- They normally have very easy to adjust straps making them well-fitted shoes for any age group.
- They are very light and easy on your feet.
What holds them back?
- Being open shoes goes against them for the first time. As they cannot protect your feet from dust dirt, insects, and harmful objects.
- They are not as good as Safari boots when it comes to trekking or hiking the difficult terrains of Africa.
- They aren’t as comfortable as sneakers or hiking boots when it comes to cushioning.
Conclusion:
Ensure that all the shoes you carry on your trip to Africa are shoes you have worn a few times before you travel.
The Best Shoes for African Safari are ones that are going to keep your feet happy and comfortable.
Hence plan well, buy your shoes in advance so that you can break into them before your big trip. This is very important for your hiking shoes.
Try and avoid white & light-colored shoes, as they are difficult to maintain with all the muddy & dusty areas.
Africa calls for a lot of outdoor activities, hence select shoes accordingly. Make sure they are sturdy, durable, and very comfortable, especially on uneven and slippery surfaces.
Wearing inappropriate shoes can surely ruin your experience of an amazing adventure.
If you have planned a lot of outdoor activities try and stick to safari boots as they are perfect & will protect you.
Lastly, I would like to say try and avoid carrying too many shoes. Travel light and you will be thankful you did.
Try and wear your hiking shoes and pack one pair of sneakers and 1 pair of sandals just in case. With these 3 you surely should be good till the end of your trip.
Quick tips on maintaining the Best Shoes for African Safari’s:
- Make sure you keep polishing them whenever you can. Firstly, dust off any dirt or mud, then polish them.
- Try and polish them after every safari or outdoor activity. This will help keep them clean and extend the life of the leather.
- During your safaris or treks, you might have to walk through bushes and water puddles or streams. This will cause your leather to absorb lots of water.
- Drying your shoes with a hair-dryer or near a bonfire is a big NO-NO. In doing so the leather of your shoes will get stiff and hard, thus making them uncomfortable to use.
- Allow your shoes to dry out by themselves naturally. You can use new paper to stuff your shoes, as paper naturally absorbs the water and moisture.
- Keep the shoes in the sun, try and keep replacing the paper as soon as it’s all soaked up.
- When your shoes get muddy and dirty after an outdoor activity don’t worry too much. All you need to do is use a wet cloth or a soft brush along with some water to take the dirt off.
Just Incase you are planning on some desert hiking do check out my article on ” The Best Shoes For Desert Hiking“.
So, go all out and enjoy your trip to Africa. Don’t let anything hold you back from exploring this beautiful continent!!!
Happy Adventures. Happy Safaris, Happy Us!!!
*** Please note all of the above is written using data, research, and reviews. We don’t intentionally want to recommend one product over another.