what hat to wear on safari

So you’re going on a safari and you’re looking for the best safari hat. You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve been traveling to Africa for 30 years, and have been designing and leading tours to Africa since 2004. There is a lot to know before you go. This post focuses on the perfect safari hat, but check out my other safari tips, and be sure to sign up to SavingWild.com to receive stories, interviews with leading conservationists like Jane Goodall, and more.

 

Lori Robinson on safari in Kenya

 

THE PERFECT HAT

One of the most important items to pack for Africa may be your safari hat. It doesn’t matter if you are trekking to see the chimpanzees, boating on the Botswana delta or sitting on your verandah enjoying a cocktail while watching elephants in a watering hole only feet away from you. YOU WILL NEED A GREAT SAFARI HAT!

I wrote this so you could avoid the years of trials and tribulations it took for me to finally find the perfect safari hat. 

Lori Robinson in the Galapagos
A good hat is necessary even for non-safari trips like this one to the Galapagos. The tortoise has the hat thing down.

FOUR REASONS YOU NEED A SPECIAL SAFARI HAT

1. Protection from the sun

2. To keep your hair from becoming a matted mess from the safari dust and wind

3. To hide your hair once it becomes a matted mess

4. and sometimes (surprise, surprise) you wear a hat for warmth (yes it can be cold in Africa)

 

It’s also nice if your perfect safari hat can be stylish, and practical, and lightweight.

Lori Robinson on safari in Kenya
Wearing part of a dead lion as a hat is not an option for me.

 

The hat I found is perfecct for an African safari, but it’s also great for going outside anywhere in the world. I wear it hiking, boating, to the beach, and of course on the annual safaris I lead for people like you.

 

HERE IT IS, THE BEST SAFARI HAT

Lori Robinson with Masai children, Kenya
I wrapped the green scarf around the hat just for extra style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best safari hat brand is called TILLEY. 

There are many styles and colors, all of them great.  

WHY I LOVE THESE HATS

Tilley’s have built-in sunblock and guarantees!

They’re made of organic cotton, and they even float (as I learned when mine fell into the Botswana Delta).

I could go on and on, but why don’t you go to this link and see for yourself:  TILLEY .

 

Now that you’ve got your best safari hat covered, you may want to get some other advice.

Go here to get the tips and useful information I send to all my safari clients.

 

Safari Njema!

Lv,

Lori Robinson

 

 

14 Replies to “The Best Africa Safari Hat”

  1. Tilley hats are the BEST! I’ve had 2 over the last 25+ years (yes the first one was replaced at no charge) and although not the most stylish, (although you look good in yours) they are functional, tough and you get to be part of the Tilley Club (other Tilley wearers). Although now that there are more and more Tilley hats the club is less exclusive. And don’t forget–it floats!

  2. Dear Tilley club member, I am so happy to hear from you and thanks for the info on floating. Who knew? You, obviously. I am happy to be a new member to the Tilley club. The less exclusive the better, because that means we all got the memo. What took ME so long?

  3. Tilley hats are great….. I discovered them many years ago in Canada, when a director friend and the entire film crew were wearing them on location!! A great advertisement for the brand!
    But… in recent months, I must admit that I’ve found my favorite hat, to date, at a local nursery!
    It provides terrific sun protection and literally weighs almost nothing – doesn’t even register on my scale.
    But, I don’t believe it will float as it has a mesh headband for ventilation!!

    A trade-off?

  4. Well you are ahead of the curve and since I happen to know you used to have a hat business I take your word about hats seriously. Are you going to share the brand you have found and love that is now replacing your Tilley’s?

  6. yes i know the San Diego Hat Co and love them. I have used their hats as well for Africa but the Tilleys seem longer lasting, more sturdy and rugged.

  7. I love that people are so passionate about hats. I’d add that the Tilley with a vented strip around the crown still floats. But then I’m hopelessly in love with my Tilley so i have a bias. Has anyone read the manual? Hilarious. Oh yea, I also have HUGE head but for sure its not the hair…

  8. Hats are important and want to add to this discussion that a cap (as in baseball as seen in one of the photos on the post) is not a hat, and really provides no sun protection whatsoever. What manual are you referring to Steve?

  11. thanks for looking out for us big headed hat wearers. From the responses to this post, there appears to be quite a few of us. Hat manufacturers take notice.

  12. I’ve had Tilley hats for 30 years and currently have six in different styles. I love them and the people at Tilley are great.

  13. Well Gary, I wish I would have talked to you 30 years ago so I too could have been wearing Tilleys for that long. 6? You win. There is no contest but if there were, I am sure you would be the winner. Thanks for commenting. Loved hearing from you.

  14. Going to Kenya in late November..elephant camp! Please send me your packing list with best type of luggage to use.

    Many thanks,

    Nancy

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