Expedition-tested on the Okavango

This is a list of all the products which we expedition tested on the Okavango Expedition. The main aim of the expedition was to comprehensively test our MaraTech™ Ripstop fabric which has now been used in all the clothing products we have included below. The same applies for the Rufiji™ Essential fleece fabric which we tested. All products listed were tested and checked over the 160km trial by water and dugout canoe in one of Africa's wildest areas.
Read the expedition story  |   Find out about expedition testing  |   See our travel tips for Botswana.

Safari Hats Read our Safari Hats Advice Guide

The advice below is a summary. If you are looking for more information & expert advice then please click here for our full safari hat advice guide.

  • For the best protection from the strength of the midday sun in Africa - for your neck and face - pack a wide-brimmed women's safari hat.
  • With mean high temperatures reaching mid-20 to mid-30 degrees Celsius on most safaris and with safari areas in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia high above sea level, the effects of the sun will be pronounced and the risk of being burnt by the sun will be high. A wide-brimmed women's safari hat is literally your first line of defence against sunburn.
  • Wide-brimmed women's safari hats also provide shelter when it rains. We find that a wide-brimmed safari hat definitely makes it more comfortable when you are caught out on a walk or game drive by a sudden thunderstorm or tropical shower, as at least your face remains dry and fewer drops go into your eyes.
  • Colour is key when choosing a women's safari hat - with neutral shades such as khaki, green, or brown the best. Your safari hat will often be the most conspicuous part of you while viewing wildlife on a walking safari.
  • Pack a women's safari hat which suits your safari style. Fortunately, there are more styles available for women today which range from leather hats to classically-styled indie and panama-shaped hats.
  • Modern wide-brimmed women's safari hats are also conveniently packable and are easy manipulate back into shape. A note though: not all hats are packable and should be carried with your carry-on luggage - and, even when a hat is packable, never crush your safari hat under a hard object - such as shoes or binoculars - when packing.

    Number of wide-brimmed women's safari hats to pack for your safari:
    1 x wide-brimmed safari hat per person.
    *Pack a warm and cosy safari beanie for cold mornings and the African winter too.