Safari Jackets

Page Updated: Mar 2022

If you are shopping for a new safari jacket we can help you choose the right one to fit for function, style and budget.

A Spot Of Safari Jacket History

Safari jackets or bush jackets were garments originally designed only for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush. Nowadays the style has been adapted for many other activities such as photography and fishing.

Popularized by turn-of-the-20th-century Anglo African adventurers, safari-style jackets were engineered for comfort and function.

A traditional bush jacket is commonly a lightweight cotton drill or poplin jacket, usually khaki in colour, with a self-belt, often with epaulettes and four or more expandable bellows pockets. Safari jackets have been worn as mainstream casual clothing since the 1950s. They are particularly popular with photographers, as their many pockets allow a convenient way to carry film, lenses, flashes, and other photographic equipment.

The traditional safari jacket was often worn with nothing on underneath, rather like a shirt, with a dapper neckerchief to mop up the sweat.

This long-established jacket style has been largely superseded by fleeces for cold weather wear, the hunter (or his tracker) carrying a day bag, rather than using pockets for all his immediate requirements in the field. Nowadays safari jackets or fleeces are just worn on chilly mornings on the back of the truck or on chilly evenings around the campfire. Most hunters take them off and leave them in the truck before going off on foot, despite the cold, because they are only an extra thing to carry when it gets hot later.

Essential Safari Jackets Guidelines

Comfortable, lightweight and unrestrictive construction for possibly many hours of wear.
Made of natural or hi-tech fabric that will be sweat absorbent and quiet if wearing it while stalking.
Cooling features possibly vents and mesh but warm enough on cold mornings.
Optional zip-off long sleeves to convert to a vest.
Pockets - better to have buttons rather than velcro which can be noisy. Too many pockets can be a disadvantage for hunting if you can't remember where you put something and have to rummage through all 21 pockets to find it.
Other optional features - cartridge loops, shoulder padding for shooting.
Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour.

Recommended Safari Jackets For Men

Please note, this page contains affiliate links, which means Shakari Connection receives a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

(Click on images for full details & colour options)

This rugged and versatile jacket is made of stretch cotton Bedford cord shell that's been micro-sanded for a softer feel and resists thorns and brambles. It has panelled sleeve seaming and gusseting under the arms to allow a wider range of movement. It is lined with microfleece with vents under the arm for breathability. Ample pocket space includes an interior zippered pocket and three exterior pockets. Buy Now

***NEW*** This lightweight cotton jacket and comes with raglan sleeves and back vents to ensure easy range of motion. Handwarmer pockets and two stud-close bellows pockets give plenty of room to store essentials. Buy Now

This rugged cotton canvas jacket has a cotton corduroy collar and cuff lining, single chest pocket, two lower patch pockets with flannel-lined side entry, two internal security pockets and zip-front with button storm flap. Buy Now

This versatile hooded jacket easily packs down small enough to fit in a pack so it's always there when you need it. It is full-zip jacket with single-adjust hood and adjustable hem. There are two zippered handwarmer pockets and a low-profile, welded-stretch chest pocket. The fabric finish sheds moisture and the tightly woven, yet highly breathable double-weave fabric resists punctures and keeps you cool when active. It has ample stretch in both the double-weave body and nylon side panels, so it moves with you when shooting. Buy Now

This lightweight jacket is made from a nylon/cotton-blend fabric with a water-repellent finish and is an ideal layer for cooler days and it won't overheat you on warmer days. It has a squared-off collar with two-button closure. Rib-knit waist and cuffs. Buy Now

This 100% cotton jacket has a front hidden zipper with snap closures, 2 chest pockets with snap closures, welt chest zipper pocket and two lower welt pockets with a hidden interior pocket. Buy Now

This jacket is made of a hard-wearing ripstop fabric with shoulder patches for durability and bi-swing shoulders for easy range of motion. It has a removable, button-in insulated lining, moleskin collar, interior cuff and placket lining. There is a single chest pocket with pen holder, two lower patch pockets with side and top entry. Buy Now

This jacket is made from 100% cotton and features a spread collar and four pockets at the front. Buy Now

This lightweight vintage-style safari jacket is made of soft, washed 100% cotton fabric. It features 4 Pockets with button flap closures, front zipper & button up storm flap, concealed hood and drawstring waist and hem to adjust the fit. Buy Now

This classic jacket style comes with a high collar with concealed internal hood, zipper front with storm flap secured with press studs and buttons at the collar and the bottom. There are 4 buttoned down front pockets and an internal sleeve pocket with hook-and-loop. It also features internal waist adjusters, button adjustable cuffs, pleated back and back slit with press studs, under arm vents and shoulder epaulettes. Buy Now

On cool, early mornings, this hunting pullover will give you the extra layer you may need. When the day warms up, it packs down small enough to fit in your vest or pack. The fabric finish sheds moisture and the highly breathable double-weave fabric resists punctures and keeps you cool during activity. It has ample stretch in both body and side panels, this pullover moves easily through the shot. The low-profile, welded-stretch chest pocket holds small valuables safely. Stretchy contour cuffs have a comfortable close fit, and provide extra protection from the elements and brush. Buy Now

This windproof, water-resistant, warm jacket is perfect for chilly mornings on the back of a safari truck. It is fully lined with a windproof fabric with a full-zip front, paneled sides for easy mobility and a woven shoulder yoke reinforcement. Buy Now

This convertible safari jacket is made of lightweight stone-washed cotton canvas. It can be easily converted into a vest with the zip-off sleeves. Buy Now

This Tag classic safari jacket is constructed from light weight cotton fabric. There are two buttoned flap chest pockets and two cargo pockets at the belted waist and epaulettes keep a pair of binoculars or a canteen from sliding off your shoulder. Functional tabs keep sleeves neatly rolled up. Generously sized for comfort, it can be worn alone or over other clothing. Buy Now

This jacket has a microfleece-lined collar, zip-off sleeves to convert from jacket to vest, 10 pockets, security zip chest pockets and hand pockets and ddjustable cuffs and elastic cinch cord at hem. Buy Now

This Tag safari jacket for men is lightweight and designed for layering when on an African safari. It provides ample storage with two buttoned chest pockets above two larger dual buttoned cargo pockets at the waist. Roll-up tabs secure sleeves and the belted waist allows for expansion and maximum flexibility. Functional shoulder epaulettes secure strapped devices such as a camera or binoculars. Buy Now