Safari Pants

When choosing your safari pants or trousers for African hunting, go for comfort above all.

Choosing Good Safari Pants

More than anything, your safari pants need to be comfortable for hunting Africa. You will lots of time walking and sitting in a bumpy hunting truck so loose-fitting pants are a must, especially in the crotch area.
Preferably lightweight cotton or hi-tech synthetic material that is wicks moisture away and is quiet when walking. Safari pants fabric needs to be light for the heat but needs to be tough enough not to rip when leopard crawling or hunting through dense thorn bush.
Pants made with insect repellent impregnated synthetic fabric might be useful especially in the evenings when mosquitoes are at their worse. If you want cotton pants that are insect repellent, you will need to spray them yourself with permethrin.
Extra cooling features include zip-off legs which create shorts. Zip-off legs sound quite a good idea until you try to zip them on again while still wearing them!
Long trousers or shorts? Most hunters prefer to hunt in long trousers which offer better protection against thorns, insects and the sun. Shorts are obviously cooler and quieter to walk in.
Pockets - better to have a button closure rather than velcro which can be noisy to use.
Try to minimise other optional features like cargo-pants loops or flares as you will just get caught up on branches and thorns.
Really wide-legged, baggy pants are not really unsuitable for hunting in Africa - go for more narrow-legs but not too tight.
Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour

Recommended Safari Pants For Men

Here is a selection of pants which are ideal for different African safari conditions - some very rugged for thick and thorny conditions, some light weight, insect repellent pants and some convertible pants. Any pants that are made of synthetic material are liable to melt under a hot iron so tell the camp ironing person before leaving them in the dirty laundry pile. Read more on clothes ironing on safari.

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(Click on images for full details & colour options)

***NEW*** These men's quick-dry convertible pants are water repellent and breathable. They come with a comfortable side elastic waist, zip-off legs and UPF 40+ sun protection. Buy Now

These lightweight yet durable pants are perfect for hot weather hunts. They are made of stretch-woven fabric with advanced hydrophobic fibers woven in for better moisture control. The treated fabric is water resistant and always feels dry to the touch. The double-weave fabric hangs away from your skin to help with wicking, venting, temperature control and is resistant to punctures and abrasion. Mesh pockets allow additional breathability. Buy Now

The Zambezi pants are made of 10 oz cotton twill just like the Zambezi safari jacket. They are soft-washed for superior comfort and durability. They come with washable leather inlays on the quarter-top pockets, 2 back pockets, one that buttons securely. Buy Now

This pair of light and quick-drying stretch pants has 7 pockets with a hidden security pocket and a drop-in pocket on the right thigh. The blend of nylon and spandex moves with you for maximum comfort over a range of activities. The come with slotted button closure, back belt loop, gusseted crotch for full range of motion and slightly tapered leg with hem kickplate. Buy Now

These cotton twill khaki pants are more substantial than ordinary khakis, so they hold up longer. They are prewashed for the soft, broken-in fit and come with plain front styling, interior button tab, locker loop to hang them and prevent wrinkling and a cotton waistband. Buy Now
If you prefer, these cotton twill khaki pants also come with a pleated front

***NEW*** These rugged cargo pants are durable and comfortable. They are made of breathable 100% cotton. They come with many pockets, increased durability and flexibity in the knees and an elastic waistband. Buy Now

These safari pants are based on a classic military model for tropical and overland expeditions. They come with utility pockets on the front and back, a fitted waistband with twill facing for improved comfort, military-grade melamine buttons and double-needle stitching throughout. Buy Now

These comfortable cotton twill jeans have five-pocket styling, leather-trimmed coin pocket and back pockets. Buy Now

These pants were created for added strength and durability. The smooth twill fabric is stitched with the same nylon thread used in climbing harnesses. Saddle stitch seams reduce bulk for a good fit. The waistband is lined with soft micro-chamois for unmatched comfort and the articulated 5-panel pant design and gusseted crotch allow true freedom of movement. Buy Now

These 5-pocket jean style pants have quarter-front pockets, coin pocket and rear patch pockets. They are made of cotton twill with lycra to stretch to make all your movements free and easy. Buy Now

Quick-dry pants deliver cool, lightweight, moisture-wicking comfort. They come with bartacked slash pockets on the front, a pair of zippered security pockets and easy-fitting side elastic at the waist. Buy Now

These stretch canvas pants are equipped with eight pockets, including a hammer loop, key fob loop, and three utility pockets, two deep handpockets, two ample mitered back pockets and a roomy coin pocket. They are built for comfort by garment dyeing and washing them for a softer feel. The sturdy stretch canvas provides flex and protection as you bend and crouch, while the cotton blend provides breathability and a gusseted crotch makes every move easy. These pants are built to last with bartacks at key stress points, rivets on the front pockets and double-stitching throughout. Buy Now

Wrangler RIGGS Men's Ranger pants are made of 100% cotton ripstop fabric. They have button closure, reinforced knees, roomy side cargo pockets with flaps and a zip fly with button. Buy Now

These safari pants are constructed with a sturdy nylon/spandex blend. The 'Free Ryde' waist, gusseted crotch and added fabric panel ensure that you have ultimate freedom of movement. Buy Now

These 5.11 men's Stryke pants with Flex-Tac are made from two-way mechanical stretch fabric, with a fully gusseted crotch, self-adjusting tunnel waistband and articulated knees. Built to last, these pants feature 12 pockets, including double-deep reinforced cargo pockets and front pockets. Buy Now

The 5.11 Tactical men's Covert Cargo pants combine superior tactical performance with a comfortable, low-profile design. With the look and feel of casual flat front cargo pants, these pants have large storage pockets along the left and right seams, double-deep, reinforced front and rear pockets and a self-adjusting tunnel waistband ensures a stable and secure fit when you are on the move. Made from peached cotton canvas. Buy Now

These durable, quick-wicking pants feature built-in sun protection and plentiful storage making them the perfect choice for active days in warm weather. Buy Now

These Carhartt's pants are made of 100% cotton ripstop fabric. There's rugged, double-front construction plus the added durability of cordura-lined front-ledge and back pockets. Carry what you need in two large cargo pockets with flaps and snap closures, as well as multiple utility pockets. Buy Now