Page Updated: May 2023
When choosing your safari pants or trousers for African hunting, go for comfort above all and you might like the advice meted out by Henry Astbury Leveson when dressing your lower half for African hunting...
"In Equatorial Africa, during the intense heat of the day, I generally wore a kilt and flannel shirt, boots and gaiters, which dress I found cooler and less liable to gall than trousers. Many good sportsmen prefer the kilt to any other dress, on account of the freedom and play it allows the limbs". From the book 'Wrinkles: Or Hints To Sportsmen And Travellers On Dress, Equipment And Camp Life' by Henry Astbury Leveson or 'The Old Shekarry' (1874)
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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***NEW*** These safari pants are made of nylon fabric with 4-way stretch. They are fast drying, soft, breathable and offer UPF 50+ sun protection even when wet. They have a stretch waistband, secure zippered pockets (two in back, one at the side) and a gusseted crotch for easy movement. Buy Now
These cotton twill pants offer allover stretch and an soft inner waistband. They are quick-drying, breathable and water-repellent. If you out in the bush at night you can roll up the hems to reveal reflective interior side seams for added visibility. There is a hidden secure zip pocket inside the right back pocket. Buy Now
These waterproof and windproof pants are lightweight and noiseless effective stalking. They come with adjustable hook-and-loop bands and waterstop barriers at the leg openings provide a comfortable, secure fit while locking out moisture. Buy Now
***NEW*** These lightweight, yet durable, chinos are made of a blend of cotton, nylon and spandex for long-lasting comfort. They have a stretch waistband and secure pockets. Buy Now
***NEW*** These joggers are soft, comfortable and stretchy. They come with odour control, zippered back right pocket and comfortable knit waistband with drawcord. 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
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 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 convertible 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