Women's Safari Hats

Page Updated: Jan 2024

Wearing a good hat is essential on an African safari, whether travelling in the bush or sight-seeing in town. Protection from the sun is important for your health and facial skin. If you are out walking in the bush, hunting or game-viewing, wearing a hat also reduces the chance of an animal spotting you and running away.

In addition, a safari hat will prevent your hair from becoming a dusty, tangled mess when walking in the bush or driving in an open vehicle. A hat will also cover up said tangled mess after going out without a hat.

Essential Women's Safari Hats Guidelines

Women's Safari Hat Size & Fit

Get the size and fit right so the hat is comfortable for many hours of wear. Even if you know head measurement, hat sizes may vary in different brands, styles and construction. You should measure around your head just above the top of your ears or where you want the hat to sit. It is too big if you vigorously shake your head or bend forward and the hat falls off. It is too small if it pinches or rubs anywhere and will be liable to give you a headache. If unsure about exact hat size, look for one which is adjustable.
For hunting in Africa you really don't want to be aware you are wearing a hat at all. Picking it up every few minutes if it falls off is a plain nuisance. It should stay put through most hunting action barring getting seriously caught up in a thorn tree or speeding along in the open hunting truck.
For hunting Africa, hat function is the prime concern. However if want to look good in a hat here are a few tips on how to choose a hat to suit you.

Keeping Cool In A Women's Safari Hat

Preferably in the heat you want a hat with an interior band to wick sweat moisture away so you stay drier.
Additional cooling features such as vents and/or mesh will be useful to allow the heat to escape. Hats made of cotton or canvas material are also 'breathable'.
Are you going to be hunting or game-viewing in tsetse fly country? If so, a hat with a very open mesh crown is not such a good idea - the flies will find a way inside your hat which is highly annoying and painful.
All round wide-brim is essential to prevent facial, ear and neck sunburn and reduce glare from sun. Some hats offer extra sun screening in the shape of roll-up or clip-on ear and neck nape flaps. Others even have clip-on drapes to cover your neck and top of chest in the front.
For additional sun protection you might want to consider a hat made with sun protective fabric which is designed to block a certain percentage of UV rays. For instance, a 50+ UVP rating blocks more than 97.5% of UV rays.

Other Useful Women's Safari Hat Features

Insect repellent safari hats may be useful on an African hunt. These are hats constructed out of permethrin impregnated fabric so may repel some insects but are ineffective against tsetse fly. Additional insect hat barriers may be necessary if the tsetses are thick in your hunt area, such as hats that come with roll-down mesh on the brim which ties around your neck with a drawcord.
As mentioned before, an African safari hat needs to be well-fitting. However, hardly any hat will stay on when travelling at speed high up on the back of a hunting truck, such as if you are travelling on a regular road between hunting areas. In this circumstance, you will either have to travel in the cab, take your hat off completely or lash it down tightly on your head with a chin cord.
A chin cord is very useful even when travelling at 'hunting' speed in the hunting truck. Hats are always being knocked off if travelling under branches so a cord will stop it flying off completely out of the truck. An adjustable cord with a locking mechanism is ideal.
As with all your hunting safari clothes, your hat will need to be in khaki, green or brown colours rather than white or any bright colour.
A hat that is crushable is preferable for easy packing rather than a hat that you to have to wear or remember to carry everywhere.
In addition to your main safari hat, you may need a warm wool or fleece hat for cold early mornings.
A certain level of water-resistance might be useful but full waterproofing should not be necessary.

Some Women's Safari Hats You May Like

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(Click on images for full details & different colours)

This safari hat shades your face and eyes from sun. It is crafted from naturally water-resistant wool felt and finished with a braided leather band. Buy Now

This hat is made from 100% cotton and features an optional fold-over brim and adjustable inner drawstring. It is rated UPF 50+ sun protection. Buy Now

This packable felt hat is water-repellent, stain-resistant and shields your face from the rain and sun. It is finished with a leather band. The interior band is adjustable for a custom fit. Buy Now

This lightweight wide shade hat comes with a floating foam-stiffened, varied width brim and UPF 50+ rating to protect your face and neck from the sun. A wicking headband keeps sweat away from your brow and out of your eyes. It has a one-hand adjustable drawcord and removable chin cord. Buy Now

Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sun Hat Pewter MD (7 1/8)

This wide-brimmed sun hat is made of woven paper fabric which provides excellent breathability. The Supplex lining provides UPF 30 protection. It comes with a removable chin cord to keep it in place in wind. Buy Now

Outdoor Research Papyrus Brim Sun Hat, Khaki, Medium

This sun hat has a brim that can be snapped up on the sides to change up the look. The interior has a comfort band with hook-and-loop closure so you can adjust the fit. Buy Now

This Barmah canvas drover hat is made of durable, lightweight Australian polycotton. It has a wide brim with chin cord and mesh sides to let air flow through. Buy Now

Barmah Hats Canvas Drover Hat - Item 1057 (as1, Alpha, m, Khaki)

This Barmah waxed canvas drover hat has mesh sides for air-flow, is water resistant, offers 50+ UV protection and comes with a chin cord. Buy Now

Barmah Hats Waxed Canvas Drover Hat - Item 1058 (Field Tan, Medium)

This classic Tilley hat is handmade from a durable, naturally breathable cotton fabric offering the highest sun protection rating. Buy Now

This water-repellent waxed cotton hat is fully lined with cotton for comfort. Buy Now

This lightweight Wallaroo fedora style hat has a 3" brim that dips front and back. It has a UPF 50+ rating, is breathable with a cool cotton lining. An internal, adjustable drawstring provides great fit. Buy Now

Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Victoria Sun Hat – Packable Design and Adjustable Sizing for Medium Crown Sizes – Chic Style for Garden Parties, Beach Getaways and Outdoor Events (Suede)

This durable lightweight Tilley Endurable Airflo hat is rated for UPF 50+ sun protection and has Airflo mesh ventilation for ultimate breathability. Buy Now