Women's Safari Pants

Page Updated: July 2020

Women's safari pants include a range of capris and convertibles. Most are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and some come with insect repellent and sun screen...all ideal features for an African safari, whether you are hunting or game viewing.

Though worn before for war work, women wearing trousers or pants for adventurous or sporting activities only really became generally acceptable in the 1930s when the pioneer aviatrixes such as Amelia Earhart, Amy Johnson and Beryl Markham were photographed wearing split skirts, jodphur style trousers or overalls. Photographs of Hollywood stars wearing trousers, such as Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, meant pants were here to stay in an active woman's wardrobe.

Choosing Good Women's Safari Pants

The features of good women's safari pants and shorts are much the same as for men. However, if you are not hunting or walking in the African bush, your choice of colour is not too important.

• 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 women prefer to hunt or walk in the bush wearing 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.
• 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

The Right Women's Safari Pants For Your Shape

Cargo and other khaki pants can be a bit fiddly to fit if you have a less than perfect figure.

• If you have a slim, straight figure you can wear most styles of safari pants with all the cargo and patch pockets.
• If you have a bit of a tummy, avoid pants with a low rise pants, pleats and belts which will all emphasise a tummy. Go for a medium rise with a wide waistband which will hold your tummy in and give a flatter outline. If you also have a slim bottom and legs, a straight leg cut will lessen the appearance of a thick middle.
• If you have full hips and thighs avoid pants that are too tapering or too wide in the leg. Also avoid cargo pockets which may make your legs look bulky. Go for flat front pants with a straight leg which are generously cut in the seat. Check that there are no creases across the back of your thighs which means the pants are too tight and will be uncomfortable.
• If you have full hips and a narrow waist avoid low rise pants which may expose your bottom when bending down. Go for medium or high rise cuts with a nipped in waist or drawstring belt.

Safari Pants For Women

These linen fabric pants are breathable and wick moisture to keep you cool when the temperature rises. The linen is also impregnated with a natural solution to prevent odours from clinging to clothes, even when you perspire. They are pre-washed for softness and come with a drawstring elastic-back waist and deep pockets on front.

These women's ultralight pants will dry almost instantly due to a durable water-repellent treatment on the fabric. They also offer UPF 50 sun protection. There are knee darts and elasticized waist for comfort and mobility. Two zippered back pockets and two front pockets all lined with mesh for even faster drying and lighter weight. Adjustable leg opening gusset allows you to customize your fit over different types of footwear. Scuff guard at back leg opening for extra durability. Buy Now

These convertible pants have a zip-off design that converts from pants with a 30 1/2" inseam to shorts with a 9" inseam. They are made of quick-dry stretch fabric and articulated knees offer a full range of motion for any outdoor activity, while UPF 50 helps prevent sunburn and sun damage. Buy Now

These lightweight travel pants are stretchy and wrinkle-resistant with a comfortable elastic waist without a drawstring. They are quick-drying and breathable for cool comfort and come with odour control and UPF 30 sun protection. Buy Now

***NEW*** These stretch twill chinos offer are garment washed for softness and comfort. They have just a hint of spandex for 'give' and shape retention. The waist stretches for all-day comfort but has no bulky elastic. The fit has a mid rise that sits just below the waist, a bit of ease at the hips and thighs and a slim ankle-length leg that may be rolled up or worn down. L-pockets will lie flat and are finished with roomy back pockets. Buy Now

These women's pants have just a bit of spandex for stretch and an elastic-back drawstring waist. The naturally breathable blend of Tencel and cotton feels soft and comfortable. They are finished with patch pockets on front and back. Buy Now

These pants are made from soft, strong and cool ripstop BUGTech anti-insect fabric with moisture wicking. They are easily convertible into shorts by simply zipping off the trouser legs. They have built-in SPF50+ sun protection and anti-bacterial technology to keep them smelling fresh. There are five multi-functional pockets including two cargo pockets, one buttoned back pocket, and two hand pockets. The waist is adjustable through the elasticated strip hidden on the inside of the waistband. Belt loops ensure the best fit and to style your trousers or shorts with your favourite belt. A button and loop system enables the legs to be rolled up and secured when worn as trousers. Buy Now

These safari jogger pants are made from a lightweight cotton/spandex blend. They have an elasticated waist with drawstring for a comfortable fit, elasticated ankles and front hand pockets on either side. The back slit pockets are non-functional but complement the style of the trousers. Buy Now

These pants are made from soft, strong and cool ripstop fabric with moisture wicking. They are easily convertible into shorts by simply zipping off the trouser legs. They have built-in SPF50+ sun protection and anti-bacterial technology to keep them smelling fresh. There are five multi-functional pockets including two cargo pockets, one buttoned back pocket, and two hand pockets. The waist is adjustable through the elasticated strip hidden on the inside of the waistband. Belt loops ensure the best fit and to style your trousers or shorts with your favourite belt. A button and loop system enables the legs to be rolled up and secured when worn as trousers. Buy Now

These cargo safari pants are made from soft and strong ripstop fabric with moisture wicking. They are easily convertible into 22" capris by simply rolling up the legs and securing with the roll-up leg tabs. They come with built-in SPF50+, anti-bacterial technology to keep your trousers smelling fresh between washes. There are five multi-functional pockets including two cargo pockets, one back pocket and two hand pockets. The radial leg gusset increases range of movement by eliminating restriction and bunching. The rise allows these trousers to be worn below the natural waist. The waist is adjustable through the elasticated strip hidden on the inside of the waistband and belt loops ensure the best fit and to style your pants with your favourite belt. Buy Now

These safari pants are tailored from organic cotton with a hint of spandex. They come with gussets in the inner thighs for complete freedom of movement and a hidden zippered storage pocket on the leg. The functional drawstring waist ensures a proper fit. Finished with L-pockets on front and large patch pockets on back. Buy Now

These ankle pants are made of tough stretch fabric which resists tears and abrasions. Backed with cotton, the knit feels soft against your skin. There is a discreet zip pocket in the stretch waist and the leg is finished with seaming details and a small slit at the ankle for both a better fit and freedom of movement. They are finished with a side zip closure. Buy Now

These women's pants combine the softness of Tencel with the same cotton twill weave commonly used for denim. Garment dyeing and prewashing give these relaxed crops a weathered, faded look. They have large patch pockets, a classic Fit with a natural rise that sits right at the waist. Buy Now

These women's lightweight safari pants are made of textured fabric to promote wicking, venting and temperature control. The tight weave resists most brush and sheds light moisture. The durable stretch and articulated design lets you move and reach. The pockets are made of ventilating mesh - front right pocket is reinforced to resist wear when carrying kit. A hidden drawstring in the cuff keeps out branches and seeds. There are two back pockets - the right is zippered. Buy Now

These knit leggings offer essential travel comfort with a stretch waist and fabric which maintains its shape. Buy Now

These lightweight pants have roll-up legs allowing you adapt easily to changing environments. The fabric offers active stretch for exceptional comfort and unrestricted range of motion. Buy Now

These traditional chinos are made of soft, midweight cotton, garment dyed for rich colouring. Classic tailoring with the fly front, belt loops, and pockets you'd expect. Straight legs with inner topstitching for a fun look when rolled up. In a modern fit with mid rise to sit just below the waist. Buy Now

These Tag Safari pants for women have multiple pockets and a relaxed mid-rise fit. There are 2 button through flap pockets in front, 2 more in the back, side seam slip pockets at the waist and discreet side elastic panels. Buy Now

These 5.11 Tactical women's pants are made of tough cotton canvas with double and triple-stitch construction, 48 bartacks in high stress areas and double thick seat and knees. They have superior fit, sitting on natural waist with self-adjusting comfort waistband. Buy Now

These versatile, sun-and-stain-repelling convertible pants are built to keep you comfortable in a wide variety of conditions and activities. The easy straight-leg cut combines with 2-way stretch for comfort, UPF 50 shields you from harmful UV rays and zip-off legs convert the pant to a 10" inseam short. Buy Now

These ExOfficio Women's Explorista pants offer UPF 50 sun protection, are lightweight and quick-drying. There is a zip pocket on the right thigh and buttoned roll-up leg tabs. Buy Now

More Women's Safari Clothes

• Women's Safari Jackets
• Women's Safari Vests
• Women's Safari Shirts
• Women's Safari Hats
• Women's Safari Pants
• Women's Safari Shorts
• Women's Safari Dresses & Skirts
• Women's Safari Shoes