Women's Safari Pants

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

***NEW*** These supple garment-washed pure linen pants have a relaxed fit and comfy drawstring elastic-back waist. Double-needle-stitched seams add interest to the legs and back yoke. The linen breathes and wicks moisture to keep you dry when it's hot and humid. Roomy on-seam pockets hold the essentials. 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

***NEW*** These cropped wide-leg chinos are made of garment-dyed stretch cotton. The rise sits at the natural waist, defining your figure and creating a smooth silhouette. Finished with utility pockets on the front and button-flap patch pockets on the rear. 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 linen pants come with a drawstring waist and elastic back, on-seam pockets and double-needle stitched seams. They are easy-fit with a soft relaxed style with a mid-rise. Buy Now

These adaptable women's stretch travel ankle pants are quick-drying, moisture-wicking and offer UPF50+ sun protection. They come with hidden zip pockets, slim legs for a sleek look and modern fit sits just below the waist. 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

The White Sierra women's convertible pants swiftly convert to shorts when the temperatures change. They are made of lightweight nylon woven fabric which dries quickly, gives sun protection and Teflon waterproofing. Comfort fit with side elastic. Buy Now

These durable weave, waxed cotton utility pants are soft and supple. They feature topstitched seaming details, articulated knees for complete freedom of movement and a side cargo pocket as well as patch pockets in front and buttoned-flap patch pockets on back. The straight legs, with ease at the hem, can be rolled up. 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

Stretch twill brings the comfort of a modern stretch pant, while classic design ensures you'll be protected in the field. Classic fit, mid rise. Sturdy briar fabric at the back welt pocket openings, metal shank button closure, and strong double stitch construction all over. 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