BEST Safari Pants for Men and Women (2023)

Are you looking for the ultimate safari pants for your next adventure? Look no further! Our extensive research and personal experience have led us to create a collection of the best safari pants for any outdoor excursion.

When choosing safari pants, comfort and functionality should be on your list. These pants are designed with light and breathable materials, allowing maximum comfort during bush walks and other outdoor activities. The pants also feature a touch of stretch to ensure they move with you and won’t rip when hopping in and out of a safari vehicle.

In addition to comfort, it’s essential to consider the season and environment in which you’ll be wearing your safari pants. Whether you’re planning a summer trip to the African bush or a winter excursion in South America, our collection has options suitable for every season and environment. And, of course, all of our safari pants are designed with style in mind, so you can look great while exploring the great outdoors.

So, pack your safari bag with confidence, knowing that you have the best safari pants for your next adventure. Browse our men’s and women’s collections and find the perfect pair of safari pants for your next journey.

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The Best Safari Pants

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KUHL Freeflex/Free Radikl Pants

Kuhl’s ENDURO™ blend fabric in their men’s Free Radikl and women’s Freeflex Roll-Up pants is a testament to their commitment to quality and durability. We prefer the comfort of lightweight synthetic pants as most safaris occur in hot weather. These safari pants are lightweight and super comfortable.

Not only does the fabric feel soft against the skin, but it has also proven to be resistant to wear and tear after repeated use. The double-stitching and metal buttons are just a few of the high-end details that set these pants apart from the competition.

The Free Radikl pants offer the best technical performance and style, with active stretch panels, a dedicated phone pocket, and a gusseted crotch for added mobility. The Freeflex Roll-Up pants feature functional pockets and drawstrings, making them perfect for women who need practicality and comfort. Both styles come in a variety of colors to suit your taste.

However, men who prefer a slim fit may opt for the tapered option, as the regular Free Radikl cut can be a bit baggy for those with runners’ legs, like me. Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsman or a casual adventurer, Kuhl’s technical pants offer UPF 50 sun protection, six pockets, and the ultimate in year-round performance, making them the trusted choice for any outdoor excursion.

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REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants

The REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants are the ultimate choice for safari pants that combines style, comfort, and durability. The men’s are traditional pants while the women’s are joggers with cuffed ankles for comfort and style.

With a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex fabric, these pants wick away moisture and stretch to provide a comfortable fit. The double-layer fabric reinforcements at the knees and thighs offer added durability, making these pants ideal for outdoor adventures.

For added convenience, these pants feature a range of pockets, including jeans-style coin, hand, and back pockets, a drop-in tool pocket at the side, and a pencil pocket at the thigh. The button front and zip fly closure make these pants easy to wear, while the loose fit and stretchy fabric makes them comfortable moving in.

Customers love the fit of the REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants, with many praising the comfortable fit that accommodates their larger thighs. The pants have received high marks for their durability and versatility, with customers using them for outdoor activities like hiking and indoor activities like work.

The REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants are a must-have for durable, stylish, and comfortable safari pants. Whether out in the backcountry or the office, these pants keep you comfortable and look great.

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Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0

For those searching for versatile and functional pants for their travels, the Western Rise Evolution 2.0 Pants are a top choice. Although not explicitly designed as safari pants, they can replace any outdoor pants in your wardrobe. The ultralight tech fabric is ideal for daily errands and travels, with its breathable, stretchable, and stain-resistant qualities.

Not only are these pants practical, but they are also stylish and comfortable. The slim fit is tapered for a neat appearance but may not suit those with thicker thighs. Despite this, the lightweight fabric falls nicely along the legs, and the excellent fit strikes a balance between slim and loose.

Unfortunately, these pants are currently only available for men. The Dune color is popular for safari wear, but it may not be practical as it shows dirt quickly. Despite this, the Western Rise Evolution 2.0 Pants are our favorite travel pants for men and a must-pack item for any trip.

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Fjallraven Vidda Pro

Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers. These pants are prepared to withstand challenging conditions and keep you comfortable and stylish. Made with durable G-1000 Eco fabric, these pants are not only eco-friendly but also resistant to moisture and waxed for extra protection. Reinforced with double layers of material over the knees ensures excellent durability in a high abrasion area.

And with the pants engineered fit and preshaped knees, these pants provide unrestricted mobility, making them perfect for any outdoor activity. We’ve worn these pants when mountaineering on the Columbia Icefield with no signs of discomfort.

The generous ventilation openings along the legs and the detachable strap adjustments at the leg endings make these pants the perfect choice for warm weather. The large pockets, including a knife pocket and axe loop, give you ample space to store your essentials. And with reinforced suspender zones and gear loops, these pants are designed to keep up with even the most strenuous activities.

Even if you don’t need the robust features of these safari pants, they have a very cool utilitarian look. These pants that can handle anything the outdoors can throw at you, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers, are a perfect choice.

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Coalatree Trailhead Pants

The Coalatree Trailhead pants are an ideal choice for safari pants. They are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind and boast a range of features that make them both practical and comfortable.

The unique eco-friendly fabric blend is waterproof and breathable, providing excellent protection from the elements while keeping you cool and dry. The four-way stretch fabric and antimicrobial properties ensure that these pants maintain their shape and freshness, even after multiple wears.

A durable ripstop nylon construction makes them tear-resistant, while the drawstring ankle ties allow you to easily adjust the length of the pants to suit your needs. The ability to pack the pants into their pocket makes them ideal for travel or as a small pillow on the go.

These pants are stylish and versatile, perfect for wearing in almost any environment. The only drawback to note is that the brand logo on the pocket edge can scratch the wearer, but we’re still delighted with the pants and feel they are well worth the cost.

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Columbia Silver Ridge/Saturday Trail Pant

Whatever the Columbia Silver Ridge or Saturday Trail Pants lack in appearance, they make up for in practicality and value. The Silver Ridge is a zip-off pant for both sexes and the Saturday Trail Pants are women’s hiking/travel pants. The synthetic material in both designs offers UV protection, breathability, and excellent moisture management.

We pair these two different pants together as we find convertible shorts don’t look nice on women. However, with similar material and a nicer fit, the Saturday Trail Pant is a great safari pant for women. Women will find far more style with a pair of safari shorts such as the prAna Elle Shorts.

Both feature large pockets, but only the men’s pants have two cargo pockets to carry necessities like bug spray, sunblock, or binoculars for your safari. Another nifty feature of the Silver Ridge is the adjustable belt that saves weight over a traditional option.

Columbia products always offer a lot of value, but they’re far from the highest quality. It’s always apparent in their products’ details/style and longevity. These are not a great choice if you’re seeking a pair of pants to last a lifetime.

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prAna Summit/Vaha Pant

Specs: Price – $79 | Material – Hemp

I spend so much time traveling in these pants they’ve become one of my favorite pairs of pants ever. I now have a couple of pairs of Vaha pants. The prAna Vaha Pants and Summit Pants are for yoga and climbing, but I use them for anything these days. For safari, they’re great for a relaxed evening around camp or the lodge and can even double as pajamas.

Hemp and recycled polyester give breathability to the pants with quick-dry and odor-fighting qualities and are a heck of an eco-friendly product. It’s a very relaxed and soft pant that feels like a regular pair of pants. The style works for almost all women, but the casual style may put some men off.

We’re big fans of prAna, so we highly recommend checking out some of their products. The women’s pant is the Summit pant, and the men’s is the Vaha pant.

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Outdoor Research Ferossi Pant

The Outdoor Research Ferossi Pants are the ideal choice for a safari adventure due to their combination of comfort and performance. The pants feature the brand’s signature Ferrosi Fabric, providing lightweight durability, stretch, and overall mobility.

The pants regulate temperature effectively while protecting you from the wind and light rain and drying and breathing quickly when the temperature rises. The recent update to the Ferrosi pants has increased sustainability, with the fabric now being Bluesign approved and made with 46% recycled materials.

Although the Ferrosi pants don’t come with a built-in belt and the drawstrings along the waistband are less effective, they are the top pick for hitting the backcountry, especially given the recent expansion of the Ferrosi line to include a convertible option, a cargo model with more pockets, and the Crux Pant that is for climbing.

Our biggest complaint with the Ferossi Pants is the style. We find them too technical and outdoorsy looking to walk around more formal environments comfortably. We like safari pants to feel comfortable on a game drive and at dinner.

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Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Pants

The Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth pants are the epitome of durability and functionality, making them the ideal choice for an African safari. Made from heavy canvas and reinforced with brass fittings, these pants are ready to withstand the most challenging conditions, whether you’re exploring the wilds of Africa or working on the ranch.

The oil-finish Tin Cloth used in their construction is fully saturated with water-resistant wax, ensuring that you stay dry and protected from the elements. In addition to their ruggedness, the Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth pants offer exceptional freedom of movement, thanks to a full and roomy cut through the seat and thighs.

So, if you’re looking for high-quality safari pants that combine durability, functionality, and style, look no further than the Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Cloth pants. This premium product is made to last a lifetime and will quickly become your go-to pant for any outdoor adventure.

Just be warned they come with a prohibitively high price tag for a pair of pants. The heavy and rugged design is also a little too heavy and warm for the average hot weather African safari.

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Patagonia Quandary Pant

Patagonia’s Quandry Pants are a perfect choice for the adventurous traveler. These pants are designed with comfort, versatility, and performance in mind, making them an ideal choice for a safari. The blend of recycled nylon and spandex provides both durability and flexibility, while the DWR finish repels water and offers 40+ UPF sun protection.
Not only are these pants functional, but they are also stylish.

They have a regular-straight fit that sits on the waist and offers a comfortable, close fit. The curved waistband contours to the shape of the hips and keep the pants in place during movement, and the gusseted crotch allows for a full range of motion. With handwarmer pockets, rear pockets, a coin pocket, and a zippered pocket on the right thigh, you’ll have plenty of room for your essentials.

The pant’s midweight fabric gives them an outstanding balance of versatility and performance for various activities. We find them to be the perfect combination of comfort, performance, and style. Whether you’re out on a safari or need a pair of durable and versatile pants, these are a great choice.

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prAna Halle/Brion II Pants

The recent redesign of the prAna Brion/Halle Pants was a disappointment for many loyal customers. These pants have been a best-seller for years and were known for their exceptional blend of technical features and stylish design. However, with the new redesign, the fabric has been changed, and the fit has suffered.

Despite this setback, prAna remains one of our top brands for climbing pants and they make some great pants for safari, travel, and everyday wear. The blend of nylon and spandex in the pants provides reliable flexibility and moisture management, making them ideal for wearing in hot or humid conditions.

The pants come in a range of stylish colors, including mud, sepia, and dark khaki, that are good for safari wear and are versatile enough to wear in everyday life. The pants still offer flexibility, especially in the women’s Halle Pants, with their roll-up design.

However, it’s worth noting that the pants may become too warm in hot temperatures and may not be the best option for dumping heat on a safari. Despite the recent redesign, the pants aren’t bad. We hope they return to their former glory as our top pants for safari.

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Table Of Safari Pants

Safari Pants	Price	Shop
KUHL Freeflex/Free Radikl Pants	$109	Women | Men
REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants	$69	Women | Men
Western Rise Evolution 2.0	$128	Men
Fjallraven Vidda Pro	$175	Women | Men
Coalatree Trailhead Pants	$89	Women | Men
Columbia Silver Ridge/Saturday Trail Pant	$70	Women | Men
prAna Summit/Vaha Pant	$79	Women | Men
Outdoor Research Ferossi Pant	$89	Women | Men
Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Pants	$195	Men
Patagonia Quandary Pant	$89	Women | Men

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Tips for Picking the Best Safari Pants

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Research Your Destination

Don’t think that you’re just going to Africa, and it’s automatically going to be hot.  The weather there can vary in extremes, so proper research beforehand is pivotal. It’s important to note the region you are going to and the time of year you are traveling. The two main seasons is the dry and rainy season.

For example, if you’re heading to Southern Africa during their dry months, April to October, be prepared for cooler mornings and evenings. However, if you’re heading to East Africa around this same time, you’ll need to be ready for much more humid and wet conditions from April to June. Read more in detail about how to plan a safari here.

So as you can see, there’s variation! Depending on where and when you go, there will be sharp differences in the temperatures ahead. We therefore highly recommend that you plan your pants selection accordingly.

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Color Selection

The goal of the safari is to view wildlife, which in turn means that your goal is to not spook wildlife by wearing bright pink neon pants when trying to see them. So while you’re researching the weather at your destination, take a look at a few pictures and get a feel for nature’s colors in that area, and dress to match.

Khaki, dark green, beige, and grey are popular colors to wear on safari. If you don’t have the fitting color pants, it’s not the worst thing in the world, but it may make you stand out.

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Durability

A safari isn’t precisely the cushiest environment for clothes. You’ll be climbing in and out of cars, hitting the dusty trail on bumpy roads, and walking through the bush. It’s therefore essential to make sure you opt for a pair of pants that have this kind of use in mind.

We recommend aiming for pants designed for hiking or backpacking when shopping. You’ll then be sure to find some of the most rugged and long-lasting materials on the market.

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Moisture and Ventilation Control

As you know by now, the weather for your safari can potentially be very hot or very wet, or both! Depending on what you’re facing, keep an eye out for pants that will perform well in those environments.

In the case of a toasty trip, pants with built-in ventilation and moisture-wicking technology will perform best. These will wick any sweat away from your body to keep you nice and dry, and at the same time, the pants themselves will dry quickly to avoid becoming sodden.

But when the weather turns wet, a water-resistant finish will help keep rain from soaking in. You’ll typically see this listed as a ‘Durable Water Repellent (DWR).’ Lightweight, quick-drying material will also be a plus in this department for any moisture that happens to sneak through.

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Versatility

A safari often doesn’t allow for a wide range of clothing options. You’ll find that one pair of pants will need to last you for every aspect of your day, from early morning at camp to a day of wildlife viewing to an evening back at camp, or maybe even to dinner.

It’s, therefore, beneficial to find pants that embody the heavy-duty ruggedness of the trail but can also be just as acceptable at a casual evening event with your safari buddies.

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Where to Buy Safari Pants

We have found the best place to buy safari clothes is online. Amazon has great deals and prices; if you are an Amazon Prime member, two-day shipping is free. REI and Backcountry are also great outdoor companies to find a variety of safari clothes as well.

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Book A Safari in Africa

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges then presented you with a hefty bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way. You can choose the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.

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Our Favorite Lodges in Africa

We’ve spent over a year on safari and tried out dozens of lodges, and visited nearly every park in Africa. While it’s impossible to say we’ve visited every lodge, we’ve seen a fair amount. Check out our list of favorite lodges in Africa. Have you visited any yourself?

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