Who wears shorts on Safari?

[BGGMKLR]

So I’m heading back to the Eastern Cape next week for my 2nd safari. On my first trip there in 2024 the weather was cool so I only wore shorts 1 day.

Looking at the upcoming weather it looks to be in the mid to upper 70’s.

My only real concern with shorts other than scratches from thorns are ticks.

I’m torn between lightweight hunting pants and throwing in shorts some days. Thoughts ? Thanks.

I most often rely on 2 pairs of convertible pants with... zip-off legs.
One in paper-thin tropic weight material, the the other in a bit heavier canvas/cotton.
That combination covers most of the bases for me....hot, cool, heavy thornbush (sort of), scrub, etc.
Best of Afrcan luck to you.
Regards
Spikr

 

[steve white]

+1 on zip offs. Shorts are great if it is hot, but depends on terrain, too. For example NO ONE wears shorts in the briar ridden East Texas bottoms. Your calves will be ripped to shreds, and you'll have that lovely bloody itch. PH's wear them enough that their skin toughens, though. Depends of weather of course as some SA seasons are downright cold.

 

[Sika98k]

I took shorts on my first trip on my PHs recommendations. I wore them a couple times, but I am really not a shorts guy and don't plan on taking them this year.

Are ticks much of a problem in Africa ? I did not see any or hear any talk of them in Namibia's Caprivi strip on my 2024 buff hunt.

Well my buffalo have been carrying plenty of them in the Eastern Cape and Blouberg so they’ve got to be out there. Mind you I’ve never picked one up in S. Africa or Namibia. Pick up the occasional one off our deer alright but that’s it.
If you are on blood thinners I’d recommend trousers. I was on them some years ago and bled like a stuck pig from the slightest scratch.

 

[19_A_CPT]

One of the PHs showed up to the airport to pick us up in his shawty shorts at it was 34. He was struggling lol.

 

[skydiver386]

In my opinion, the majority of Dangerous Game charges were/are provoked by Hunters wearing shorts. Rather than dress appropriately, they have their nasty legs all hangin out.

See those shorts he's wearing? He deserved to get charged wearing those.

 

[Russ16]

I know this isn't poputlar and I have the debate with my golf buddies regularly when it is over 100 degrees here. But i think anyone over 40 who wears shorts anywhere other than the gym is making a mistake. Just like I don't leave the house in a t-shirt, I don't go out in shorts. Just doesn't seem dignified.

 

[Ryan]

I always wear shorts when possible, I grew up in Arizona, so I'm kind of used to avoiding thorns and such. I wore shorts in the Eastern Cape in 2018, no issues with ticks. Same held with two trips to Namibia and another to the Limpopo region.

 

[VertigoBE]

Shorts for me:

 

[deewayne2003]

Never had an issue with ticks in Zim, saw them but none on me.

Having said that I bought a pair of TAG zip offs at SCI, then got home and put them on.....

Not pleased with the Rhodesian Plumb Smuggler shorts!

 

[mdwest]

Shorts for me:
View attachment 764421

and tall socks I see!

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Travel with two pairs of shorts and one pair of long pants. Two short sleeve shirts and one long sleeve shirt. One medium weight jacket and a Bucket hat. All Safari Green. Take three pair of Merino wool socks. Wear the long pants and long sleeve shirt on flights.

 

[WAB]

Typically shorts.

 

[wingshot74]

Shorts are much more comfortable

 

[PCC600]

Only ever wear shorts when hunting . Faded khaki work shorts / short sleeved shirt and thick socks with oil stained work boots . Might wear long pants and long sleeved shirt at night if it gets cold .

 

[lhook7]

Unless there is a good reason not to, I wear shorts.

 

[Vintageguy]

Nope. Wore shorts as a teenager when I spent my summer days fishing. Shorts were never allowed nor wise for me in the world of work so I don’t wear them at all anymore. I wear double faced tan pants. Ticks have been an issue where I have hunted and while others wash their cuts and scratches and pick ticks I don’t. A bit of permethrin on them and I’m good to go.

 

[BGGMKLR]

Never had an issue with ticks in Zim, saw them but none on me.
View attachment 764423

Having said that I bought a pair of TAG zip offs at SCI, then got home and put them on.....

Not pleased with the Rhodesian Plumb Smuggler shorts!

Possibly brain fade, but I don't recall even seeing a tick in N/W Zim...Gwaii, Shangani, Dete, Chirisa, etc.
Spike

 

[Rafiki]

I take zip offs and have never zipped off.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Always shorts

 

[Oil & Dirt]

Shorts for me:
View attachment 764421

Brothers from a different mother????