My wife and I still talk about our vacation to Maasai Mara, Kenya, where we had a great time. Watching elephants move across the savannah, spotting lions in the wild, and photographing giraffes made it a trip to remember. But revisiting those moments also reminded us of something less glamorous: spending most of the day outdoors takes a little preparation.
From clothing and sun protection to camera batteries and the right eyewear, the small things you pack can make a difference to your comfort on safari. We had brought our tortoiseshell prescription sunglasses from Specscart, and they became part of our everyday safari kit.
Balancing Safari Fashion Amid Kenyan Savannah
Our day started with a complimentary Kenyan breakfast that included fruits and eggs. Since the savannah sun is scorching, my wife and I geared up with hats and full-sleeve outfits to beat the heat, along with our tortoiseshell prescription sunglasses.
We were lucky enough to record a pack of lions, including cubs, feeding on a carcass. While others had to use binoculars & squint to see, my wife & I could see clearly & camouflaged at a distance.
Prescription Sunglasses Vs. Contact Lenses: Handling The Outdoor Dust & Heat
A bumpy ride in a 4×4, dusty tracks and hours in the sun can make a safari more demanding than it first appears. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses with verified UVA and UVB protection are useful parts of your outdoor kit, although no single item replaces broader sun and eye protection.
I also remember a solo traveller in our group who found her contact lenses uncomfortable during the trip. Dust and pollen seemed to irritate her eyes, although everyone’s experience can differ. Contact lenses can be convenient, but dusty conditions may make them less comfortable for some wearers.
Prescription sunglasses can be a practical alternative for people who need vision correction, combining clear vision with sun protection in one pair. If you prefer contact lenses, consider bringing your usual prescription glasses as a backup and following your eye-care professional’s advice on wearing and caring for your lenses in dusty environments.
Neutral Colours & Tortoiseshell Styles For Safari Eyewear Fashion
Outfits in combinations like honey, hues of brown, olive, and cream tones would look great. Also, be careful when choosing the colour of the sunnies because they sit in the centre of the face. So, earthy tones & shades of brown/khaki work best on safari.
- Classic Tortoiseshell: My personal favourite because they give that chic vibe for safari when paired with earthy tones.
- Sleek wire Pilots: Pilot sunglasses offer a retro look.
With prescription sunglasses, there’s no need to carry another pair of prescription glasses. They ensure clear vision and protect the eyes from UV rays, while upgrading your overall look.
Safari Care: How To Protect Prescription Sunglasses from Dust
Dust was hard to avoid during our trip to Maasai Mara & it often settled on our sunglasses. Since cleaning them was a regimen, we carried a small kit with us, including a microfibre cloth, a lens cleaning solution, a vegan leather hard case, and a keychain screwdriver.
Whenever dust collects on the sunglasses, it is better to use the microfibre cloth & lens cleaning solution than any cloth to avoid scratches. Rubbing with a dry cloth can cause micro-scratches that affect the anti-UV coating. And when you aren’t wearing your sunglasses, keep them in the hard case to protect them.
Conclusion
Our Maasai Mara safari was full of adventures & wildlife encounters, but it also reminded us how much the right preparation contributes to a comfortable day outdoors. Not just the clothing, but appropriate eyewear deserves a place on the packing list.
Whenever you plan to go on a safari, anywhere in the world, always carry functional eyewear that provides comfort & protection to the eyes. Always remember to clean & store them properly to enjoy a vacation in the wilderness.
