History of Safari in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2025

A safari is an overland expedition, most notably in East Africa, undertaken to observe wildlife. The "Big Five" game animals – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo – are highly sought after during safaris, appealing to both wildlife enthusiasts and big-game hunters. Safaris play a significant role in the tourism industry in many African countries.

1904: Newland & Tarlton Ltd Founded

In 1904, Newland & Tarlton Ltd, a firm that pioneered luxury tented safaris, was founded.

1908: Roosevelt Outfitted by Willis & Geiger

In 1908, sources state that Theodore Roosevelt was outfitted by Willis & Geiger.

1909: Roosevelt's Safari Trip

In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt was outfitted in safari-style clothing for his safari trip by Lord Cranworth.

1910: Roosevelt's Safari Trip Continues

Theodore Roosevelt's safari trip continued into 1910. He was outfitted by Lord Cranworth's firm, Newland & Tarlton.

1931: Release of Trader Horn

In 1931, the sound film Trader Horn was released, providing cinema entertainment.

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1950: Pith Helmet as Streetwear

By 1950, the pith helmet, initially worn by the British military, was adopted as streetwear.

1965: Release of The Naked Prey

In 1965, the film The Naked Prey was released, continuing the use of the safari in adventure films. The film starred Cornel Wilde.

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1967: Yves Saint Laurent's Africa Collection

In 1967, Yves Saint Laurent's Africa collection featured the "Saharienne" safari jacket, described by Harper's Bazaar as "a fantasy of primitive genius."

1975: Safari Style as Casual Menswear

In 1975, John Molloy stated that safari-style continued to be a form of casual menswear.

1990: Safari Fragrance by Ralph Lauren

In 1990, Ralph Lauren created the Safari fragrance, advertised as "a floral aroma with a light breeze scented by grasses, freedom, and the romance of vast open spaces."

2005: British Vogue on Haute Safari Style

In 2005, British Vogue featured haute safari style clothing in an article titled "World Vision: the grown-up approach to global style."

2005: Safari Chic Extends to Interiors

In 2005, the term safari chic extended beyond clothing to include interior design and architecture. Architectural Digest released a list of luxurious safari camps.

2014: Harper's Bazaar Trend Alerts

In 2014, Harper's Bazaar announced trend alerts featuring animal prints and a “safari sleek" style.

2015: Couture Designers and Safari Style

In 2015, couture designers featured variations of safari-style in their collections, including a silk safari-style evening gown by Yang Lei and safari-style white shirt dress in Alexander Wang's collection. Alberta Ferretti's daywear collection was described as "safari-sleek" by The New York Times.