Do I need to pack a mosquito net?

No. Any decent guesthouse or safari camp will provide a clean, intact net. Focus your space on high-quality repellent instead.

How do I handle laundry for a full month?

Don't pack for 30 days. Pack for 7 days and use local 'wash-and-fold' services available in every major town. It usually takes 24 hours to return.

Is it better to take a backpack or a duffel?

A soft-sided backpack is superior. If you are doing organized safaris, they often prefer soft-sided duffels, so a 50L backpack that can be compressed is the perfect middle ground.

How to Pack for a Month in East Africa

Prioritize a lightweight 45L to 50L internal-frame backpack and focus on a capsule wardrobe of breathable, neutral-colored layers. You need gear that transitions from dusty safari plains to humid coastal towns while keeping your total weight under 12kg to avoid extra domestic flight fees.

Select the right bag. Use a 45-50L backpack with a dedicated rain cover. Avoid suitcases with wheels; they are useless on unpaved roads and sandy paths.
Choose your clothing colors. Pack light-colored, long-sleeved linen or synthetic shirts and trousers. Avoid dark blue or black, as these colors attract tsetse flies.
Layer for climate shifts. Evenings in the highlands (like Nairobi or Ngorongoro) get cold. Pack one lightweight fleece or windbreaker to layer over your base clothes.
Use packing cubes. Organize clothes into compression cubes. This keeps your bag tidy when moving between camps or hostels every 2-3 days.
Simplify your footwear. Bring one pair of broken-in trail runners and one pair of sturdy sandals. Do not pack heavy hiking boots unless you are trekking Kilimanjaro.

Do I need to pack a mosquito net?: No. Any decent guesthouse or safari camp will provide a clean, intact net. Focus your space on high-quality repellent instead.
How do I handle laundry for a full month?: Don't pack for 30 days. Pack for 7 days and use local 'wash-and-fold' services available in every major town. It usually takes 24 hours to return.
Is it better to take a backpack or a duffel?: A soft-sided backpack is superior. If you are doing organized safaris, they often prefer soft-sided duffels, so a 50L backpack that can be compressed is the perfect middle ground.