Can we share one large suitcase instead of two smaller ones?

Don't do this. Airlines often separate bags, and if your shared bag gets lost, you're both without clothes. Pack in separate bags but coordinate what goes in each.

Should we both bring cameras?

Yes, if you're both into photography. Wildlife moves fast and you'll be on opposite sides of the safari vehicle. Share memory cards and backup batteries though.

How do we handle different clothing sizes for shared items?

Focus on sharing gear (mosquito nets, electronics) rather than clothing. The only clothing item worth sharing is a blanket or sarong for beaches and camps.

What if one person gets sick and can't carry their pack?

Pack each bag so the healthy person could carry both if needed. Keep each bag under 40 lbs total and put heavy shared items (first aid, electronics) in the stronger person's bag from the start.

How to Pack as a Couple for East Africa

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors for both of you, coordinate gear like mosquito nets and first aid supplies to avoid duplication, and bring layers for temperature changes from coast to highlands. Each person needs their own daypack, but you can share camping gear and electronics chargers.

Coordinate your clothing colors. Choose khaki, olive, brown, or navy as your base colors. This helps with laundry, looks good in photos together, and neutral tones work better for wildlife viewing. Avoid bright colors and black (attracts tsetse flies).
Split shared gear strategically. One person carries the first aid kit and toiletries, the other carries electronics and cables. Share mosquito nets, malaria tablets, and camping gear if overlanding. This prevents weight duplication while ensuring backup if bags separate.
Pack individual daypacks. Each person needs their own 20-30L daypack with water, snacks, camera, and personal items. Don't share daypacks even though you're together - you'll want to split up for bathrooms, shopping, or different activities.
Plan for temperature ranges. Pack for 60°F nights in highlands (Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kenya) and 90°F+ days at the coast. Include one warm layer each (fleece or down jacket), but share bulky items like a blanket for camp.
Coordinate laundry timing. Bring 5-7 days of clothes each and plan to do laundry together every week. Having similar fabric types (quick-dry synthetic) means you can wash everything together and it dries at the same rate.

Can we share one large suitcase instead of two smaller ones?: Don't do this. Airlines often separate bags, and if your shared bag gets lost, you're both without clothes. Pack in separate bags but coordinate what goes in each.
Should we both bring cameras?: Yes, if you're both into photography. Wildlife moves fast and you'll be on opposite sides of the safari vehicle. Share memory cards and backup batteries though.
How do we handle different clothing sizes for shared items?: Focus on sharing gear (mosquito nets, electronics) rather than clothing. The only clothing item worth sharing is a blanket or sarong for beaches and camps.
What if one person gets sick and can't carry their pack?: Pack each bag so the healthy person could carry both if needed. Keep each bag under 40 lbs total and put heavy shared items (first aid, electronics) in the stronger person's bag from the start.