What to Pack for a Trip to Ghana

Bags

• Soft hold-all bag for excursions
• Smaller travel/overnight bag or day pack for traveling
• Lightweight backpack if traveling via public transit

Clothing

White clothing is not recommended because it is impossible to keep clean. Ghana is a very dusty place.

• Smart-casual outfit - 1 set
• Outdoor summer clothing in natural fibres - 3 sets
• Light-weight cotton long pants - 2 pair: For cool evenings or to use as sun screen.
• Comfortable walking shoes / sandals - 1 pair each
• Undershirt / singlet - Not to keep you warm, but to keep the sweat from showing so much.
• Underwear - 4 to 6 sets
• Swimwear: Only wear this at beach or poolside.
• Sarong or multi-purpose cotton wrap-around: Useful also as sun screen or dust cover for cameras.
• Towel / face cloth / bandana / handkerchief
• Hat in neutral tones
• Sunglasses

Hardware

• Flashlight/torch, head lamp or solar lamp (2 sets of batteries)
• Camera equipment / extra lithium batteries
• Dust-free camera bag  (Zip-lock bag is fine)
• Extra battery, battery pack/power bank or solar charger for phone

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (not antiperspirant), shaver, brush & comb, moisturizing cream, decongestant, anti-fungal.
• Sunscreen lotion/sun block, lip-aid and floss: These are particularly difficult to obtain in Ghana.
• Prescription drugs/small private medical kit (pain killers, plasters, anti-septic spray) / contraceptives / tampons
• Contact lenses / lens fluid / spare glasses
• Malaria tablets
• Insect repellent (containing DEET is best)

Papers

• Passport / visas / travel documents
• Pen / notebook / travel diary
• Cash in Cedis for personal expenses, tips & gratuities. Travelers’ cheques and credit cards are difficult to use.

Optional

• Neck pillow for long drives
• Duct tape - highly versatile!
• Plastic raincoat or poncho
• Items for bartering at markets or tips for good service
  • Bandanas, hats, anything with a logo
  • T/shirts, clothing or stationery
  • Smartphones, micro-SD or flash drives
• One Extra Bag of supplies to donate to a school, clinic or HIV prevention organization.