What to Pack for a Trip to Ghana
The following is a typical list of what might be required while you are in Ghana. If you are not traveling in a private car, then be certain to pack light.
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.
Invite friends & family:
Download this Checklist
Download this packing checklist as a Word document that you can modify as needed.