What to Pack for 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 sure 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 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
□ Flash light or head lamp / 2 sets of batteries
□ Camera equipment / extra lithium batteries
□ Dust-free camera bag  (Zip-lock bag is fine)
□ Extra battery, solar charger for phone

Toiletries
□ Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner,
    deodorant, 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
□ Books / reference books / magazines /
    games to use during long siesta hours
□ Cash in Cedis for personal expenses, tips & gratuities.
    Travelers’ cheques and credit cards are difficult to use.

Optional
□ Pocket knife
□ 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, old clothes or stationery.
    - Mp3 players, cameras & flash drives (have high value)
□ One Extra Bag of supplies to donate to a school, clinic or HIV prevention organization.

 

Click here to download this checklist as a Word document that you can modify as needed.