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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 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.

Download this checklist as a Word document that you can modify as needed.

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