Are you one of those people who always overpacks and ends up not even using the things you brought? What do you take with you on vacation, on a trip, or for your volunteer work in Ghana?
Packing your travel bag for a weekend getaway can already be quite tricky, let alone for your trip to Africa, whether you’re going on vacation or doing volunteer work. Many of our guests ask questions about what to bring, not just for themselves but also for the local community.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what clothes you should wear—and what not to wear. We’ll cover which toiletries are hard to find and what you absolutely don’t need to pack for your trip to Ghana. We’ll also go over which gifts you can bring for the locals and their children, and what you don’t need to bring. Towels, bed linens, and other useful items will also be discussed in this blog.
At the end of the blog, you’ll find a packing list… But as you’re packing, please think carefully—and don’t blame me if you forget your favorite book!
What clothes are smart to pack? And which ones are a definite no!!
I often see tourists (myself included on my first trip) buying a new wardrobe for their big trip to Africa. Last summer, it was warmer in the Netherlands than here in Ghana—did you see many people wearing khaki convertible pants at the café? I know you’re coming to Ghana, but please… we have fashion here too! 😉
Before you rush to the store… take a look in your closet! What clothes feel good and comfortable during summer? That’s a good start. During the rainy season, it can get pretty humid here—in other words, you’ll sweat… From your pile of nice, comfy clothes, remove the ones that stick to your body when you sweat. While you’re at it, take out the light-colored items too because of the red dust.
Round 2 of elimination: What to pack for Ghana
The next round of elimination depends on where you’re headed in Ghana… As mentioned before, we have fashion here in Ghana too. But some trendy items are more appreciated in Accra and at the beach than in the villages or northern Ghana. Traveling with minimal negative impact also means respecting the culture and people of the country/region you’re visiting.
Feel free to pack some hot pants, really short skirts, crop tops, and tight clothing if you find them super comfortable. But wear them in Accra, at the beach, or in places where you see plenty of Ghanaian women wearing similar outfits. Just like in many churches in Europe where you need to cover your arms during city trips, we can show the same respect here. A former volunteer at Banko Women Organization put it nicely:
“I already attract enough attention with my white skin here, no need to make it worse.”
This doesn’t mean you, as a woman, can’t wear shorts or skirts—just make sure they’re a decent length or bring leggings to wear underneath.
In the evening/night, the temperature can drop, and the mosquitoes come out, so bring some long pants (also for walks in nature parks) and long sleeves too.
Now, let’s talk about shoes. Flip-flops/slippers are fine for regular occasions. Try to pack some nicer flip-flops or sandals as well. Here, ordinary flip-flops are worn in the shower, and the shower is often also the place where people urinate. That’s why it’s customary to leave your slippers outside when visiting someone. Don’t forget to pack closed shoes or sneakers, as you’ll need them for walks and nature parks.
What can I buy in Ghana?
Pretty much everything!! So don’t worry too much. Only tampons, mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET, and sunscreen are a bit harder to find or very expensive. However, there is mosquito cream available here with a lower concentration of DEET.
In other words, don’t pack a full bag/suitcase of toiletries, and please leave the laundry detergent at home. We shower here, brush our teeth, paint our nails, and yes, we wash our clothes too 😉
Ghana uses type G power outlets. In modern outlets, you can easily plug in the same plugs you use in the Netherlands and Belgium. You don’t need to buy a universal adapter—adapters are easy to find here in Ghana. A power bank and flashlight are handy to bring, though, since power outages are fairly common in Ghana. But if you don’t have a flashlight at home, you can easily buy one here. The local stores have plenty in stock.
The local stores sell many basic items; sometimes you’ll need to search a little, but visiting local markets is part of the Ghana experience… And many of the basic skin and hair products are even better than the expensive ones… Why would you buy Aloe Vera gel or tea when you can have the plants in your garden?? For more Western products, you can visit one of the many supermarkets or malls in the cities.
What about towels, bed linens, and a mosquito net?
This depends a bit on your travel plans. BWO Hostel provides towels, bed linens, and mosquito nets in all rooms, but that’s not the case for every hostel and hotel. If you’re planning weekend trips from us or ending your Ghana experience at the beach, it’s a good idea to bring a couple of towels, especially if you plan on swimming occasionally. As for bed linens, you can leave those at home. You’re coming to Africa, where they sell the most beautiful fabrics! Buy 2 yards, and you’ve got yourself a pareo, sheet, beach towel, and picnic blanket all in one.
I won’t say you shouldn’t bring a mosquito net, but I’ve seen many travelers bring one and end up never using it…
What should I bring for the local community?
A frequently asked question. We believe in supporting the local economy. As mentioned, we can buy almost everything we need in Ghana. Unless people from the projects specifically request something, there’s no need to purchase items in the Netherlands or Belgium. In other words, feel free to bring donated items since they didn’t cost you anything, aside from the effort to carry them.
A quick note… Leave the distribution to local leaders or project managers. I know how fun it is to hand out balloons and gifts, but in the context of sustainable tourism, it doesn’t really help.
If you’ve managed to raise funds from sponsors, fantastic! We truly appreciate it. However, it’s a good idea to spend the funds here so you not only support the project but also the local entrepreneurs.
Here’s the translation of your packing list into American English:
Packing List for Vacation, Volunteer Work, or Travel to Ghana
Travel Documents
- Passport with visa and a copy
- Debit/credit card (don’t forget to set it to “worldwide” use!)
- Cash
- Your mobile banking device
- Printout of your flight ticket
- Yellow card (vaccination booklet)
- (Travel) insurance card
Toiletries
- Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion for the first few days
- Toothbrush
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent with a high DEET concentration
- After-bite cream (Tip: SRL gel from VSM—it says “not for itching,” but trust me, it works!! Also helps with swelling)
- Shaving cream and razors (you can also buy razors here)
- Lip balm if you’re coming in the dry season
- Medications you think you’ll need (painkillers are also available here)
- Band-aids and Betadine
- Thermometer
- Tampons
- Contact lenses and solution, spare glasses, reading glasses
- Hand sanitizer gel (small packaging, also sold here)
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties
- No hairdryer
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers/file
Accessories
- Hat/sunglasses/handbag or small backpack. For all these items, if you don’t like the ones you have at home… you can easily buy a new one here.
Clothing (the minimum you should bring—if your suitcase/bag is big and you want to bring more… go ahead!)
- Long pants
- 2 long sleeves or 1 sweater and 1 long sleeve
- 5 tops (at least 1 with short sleeves)
- 3 shorts/loose pants or skirts
- A dress or blouse/shirt for special occasions or church
- A black or dark brown dress or blouse/shirt (there’s a good chance you’ll be invited to a funeral)
- Swimsuit, swim trunks, or bikini
- 2 pairs of socks
- Sneakers/closed shoes
- Sandals/(nice) slippers
- Flip-flops
- Something to sleep in
- Underwear
Miscellaneous
- 2 (small) towels, a beach towel isn’t necessary
- Washcloth
- Mobile phone and charger
- Tablet/laptop/camera if you want
- Bradt travel guide
- Pen
- Entertainment if you want (music, books, games, etc.)
- Earplugs if needed
- Power bank
- Flashlight
- Sewing kit
This list is just a guideline—feel free to bring other items as well!
Banko Women Organization
This blog is featured on the Banko Women Organization website. We empower women through career development, training, and employment opportunities. Additionally, we’re here to help you have the best possible experience in Ghana. Thanks to this blog, you’ll know exactly what to pack in your luggage. The blog below will also assist you in planning the most enjoyable tour or route through Ghana! Click through to get started!
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