The Complete Ghana Packing List
View from my Balcony in Busua, by Analise on 35mm film
Start the year off right and join our Detty Reset Retreat in Ghana. Enjoy massages under waterfalls and make friends with local surfers in lessons and around the beach bonfire.
A year round destination, Ghana features tropical weather, delicious fruit, and a lively Detty December scene.
As a budding Pan-Africanist, cultural worker, independent scholar, or the family genealogist, Ghana offers the perfect landscape. From the capital city of Accra with archives to the coastal low-tech villages perfect for a self-guided residency or retreat, Ghana as a little something for each and every intentional traveler.
Whether you already have a trip booked or you’re researching whether to visit to the first sub-saharan Africa to gain independence from the British empire, it’s good to begin preparations early.
Entry Requirements
Outside of the Detty season which allows for visas-on-arrival, Ghana requires a visa application to enter the country.
Ghana also requires a yellow fever vaccine. Check your local travel clinic or pharmacy to see if they can administer one for you.
What to Pack for Ghana
Packing requires foresight and a bit of finesse. Whether you’re someone who is comfortable checking a bag or prefer to travel light, there is a level of strategy that goes into anticipating what you’ll need while away from home. Below are some recommendations and considerations to bring ease to preparing for a trip to South Africa.
Breathable and Lightweight Clothes
Ghana is HOT and humid. Thankfully, warm weather clothes travel easier than cold weather gear and attire.
In the past, I would do anything to avoid checking a bag. I still love to pack light and flowy dresses are my go-to. They’re functional in the day and appropriate in the evening. They don’t take up much room in a suitcase but with a different pair of shows or a jewelry swap they can take you from morning to night.
Flowy clothes generally make me feel like I have more options. I can tolerate a thin pair of pants in high heat but they also work in cooler temps and protect against mosquitos.
Electronic Considerations
Many places on the continent experience blackouts and power outages. It’s good to unplug every once in a while but sometimes we just need power.
Power banks are an essential travel packing tool to have some backup when the power is out.
Ghana uses the Type G and Type G. The UK uses Type G and most international adapters have what you need.
Some phones still use physical sim cards, but many now only use e-sims. These are electronic sim cards that are installed without physically swapping cards in and out of your phone.
This is convenient because you no longer run the risk of losing your main sim card and you can have it all set up so you are connected from the moment you land.
I use Saily for ease installation as well as service in Africa while e-sim provider, Airalo, is “sold out” of e-sims in Africa. The code Analise5 will get you a discount on a Saily e-sim.
Sun Protection
The African sun is no joke. Sunscreen is vital - and, yes. Melanated folks, we need protection too. Beyond sunscreen, the sun can cause sun poisoning and heat stroke which feel like
Wear 45 OR HIGHER SPF sunscreen *even if you’re melanated* I like Sunbum and have different products for my face, lips, and body.
Wear a hat if you’re going to be in the sun without shade or cover for a lot of the day
Drink a lot of water before your trip and drink a lot of water during your trip. Drink more than you think!
Make sure to stay hydrated in transit through airports and on the plane
Bring sunglasses
Money and Currency
Bring a bit of cash with you for visa processing fees if traveling during the time of visa on-arrival. Be mindful of ATM withdrawal fees for foreign transactions and transactions outside of your bank’s network.
When traveling internationally, it’s always good to make sure you have debit or credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees.
While you will be able to find ATMs in Accra, there are no ATMs in small villages like Busua so get cash when you have the ability to.
Inflation is high in Ghana so you’ll be carrying a lot of cash. I separate my cash between different bags and pockets that way, if something happens, I don’t lose everything.
Be sure to insure your next trip. It’s a lot less expansive than many things that can go wrong while traveling. At Common Healing, we love and recommend FAYE to our travelers.
Packing List
Clothing:
Lightweight and breathable clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Swimwear adequate for surfing
Hats and head coverings
Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Rain jacket or poncho (depending on the season)
Toiletries:
Sunscreen with high SPF
Travel-sized toiletries (3.4 ounce or less size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.)
Electronics:
Cell phone
E-Sim (use code: Analise5 for a discount)
Travel adapter for outlets
Travel Essentials:
Passport and travel documents
Backpack or daypack
Health and Safety:
Prescription medications
Feminine hygiene products, if applicable - I highly recommend diva cups for travel and sustainability especially
Imodium and/or activated charcoal
Miscellaneous:
Sunglasses
Travel towel - I highly recommend a microfiber one. They dry very quickly and minimize bacteria. They also fold small to fit in luggage. I go nowhere without mine and promptly replaced it when I lost my first one
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