Essential Packing Guide for Ghana: A Local Guide's Perspective
As a tour guide based in Ghana for the past several years, I've helped thousands of visitors prepare for their stay in Ghana. Many arrive with suitcases full of unnecessary items while missing the essentials that make a trip here comfortable and enjoyable. Let me share what you truly need and what you can leave behind based on real experiences with my guests.
The Weather Reality
First, let me tell you about our weather because it affects what you'll pack. Ghana has two main seasons in the south (where you will most probably be). There is the rainy season (April-mid-July and September-November) and the dry season (December-March. In the northern part of the country, there is the wet season from April to October and the dry season from November to March.
When my guests ask about clothing, I always emphasize our humidity more than the heat. The temperature might read 30°C (86°F), but it can feel much warmer. This is why I see many visitors struggling with their packed clothing choices during their first few days.
Read more about the Best Time to Visit Ghana and some Travel Tips for Every Season
Clothing That Actually Works
From years of observing what works for my clients, here's what you really need if you are staying in the country for about 12 days.
For women, I recommend:
Two loose-fitting dresses
Two pairs of loose, lightweight trousers
Four cotton tops
One nice outfit for special occasions
One wrap skirt (you can also buy beautiful ones here)
For men, bring:
Two pairs of lightweight trousers
Four cotton shirts (both short and long-sleeve)
Two pairs of shorts
One collared shirt
Everyone should pack:
Comfortable walking sandals
One pair of closed shoes (for hikes)
Flip-flops
Swimming attire (If staying at a beach resort or you plan to visit the beach. Bikinis are fine at the beach/pool, but cover-up as you leave)
Light rain jacket during rainy season
Tip: Choose tops made of linen, lightweight cotton or rayon. For women, I recommend linen collared shirts (for sun protection), modest tank tops, T-shirts, and a light cardigan if there’s a cooler, rainy day. For men, I recommend packing T-shirts, polo shirts and a few collared options. Are you struggling to choose between two similar items to pack? Shirt A or B, red shorts or blue shorts? Choose the lighter fabric or the more modest coverage for Ghana.
What to Pack for Traditional and Religious Sites
For Women:
Skirts/dresses should fall below the knees
Keep shoulders covered (bring a light scarf or shawl)
Avoid tight-fitting clothing or low necklines
Skip shorts and sleeveless tops
For Men:
Long trousers are a must (no shorts in traditional courts especially in the presence of chiefs)
Collared shirts preferred
No sleeveless shirts or vests
Remove hats/caps when greeting elders and chiefs
General Tips
Wear removable footwear (when visiting Mosques)
Bring a head covering for religious sites
Dark or muted colors are best for formal traditional settings
Camera fees may apply in certain locations- bring small bills
No revealing sportswear or gym clothes
Health Essentials - What My Guests Always Thank Me For Mentioning
I remember my Australian friend Tom, who thought he was "too naturally tanned" to need sunscreen? By day three, he was so red that the kids in a village we visited started calling him "obroni kɔkɔɔ" (red foreigner). It was a funny and memorable experience for us all including Tom. He spent the next two days applying our local shea butter and hiding under umbrellas. So please bring your sunscreen! Also, it is sometimes not easy to find your preferred brand of sunscreen here or you may end up paying two times the normal price at some pharmacies.
After seeing countless visitors struggle to find specific items here, these are the health-related items I insist my clients bring:
Your prescribed medications (bring enough for your entire stay)
High SPF sunscreen (our local options can sometimes be expensive)
Strong mosquito repellent with DEET
Your Malaria pills (as prescribed by your doctor)
Basic painkillers
Anti-diarrheal medication
Bandages and antiseptic wipes
Motion sickness pills (if you easily get motion sickness)
Hand sanitizer and Tissues (you will need them when using public bathrooms)
Technology and Power to Stay Connected
Ghana's power supply can be unpredictable, especially if you aren’t going to be staying at hotels but rather in apartments or with locals who don’t have a backup power supply. It doesn’t happen very often but it is better to come prepared. I've learned from experience that these are some essential things that can help you stay connected.
A good power bank (this saves my guests during our longer tours)
Universal adapter (we use Type D and G sockets)
Basic torch/flashlight (if you plan to go camping)
Simple phone with long battery life if you are going to be in the country long term (many of my clients thank me for this tip)
Accessories and Gears to Pack
Portable fan
Sunglasses
Crossbody Bag or Waist Bag
Sun hat or Cap
Raincoat or Umbrella (if you are visiting during the rainy season)
Bathing Sponge (as most hotels do not provide one)
Money and Documents to Bring Along
One question I get constantly is about money and documents to bring. Here's what you need:
Bring new US dollars or major currency bills (emphasis on new - old or torn bills are often rejected)
Keep some cash separated in different places
Money belt or secure pouch (for crowded destinations)
Copies of your passport, travel visa and yellow fever certificate
Travel insurance details (please don't skip this)
Read more about Navigating Currency Exchange and Banking for Travelers in Ghana
What APPs should be Installed for Ghana
Google Maps to help you navigate and find directions to various locations (especially if you are traveling without a local guide)
Uber or Bolt which are popular ride-hailing apps to get around within the city
Currency Converter to help you quickly convert Ghana Cedis (GHC) to your home currency or any other currency you may need
Food delivery apps like Jumia food and Bolt Food if you want to have food delivered to your accommodation
What You Don't Need to Pack
My all-time favorite packing story is about a lady who brought her own pillows, blankets, and – I kid you not – a different outfit for each day for a month’s stay. She ended up donating most of her stuff to a local shelter and learned that Ghana isn't quite the remote adventure she had imagined. The shelter was very grateful for her donation and she still sends them Christmas cards! After seeing countless overpacked suitcases, here's what you can confidently leave behind:
Excessive makeup and toiletries
Expensive jewelry (attracts unwanted attention)
Too many shoes (you'll likely wear the same comfortable pairs)
Heavy towels (all accommodations provide them)
Hair dryer (unless you absolutely need it, the voltage difference can be problematic)
Perishable Foods
Local Guide's Packing Tips
Pack light, quick-drying clothing. When my clients ignore this advice, they struggle with laundry in our humidity.
Bring a reusable water bottle, but understand you'll need to fill it with bottled water. I've had guests fall ill from drinking tap water.
A small backpack for day trips is essential. Avoid fancy camera bags or anything that screams "tourist."
Keep required documents (like yellow fever certificate) easily accessible. Immigration can be slow if you're digging through your bags.
Bring some oily cream/ lotion and lip balm when you are visiting Ghana during the dry season as the dry weather can sometimes cause your skin and lip to dry up.
Many visitors want to pack gifts for locals they'll meet. Instead, I suggest leaving space in your suitcase to buy local items to support our economy.
Conclusion
As someone who welcomes visitors year-round, I can tell you that the best-prepared travelers bring a flexible attitude along with their carefully chosen items. Ghana operates on its own time, and sometimes things move slower than you might expect. Pack your patience – it's as essential as any physical item.
Remember, we Ghanaians love a good laugh, and nothing brings more smiles than watching visitors learn about our country through their (sometimes hilarious) mistakes. Pack light, pack smart, and most importantly, pack your sense of humor – you'll definitely need it!
Remember, we have shops here. While they might not stock your favorite brands, you can find most basic necessities. Focus on packing the essentials that make you comfortable while leaving room for the unexpected joys and experiences that Ghana will offer you.
Do you struggle with packing for a trip? Share your packing experience with us in the comment section below, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more Ghana travel tips!
Related
17 Important Travel Tips for First Timers Visiting Ghana
25 Local Customs and Etiquette you should know when traveling to Ghana
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Rashida, your not-so-typical travel guide. Join me for laughs, mishaps, and perhaps a questionable decision or two (because let's face it, those always make for the best stories). Learn More