• Underwear, Socks/ Stockings, Skirts, Leisure Shoes, Walking Shoes, Hats, Dresses, Gloves, Sun Glasses, Sandals /Flip flops, Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Nose Mask, Snacks/ Gum, Hand Sanitizer, First aid Kits, Vitamins, Medications, List of Medications, Camera W/Memory Cards, Cell Phone, Laptop / Tablet, Video/Music Player, Electronic Chargers,  Binoculars, Plug Adaptor, Emergency Contacts, Map, Insect repellent, Cash, Credit/ATM Cards, Insurance Cards (Medical / Travel), Earplugs/eye mask, Earbuds/ Head Phones, Empty Water Bottle, Passport / Visa ID, Paper, Pen, Bandages

• Obtain your visa for travel to Ghana
• Receive a required yellow fever vaccination and bring proof of the vaccination
• Purchase travel insurance of the desired coverage
• Your vaccination card will be examined upon arrival.
• MEDICINES YOU’LL NEED

Arrange to go see a travel doctor make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. The most common vaccinations recommended will be things like cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and yellow fever. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed to enter Ghana – so this is a must. Malaria is also common. You’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor to prevent catching this mosquito-born nasty.  Also remember to bring along precautions against insect bites including using an insect repellent (preferably one with at least 20% DEET) and wear long, loose-fitting, light clothing. Unless you have literally lined your stomach in some kind of iron plating you should prepare for at least one stomach upset – it completes the full African experience. You can also ask your travel doctor for a general antibiotic if you get stuck with a bad stomach bug. Additionally, get a hand sanitiser and make it your best friend.

• INSURANCE IS A MUST

This is particularly. Doctors and hospitals often request immediate cash payment for medical treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities is necessary!  Insurance will ensure that you will get all your money back when you return home. Travel insurance will also prove useful in the unlikely event that your bags go missing and you need to buy some emergency jocks or whatever. If any of these unlikely events occur, make sure you keep all receipts for when you claim back home. Having to get insurance doesn’t mean that something bad is going to happen, life is unpredictable and it’s best to be prepared!

• BRING CASH

Make sure you’ve got a VISA card or a money card. Chat to your bank about your options, but investigate the offers and make sure you know what costs are associated with transactions and withdrawal fees. If you get a travel card make sure you ask to load up your card with US dollars/Euros/Pounds. It is often difficult to get funds from an ATM at times. So I’d recommend bringing lots of USD/Euros/ Pounds in cash. Most of the time locals will trade with US dollars /Euros/Pounds over their own currency so it is really handy to have. Also, let your bank know that you are planning to travel to Africa.

• BRING YOUR OWN MOBILE PHONE

It's definitely worth bringing a phone. It is also worthwhile going and speaking to your network provider and making sure you turn off data roaming etc. That way you can use Wi-Fi and be able to contact other group members if needed. You don’t want to be hit with a huge bill when you get back so make sure you get all the proper things switched off before you go.

• PHOTOCOPY ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS

Make copies of your passport, insurance and plane tickets. Leave copies at home, as well as taking some copies to put in your luggage and backpacks. This takes out a whole lot of hassle if your passport/insurance/plane tickets go missing.

• BRING A POWER ADAPTER

The power points are the same as the UK ones so bring an adapter to charge your phones. You can buy these from bag shops or travel stores. Don’t stress if you forget though, you can buy universal chargers by the dozen in Ghana.

• BRING SOME SNACKS IF YOU’RE PICKY WITH FOOD

Be prepared to stock up on some tinned food at the supermarkets to take into the rural areas. Keep in mind that traditional Ghanaian food may not be to your liking, so please remain respectful and stock up on snacks instead! It is also handy to bring along some Spirulina capsules which are basically vegetables in capsule form. 

•  RESPECT THE LAW

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory prison sentences. Reassess your need to dabble with prohibited drugs (and perhaps your life choices in general) - it’s just not worth it. As in most places you can’t photograph government buildings, airports and bridges and remember areas may not always be clearly marked or defined. As your private tour guide, I will ask permission first before you can be able to take photographs in some areas.

• In regards to guide tipping, as in all other areas of the hospitality industry, tips are a major part of service employees’ income. Tips are performance-based and should be provided in exchange for excellent service. Somewhere in the range of USD 10-USD 20 per day will make them happy, or for groups, a minimum of USD 3 per person per day. These tips should be collected by someone on behalf of your group at the end and given to the guide, who will share them with any other tour staff.

• If meals are included in your tour, then tips to your servers are also included. Of course, if anyone is exceptional or goes beyond expectations to make a favourable impression, it is acceptable for you to provide an additional tip or gift of some sort.
• Exchange or donate your Ghana currency. Donate or leave behind any clothing or personal supplies that you can easily replace. Every bit helps here!
• Pack well for the trip home. Your bags will be weighed and inspected at the airport check-in. Kindly be informed of what you may legally bring into your home country.

Kotoka International Airport Control Tower, Accra, Ghana