Ghana 2023 Packing Checklist and Guide
Louise Barea's Packing Guide
Hey there, future volunteers!
We are thrilled that you're considering joining our incredible team. Seriously, it's going to be an unforgettable experience!
Now, let me introduce myself. I'm Louise Barea, the founder of Help Me Learn Africa. Back in 2018, after dedicating four years to volunteering right here in the heart of Kewunor, I decided to take things to the next level and create this initiative.
I totally get it - your first thought must be, "What do I pack?" Trust me, I've been there countless times, jetting back and forth between Gibraltar and Ghana.
But fret not, I'm here to help you out. I've compiled the ultimate list of must-haves and absolute no-nos, so you can pack like a pro and make the most of your time with us.
Before we dive into the packing essentials, if you're seeking travel information on visas, healthcare, and travel click right here or use the arrows at the bottom of the page.
Important Stuff First
Money
Bring cash in Great British Pound Sterling (£). You then need to exchange your cash for Ghanaian Cedi (the official currency of Ghana) at a bureau in Accra on arrival. No other currency is likely to be accepted once in Kewunor.
We recommend bringing a minimum of £200 spending money per week (exchanged into Cedi).
The closest cashpoint to the camp is half an hour away and only works like once a month LOL!
Security of Your Money: We do have a safe at the camp, but each person is responsible for their money. I advise volunteers with large amounts of cash to put it in the safe and carry the rest of your money with you in a bumbag or pouch.
Quick Checklist
- Passport (with Visa inside)
- Yellow Fever Booklet
- Anti-Malaria tablet (Doxycycline / Malarone)
Builder Team
- Trainers/ hiking boots.
- Old clothes or clothes you won’t mind leaving behind or giving away to the kids, such as t shirts, shorts vests etc. they will be filthy by the time you finish!
- Hat – Some people find this useful (I have personally never worn one but… it’s up to you!)
What to Pack (General)
- Backpack.
- Water flask/bottle.
- Small backpack or bumbag.
- Towel (you can buy travel towels in Decathlon which take up less space in your backpack).
- Toiletries: Shampoo, deodorant, makeup, body wash, toothpaste etc… there is nothing in the village that you would want to use on your hair, face or body…trust me!
- Baby wipes! These are your best friends…stock up.
- Detergent for hand washing clothes (those coming for the month mainly).
- Small torch.
- Mosquito repellant (Deet or anything strong as from personal experience Jungle Formula doesn’t seem to work too well).
- For the ladies any necessities for that time of the month - there is none in the village.
- SPF.
- Phone charger.
- Portable phone chargers / power bank.
- Camara (don’t bring laptops unless you desperately need to like me as I do all the accounts etc. with the camp from there).
- Hoodies / sweaters because it can get a bit breezy at night.
- Swimwear.
Ladies! Wardrobe Advice
Leave the Hot Pants at Home
Anything from crop tops- maxi dresses, pants, leggings, skirts and any type of summer attire you desire.
You will be living on a beach so whatever you feel is appropriate to be walking around, or dancing during the evenings or when we take weekend trips .
You are free to wear what you please but try stay away from hot pants.
Shorts are not a problem lose or tight or anything is fine, but hot pants I mean Kylie Minogue style hot pants please don’t… you don’t want to be drawing the wrong attention or any more attention than you already will get by being the only white people in the villages.
It's up to you, but my advice would be to try avoid it.
Bringing Gifts / Donations
Many have been asking about taking stuff for the local kids, you are free to bring anything you like.
They love to play with anything you give them as they do not have toys, and most have never even seen toys, so anything such as playing cards, small foldable board games, skipping ropes, bubbles, colouring books, colour pencils/crayons etc.
They all need clothes. I took 2 huge suitcases in October, and I managed to clothe LOADS of them. The boys love football shirts and tracksuits / shorts and the girls anything really.
School Supplies: If you do wish to donate anything to the school you can, but please contact me about that privately first.
What NOT to Pack
- Heels.
- Strong Perfume (unless it’s a body spray type of thing or you will attract a village of mosquitos).
- Alcohol.
- Any illegal substances.
- Anything illegal for that matter...
- Expensive jewelry.
- High value belongings.