Last updated: 2025
This Ghana volunteer packing list covers exactly what to bring for Atlas programs —clothing, Type D/G adapter, health kit, and project gear.
A smart bag = less stress, more impact. Pack light, stay respectful, and be ready for project days.
🛂 1) Travel documents & money (carry-on)
- Passport valid 6+ months + 2 spare pages
- Visa paperwork & invitation letter (print + phone copy)
- Flight e-tickets & travel insurance details
- Vaccination card (if applicable)
- Debit/credit cards (tell your bank) + a little USD/EUR for arrival
- Emergency contacts + program address on paper
Pro tip: keep docs + essential meds in your carry-on in case luggage is delayed.
🔌 2) Electronics & power
- Unlocked phone (eSIM or local SIM on arrival)
- Universal adapter (supports Type D & Type G)
- Ghana power: 230V / 50Hz ⚡
- Power bank (10k–20k mAh)
- Headlamp/Torch with red mode for any night turtle patrols 🐢
- Multi-USB wall charger + cables
- Optional: compact laptop/tablet, noise-isolating earbuds
👕 3) Clothing & footwear (modest + breathable)
Laundry is easy—go light, quick-dry.
Day-to-day:
- 3–4 light tops (t-shirts/polos; shoulders covered)
- 2–3 bottoms (knee-length shorts, loose trousers, or midi skirts)
- 1–2 long sleeves for sun/bugs at dusk
- Light rain jacket (Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov)
- Fleece/hoodie for breezy nights
- Underwear/socks (7–10 days) + sleepwear
Footwear: 👟 closed shoes/trainers for project days • 🩴 sandals/flip-flops for beach/house
Beach: 1–2 swimsuits, quick-dry towel/sarong, reef-safe sunscreen ☀️
Women’s note: Modest in towns/villages (cover shoulders & thighs). Beachwear is fine at the beach.
🧴 4) Health & toiletries
- Personal meds (in original boxes) + prescriptions
For official guidance on vaccines/meds, see the CDC Traveler’s Health: Ghana - Basic first-aid (plasters, antiseptic, blister care)
- Pain relief + antihistamines
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS) 💧
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) + after-bite
- Hand sanitiser, tissues/wipes
- Toiletries (travel size to start)
- Towel
Health guidance changes—follow advice from your clinician/travel clinic. 🩺
🎒 5) Project gear & everyday essentials
- Reusable water bottle (750 ml–1 L)
- Daypack (15–20 L) + small dry bag for boats/rain
- Sun kit: hat/cap 🧢, sunglasses 🕶️
- Light work gloves for clean-ups/community tasks
- Notebook + pen
- Small padlock for bags/locker
- Laundry bag / a few pegs
🛍️ 6) Smart to buy in Ghana
- Local SIM + data 📶 (Wifi data bundle available at volunteer camp)
- Extra toiletries/snacks • flip-flops • small umbrella (rainy season)
- Souvenir cloth/kente for a modest wrap
⛔ 7) What not to bring
- Camouflage clothing (restricted)
- Drones without permits
- Bulky “donations” (better to buy locally or donate via Atlas)
- Excess jewellery/valuables
- Heavy sleeping bag (not needed)
🌦️ 8) Seasons at a glance
- Warm & humid year-round (high 20s–low to mid 30s °C)
- Rainier: Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov → add light rain jacket, quick-dry footwear
- Drier: Dec–Mar → extra sunscreen, lip balm, ORS
🧳 9) Luggage tips
- 1 medium suitcase/duffel + 1 daypack = perfect combo
- Use packing cubes • liquids in sealed bags
- Put your name + WhatsApp on tags
❓ 10) Quick FAQs
Can I buy a SIM on arrival? Yes—unlocked phone + passport; the team can help.
Is laundry available? Yes (hand-wash or local service). Quick-dry fabrics win.
Dress code? Modest in towns; beachwear at the beach.
Do I need closed shoes? Yes—for walks and community/project days.
📝 11) Ghana Volunteer Packing List: Checklist ✅”
Copy into your Notes and tick it off:
Documents & money
☐ Passport (6+ months) + spare pages
☐ Visa docs & invitation letter
☐ Travel insurance + flight e-tickets
☐ Cards + a little USD/EUR cash
☐ Emergency contacts & program address
Electronics
☐ Unlocked phone
☐ Type D/G adapter (230V/50Hz)
☐ Power bank
☐ Headlamp/Torch (red mode for turtle patrols)
☐ Chargers & cables
☐ Optional laptop/tablet
Clothing
☐ 3–4 light tops • 2–3 bottoms
☐ 1–2 long sleeves • light rain jacket
☐ Fleece/hoodie
☐ Swimwear + quick-dry towel
☐ Underwear/socks • closed shoes + sandals
Health & toiletries
☐ Personal meds + prescriptions
☐ First-aid • pain relief • antihistamines
☐ ORS (rehydration salts)
☐ Insect repellent + after-bite
☐ Sanitiser/wipes • toiletries
☐ Towel
Project & everyday
☐ Water bottle (750 ml–1 L)
☐ Daypack + dry bag
☐ Hat & sunglasses
☐ Light work gloves
☐ Notebook/pen • laundry bag • padlock
Optional / buy in Ghana
☐ SIM/data • umbrella • snacks/toiletries
Leave at home
☐ Camouflage clothing • drones (no permit) • excess valuables
Ready to go? 🚀
- Explore Programs in Ghana →
- Read Travel Tips (safety, budgeting, weekends) →
- See real Volunteer Stories →
Questions about your specific project kit? Message your coordinator—we’re happy to sense-check your bag. 🙌
