What to wear in Ghana

What to Wear in Ghana

Top style tips for Ghana

  • Traditional values still prevail for many locals in Ghana, and showing excess flesh is not appreciated.
  • Opt for casual clothing on the whole – leave your designer labels and jewellery at home.
  • Shorts are acceptable for both men and women, but we suggest that you keep them longer so as not to show your upper thighs.
  • Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a sunhat, and remember your insect/mosquito repellent.
  • There is really no need to pack a bulky jacket or coat, as the climate in Ghana is hot throughout the year. If you choose to bring a jacket, a lightweight option would be most suitable. You might like to try the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it converts into a vest for warmer weather and has 23 handy travel pockets.

Shoes to pack for Ghana

  • Comfortable walking shoes are a must – we love Hotter shoes, as they are incredibly light and comfortable.
  • Ladies, leave your high heels at home in favour of glamorous flat sandals. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing tips for women

  • Ghanaian women wear both traditional and Western clothes, and there are no restrictions on what can be worn.
  • Just make sure your t-shirts or tops are long enough to cover your stomach.
  • A skirt or loose-fitting trousers are good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.
  • If you are staying in upscale hotels or resorts, you'll feel much more comfortable if you've packed a smart casual outfit for dinner – try a wrap or pashmina which can add ‘polish' to anything.
  • Remember some well-chosen costume jewellery can dress up any outfit too.

Clothing tips for men

  • If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

Community photos of Ghana

Pack for the weather

  • Ghana is a tropical country with a warm/hot climate all year round. Our advice would be to pack lightweight layers in natural fabrics: linen, cotton, bamboo and silk.
  • We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Other things to pack

  • Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
  • A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase if travelling around the country – they are easier to fit into the small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
  • Combine it with a lightweight day sack or sling bag to carry your day trip essentials.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V).
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! There's an array of local crafts to choose from, including musical instruments, masks, beads and jewellery, pottery, wood carvings and much more. There are some large open-air markets, and street vendors will try and tempt you everywhere.