See your physician for required immunizations and recommended medication (i.e., malaria pills). Advise your doctor of the country(s) and regions you will be visiting. If you intend to visit rural areas, you could require additional immunizations and a change in malaria medications. If you are taking any medications, make sure your prescriptions are up to date and bring sufficient supplies for the duration of the trip. You might not find refills at pharmacies in Africa. Do not be afraid of what you hear on TV about Africa being full of diseases. While there may be some outbreaks of small epidemics in some regions, it is highly unlikely that you will be traveling in those areas. The biggest threat is malaria. With proper medication and the precaution of insect propellent, you shouldn't have any problems.
Bring more film than you think you will need. Film is expensive in Africa and what you don't use, you can always sell to someone else. Spare batteries for cameras and other devices are a good idea, especially the exotic batteries used by many of the newer cameras. You will want to save your memories as either photos or videos. People are very friendly, but it is always wise to ask first before photographing them. Don't be surprised if some ask you for a small tip. If you tip for a photo, it shouldn't be an extravagant amount. Photography is usually permitted everywhere except airports, anything to do with military or police and certain government buildings. If in doubt, ask. Mark down the serial numbers of any cameras or lenses that you bring. In the event any equipment becomes lost or stolen, knowing the serial numbers might help in getting it back.
Remember Africa is a continent and not a country. Africa is made up of 54 countries and each one is different with diverse religions, cultures, dress, customs, currency and languages. One of the biggest mistakes potential travelers to Africa make is to assume that if there trouble in Sierra Leone, it will be unsafe to travel to Ghana. Please do not rely on world maps to give an accurate assessment of the size of Africa. Actually, you can place the whole of the USA and China completely inside of Africa.
On most international flights to Africa, you are allowed two bags that can weigh up to 66 lbs. each. However, if your tour includes travel to a neighboring country on the same itinerary, the limit might be only one bag weighing 50 lbs. Think carefully about what you really need for your trip and leave the non-essentials at home. Chances are that you will buy some souvenirs during your stay in Africa. That extra space will come in handy when you are ready to go home. Occasionally some airlines experience delays on African routes. Make sure you have a change of clothes and any other essential items packed in a carry-on bag.
Little gifts are always appreciated in any African country. A simple toy, T-Shirt, or useful item such as a jack-knife will please someone who shows you a special courtesy or favor. You would be amazed at what you can find in a dollar store that can brighten someone's life in Africa. School supplies are a good idea too. Notebooks, pens, coloring books and crayons are always in demand. Such gifts can be given to the local chief in a village who will see that they are given to the school. Candy is always fun for children, but be very discreet when you pass it out. Never do it when a crowd is around. You might start a stampede and be mobbed.
There are plenty of opportunities for shopping. You will find all kinds of carvings, textiles, pottery, jewelry & other souvenirs in Ghana. Large open-air markets are the supermarkets of Africa. Some countries also have special centers that showcase the arts and crafts of local people. A speciality of West Africa is the individually tailored clothing you can have made. While most of the time, you can dress casually - there might be occasions where you will want to "go African": one more reason to leave all those outfits at home and have new ones made during your trip. Use good judgement when buying objects that might come from animals on the endangered species list. These include many animal skins, snake skins, crocodile, tortoise shell and ivory. Your home government Customs Dept. might confiscate such items on your return.
Changing money in Africa is a fairly simple process as long as it is cash. Unlike America, ATM's are few and far between. It can also be difficult to change Travelers Checks. Places that do accept them often charge a high commission rate for the service. Some hotels accepts credit cards, but they are seldom accepted in rural areas or by most souvenir vendors. It is best to bring US dollars in cash for your shopping expeditions. The larger denomination notes such as $100 and $50 will bring a better rate of exchange. Make sure your bills are free of defects such as torn corners. Such bills might not be accepted. Once you are in Africa it is best to change money right away. After you have changed money, don't carry more than you think you will need during any given day. Consult the currency exchange website on our Currency page to get up to date information on exchange rates.
West Africa has a tropical climate the year round. Casual dress is the order of the day. Shorts are acceptable in most places, but are not allowed in some religious places. A few long-sleeve shirts or blouses are useful for evenings if you are outside where mosquitoes lurk. One dress-up outfit should suffice and you can always get some African clothes ready-to-wear or tailor made during your trip. Remember that West Africa is really HOT at some times of the year. Be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses. Sandles and a compact umbrella can be useful too. Don't forget your bathing suit!
The power standard for most African countries is 220V. Remember to bring any adapters that might be necessary for appliances. It is best to use battery operated devices when possible. You will definitely need an adapter to recharge batteries for video cameras. It is also wise to bring along a small flashlight such as the popular Mag-Lite. Sometimes there are brief power outages and a flashlight is also useful if you take a stroll after sunset.
First time visitors are often disturbed by the poverty they might see. Poverty is an unfortunate condition of developing countries. You will see substandard living arrangements, effects of diseases such as polio - and a lack of basic necessities in some areas. Begging is not uncommon in some places. It's OK to offer money to the unfortunate, but you are not obligated to do so. Remember that you alone cannot save the world. And most importantly, bear in mind that Ghanaians are very proud people. Their hospitality and the warm welcome you will receive will help balance any discomfort you might experience.
Tipping is not an official policy in most African countries, but it is expected and it forms a vital part of the income of workers in the hospitality industry. In Ghana, for instance, the annual average income for a family can be less than $500. At hotels, porters should receive the equivalent of $1 per bag and chambermaids $1-$2 a day. For meals, 10-15% is about average unless already included in the bill. At the end of the trip it is customary to tip a driver and guide. Drivers at about $1 per day and guides from $1-$2 per day. Other people you may want to tip would include hairdressers, tailors, seamstresses, etc. This, of course, is just a guide. You are welcome to tip anyone more if you feel they have done an exceptional job for you.