Ghana


Rustic Pathways first ventured into Africa in 1996. In 2011, we ran our first trips in the welcoming West African country of Ghana. With a great combination of touring and service programs, we offer students a comprehensive look at this fascinating destination and the chance to immerse themselves in local life.
 


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    Off the Map: Ghana

    Cost: $3,195
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 20 Hours
    Quick Look View
  • {image_title}

    Volta Village Life and Service

    Cost: $2,995
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 28 Hours
    Quick Look View

Fact File

Population
24 million people
Capital City
Accra
Currency
New Cedi: 1 USD buys about 1.94 GHS (as of August 2012)
Language
The official language is English, but the country is also home to 79 local
languages and dialects.
Attractions
Saint George's Castle, Lake Volta, Mole National Park

Local Lingo

Tro-tros Colorful vans that are the most common form of Ghanaian transportation.
Maa che Good mroning!
Akwaaba Welcome!

Did You Know?

  • Ghana supplies most of the world’s cocoa.
  • The word Ghana means “Warrior King,” the title given to the kings of the medieval West African Ghana Empire.
  • Ghana is the first sub-Saharan country to gain its independence from Britain in 1957.

Contact Us: For more information about Ghana you can email us at ghana@rusticpathways.com.

“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.”

Kofi Annan

Packing List

 

To Help You Come Prepared...

All of the items below are guidelines. If you are doing a combination of trips over two or three weeks, be sure to check the packing lists for all sections of your trip to pack appropriately.

The average temperature range for Ghana during our April GAP program is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During the months of June, July, and August the average temperature range is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.

Pack lightly for your journey! Most Intra-African will not allow a checked bag weighing more than 15 kilos, so please pack accordingly. Please check your domestic carrier in the USA for any baggage limitations or fees. You must also be able to carry and load your own luggage, and space in the vehicles is limited.

Some of the areas that we travel to within Ghana observe more conservative dress habits so please bring shorts and T-shirts of appropriate lengths. If you have any questions about the Ghana packing list please feel free to email our Ghana team at ghana@rusticpathways.com.

Carry-On Luggage

A small backpack is the best carry-on bag and will be useful on your program day-trips.

  • Valid passport
  • Two Copies of passport (Keep 2 more in your checked luggage)
  • Airline Ticket
  • Sunglasses
  • Toothpaste (under 3 oz.)
  • Toothbrush
  • Medications - Must alert staff, but keep these in your carry-on in case of lost luggage!
  • Journal and pens
  • Refillable, durable - but empty - water bottle. Fill up at the gate and stay hydrated on the plane!
  • Snacks - Air Pacific serves some tasty meals, but it is a long flight...
  • Mp3 player
  • Books - We suggest: Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Cameras - Don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory cards! You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails.

Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry-on regulations of the TSA.

Checked Luggage

  • 1x Blue Jeans
  • 2x Light weight pants
  • 8x Underwear
  • 3x Socks
  • 4x T-Shirts
  • 1x Long Sleeve T-Shirt
  • 3x Shorts
  • 1x Sweatshirt
  • 1x Lightweight Rain Coat or Poncho
  • 1x Hat
  • 1x Tennis Shoes or Sneakers
  • 1x Sandals or Flip-Flops

TOILETRIES

Please pack all items that could leak in a PLASTIC or ZIPLOCK bag

  • Soap or body wash
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunburn cream or aloe
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent (1 bottle with 35% DEET or more, 1 bottle with natural citronella)
  • Hand sanitizer (1-2 small bottles per week)
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Wet-wipes or towelettes
  • Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - not all public toilets supply toilet paper, so keep this with you
  • Towel

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

  • Flashlight/Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries (to read at night or in the case of power outages)
  • Watch or Clock with an Alarm
  • Sleep sack - REI has some great options
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags (2) - for packing wet and dirty clothes/shoes
  • Large (one gallon) Ziplock© Freezer Bags (4)
  • Small Personal First Aid Kit (our guides will have comprehensive first aid kits on hand, but having a personal kit is always helpful)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Ghanaian phrasebook
  • Pictures of family, friends, pets - Ghanaians love to know about your life back home!
  • Deck of Cards, dominos, or other easily-explained games
  • Frisbee or Hacky sack
  • Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas)
  • Power converter

PLEASE NOTE – Rustic Pathways will not be responsible for ANY lost or stolen items. During travel it is common for items to be lost or stolen so please bring only items you are prepared to part with.