I have recently decided to spend 3 months in Accra, Ghana as a sports coach volenteer starting 2 months from now.
The realities of this trip have started to set in, and I am worried about managing in the heat. There are thousands of Europeans in Africa, and if they can do it, and as long as I drink enough water and have sun cream and sunglasses I should be fine, shouldn't I?
What tips or advice would you have for managing, or will it even be that much of a problem? Thanks.
Edited by: bandwagon
I spent 2 years living down the coast in Nigeria & the key to the heat is light clothing. Don't even think about bluejeans! Light & baggy is the key. You'll find clothing in Ghana but, some of the new ultra-light cotton/synthetics are great. You want to cover from the sun but, let air flow thru!! A bigger concern should be malaria. Take your pills but, more important cover exposed skin at dusk when the mozzies get hungry. Malaria is not fun!
Echoing #1, light & loose clothing. Accra (or Nigerian coast) is actually not that hot (~30deg) but coupled with the oppressive humidity you'll work up a fair sweat just standing still!
The sun tends to be overhead so sunglasses are only required as a fashion accessory; your broad brimmed hat is critical.
As for mossies, they fly at low level, so don't forget to wear boots/ socks and keep your ankles covered at the bar in the evenings. No sandals!
Yeah, I wear jeans but I'm an idiot. Light, loose clothing (I find long sleeves cooler than short) and a decent hat will do it. Stay hydrated, and if you drink alcohol remember it tends to dehydrate you. I don't wear sunglasses, as I find people are friendlier if I don't. YMMV.
CK
i only wear jeans (or shorts/trackpants when needed).
I'm going to have to invest in some non-denim trousers before i go...
It should be easy enough to find clothing in Accra as well if I need though, I should imagine.
thanks.
It should be easy enough to find clothing in Accra as well if I need though, I should imagine.
Bring whatever western clothing you want with you, have some local clothing made locally.
Unless you're very sensitive to heat from living in a cold climate, it shouldn't be a problem. Bottled water is available nearly everywhere. By that I mean you can easily find one liter plastic bottles of water for sale to carry around with you. July may be a bit warm, but August and September are not that bad.
I lived in Togo for two years in a small village with no electricity and no plumbing. I wore shorts, sandals, tee shirts and tank tops. And I wore a straw hat all the time and put sunblock on whenever I left home. Jeans were too hot, so were socks. You'll get used to being a little sweaty. It really is no big deal, compared to the wonderful experience you're about to have.
Have a great time!
Life can move slowly in Ghana. Embrace this! Walk slow, drink water and minerals, make sure you get some salt in the morning to stay hydrated, and take breaks as you need them.
When I first came to Ghana, I always rested during the hottest hours of the day (usually 12-2 pm). Meaning, I'd find some shade, sit back, and have something cold to eat or drink. Alternatively, I'd find an air conditioned internet cafe and spend these hours inside.This made it much easier to get through the day. A mid-day shower never hurts either. It was January when I arrived, so I had a little trouble adjusting to the 100 degree (F) temp. difference, and had swollen feet and heat rash for the first few weeks.
Also something to keep in mind, the day starts EARLY in Ghana, for some people as early as 4 am. I noticed a lot of runners and sports teams meeting up as early as 4 am or 5 am, and at this time, the weather is perfect for sports activities.
About buying clothes, and re-emphasizing what was said above about buying your Western clothes before you go, I would say don't plan on doing too much clothes shopping in Ghana except for the locally made clothes (shirts are a great thing to get made, and very cheap). You will probably have more important things to deal with the first few weeks than rummaging through the piles of used pants and bargaining. There are also clothes stores (with new clothes and prices comparable to those abroad) and more organized shops where you can buy used clothes. But figuring it all out when you first arrive might be a bit frustrating. Even more, Ghanaians are used to the heat, and aren't as concerned with lightweight fabrics, so you will have to dig through these stores to find the lightweight clothing you need.
Last of all, when you just can't take the heat anymore, hit up the beach. A swim and a cool sea breeze will be a big relief.