It is super hot, humid, muddy, and rainy in West Africa.
There are no washing machines, so missionaries wash clothes in a bucket, so get good pants that will hold up. Under Armour Golf Pants have been recommended a lot as being durable enough to withstand harsher treatment and they also have moisture wicking properties that help keep them cooler and dryer.
Purchase light-weight, quick drying golf pants.
You will mostly need short sleeved shirts.
You will need good quality shoes, several pair. You walk a ton through uneven roads. Get some good insoles. Keens are also popular to have as well as some slides or shoes for showering and walking around the apartment.
It is worth it to invest in good socks as well. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
A hat, like a bucket hat is important.
There are sometimes power outages, so a power bank (and a back up) is a super good idea, along with a headlamp or rechargeable lantern.
A rechargeable fan is also nice to have for hot nights. They help keep mosquitoes off as well.
Take a probiotic to help with gut issues.
Bring medications: cold medicine, ibuprofen, etc. to last your full mission.
Packages have huge import fees and the mission office requests they not be sent. Amazon packages are accepted at the mission office, however.
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Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way. Because of taking Doxycycline daily to prevent Malaria, probiotics have been recommended as very helpful for gut health. The Doxy also makes you more susceptible to the sun, so sunscreen is important.
Missionaries really like this brand! It is one of the most recommended. It has 4 way stretch, moisture wicking and dries fast- Perfect for lots of hot and humid climates and every other climate, really. They hold up well and are super easy to take care of.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.