Through our tours we promote sustainable, responsible tourism aimed at minimising negative impacts on destinations, social, economic and environmental. We believe tourism can create value for remote African areas, bringing benefits such as economic growth, land and biodiversity conservation, and community development. This principle guides every decision we make, and we ask our guests to embrace the same philosophy.
At Africa Wild Truck we follow the principles of the 2002 Cape Town Declaration and commit to:
- generating economic benefits for local communities and improving living conditions;
- improving working conditions;
- involving local communities in decisions that affect them;
- making positive contributions to land conservation and cultural heritage;
- offering deeper experiences to travellers by engaging them with local traditions;
- ensuring access for people with disabilities;
- encouraging mutual respect between guests and hosts.
Africa Wild Truck is Travelife Partner
In March 2026 we achieved Travelife Partner recognition, meeting more than 100 criteria covering sustainability management, office practices, supplier relations and client communication. The certification confirms our concrete commitment to sustainable tourism: reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, protecting biodiversity and following ethical operating practices.
We are the first company in Malawi to reach this milestone and are working to progress to Travelife Certified.
Visit the Travelife – Information for Travelers website
A concrete commitment to sustainable tourism
At Africa Wild Truck we are members and supporters of AITR Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile, collaborate with NGOs such as WESM Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi and run many local projects through our non‑profit association Around AWT.
To reduce the travel impact of our itineraries we travel in small groups and choose accommodations on sustainability and responsibility criteria. Whenever possible we prefer properties using renewable energy and locally run businesses. We prefer to source from markets directly from small-scale producers and similarly, in AWT, we employ a local team selected for competence and professionalism — doing our part to support the local economy.
We work with suppliers who represent the most ethical option available, even when this means paying a higher price, and we avoid providers where labour exploitation is known.
Most of our communications are digital to avoid paper waste; when paper is necessary we use recycled stock. We minimise electricity and water consumption — using rechargeable batteries and carefully managing water reserves. Items still usable are passed on to those who can reuse them; items that cannot be reused locally are returned home for proper disposal.
Sustainable tourism also means more authentic travel
Sustainable, responsible tourism benefits travellers too, because engaging with local people and cultures is essential to experiencing authentic Africa. We encourage guests to be open, curious about local customs, to learn a few words of the local language and to try to live at Africa’s pace.
Your contribution matters
Travelling with AWT and adopting our philosophy means following a few simple rules. Responsible tourism respects people, places and nature.
- Before you travel, seek reliable information about your destination—culture, religion, politics, geography—and local etiquette.
- Learn a few basic words of the local language to connect more easily with people.
- Avoid displaying wealth; if you want to support the local economy, buy from small producers and artisans and use local services—being careful not to fuel illegal or harmful trades.
- If you wish to donate clothing, school supplies or other goods, hand them to a trusted person or organisation for fair distribution.
- Respect the environment—do not leave litter.
- Do not feed wild animals; they must not become dependent on humans.
To support local communities, consider donating to conservation and social development projects—for example, to our non‑profit Around AWT.