Get ready to travel

AWT tours may suit small groups of friends, whether fixed-departure or tailor made, as well as solo travellers or couples who wish to join a group and share the African experience with other people. We offer family-friendly itineraries for children and thrilling, picture‑perfect itineraries ideal for honeymooners and romantic escapes.

And remember: every itinerary can be personalized to meet your wishes and needs. Explore our itinerary options.

Accommodation options vary, but we typically prefer lodges immersed in nature, chosen for their comfort and location, and locally operated hotels. These accommodations are chosen after constant field assessment and meticulous selection. We give preference to sustainable, community‑oriented properties that offer superior service. Mountain camps and refuges, however, are deliberately more basic and rustic.

Except for certain excursions, you can change accommodation on other itineraries according to your needs and availability. We’re committed to offering you a dream experience, tailored to your wishes.

We recommend comfortable, lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) with warmer layers you can add to cope with temperature changes. Neutral, natural colours are best (they attract fewer insects); avoid camouflage patterns, which are inappropriate in many African countries. Also avoid very short shorts, skimpy outfits, and showing off valuables, especially in remote villages and poorer communities.

Must-haves for your travel wardrobe:

• Cotton T-shirts
• Long-sleeve cotton or linen shirts
• Long trousers (cotton or linen)
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Underwear
• Swimsuit
• Lightweight windproof vest or jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Hat
• Comfortable shoes or trekking boots
• Technical sandals
• Shower flip-flops

You can wash your clothes during the trip by using the accommodation’s laundry service where available and within each property’s eco‑policy. We suggest doing laundry at stops of two nights or more.

Prefer a soft‑sided bag like a duffel as hard cases can be hard to stow. Aim for 16-18 kg maximum. If you have internal flights, check the local carriers’ baggage allowances.

Bring with you a daypack for items you need close at hand during safaris and excursions as camera, spare batteries, binoculars, cash and documents.

Essentials to pack:

• Passport
• Copy of passport
• Flat money belt or passport pouch
• Visa for the destination country (if required)
• Camera / video camera
• Spare batteries
• Universal adapter
• Binoculars
• Headlamp
• Pocket knife
• Refillable water bottle 
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Electrical outlets vary across Southern Africa. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to use your devices.

To travel with AWT you must have a passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining and two blank pages. You may also need an entry visa for the Country or Countries on your itinerary, check the detailed notes for each trip.

We also recommend consulting the Travel Advisory website of your origin Country for up-to-date entry requirements and documentation.

For most destination countries, if you’re travelling from Italy there are no mandatory vaccinations. Still, consult your GP or visit a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. During the consultation medical staff will assess your health and advise on vaccinations that, while not compulsory, may be recommended.

You may need a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a transmission‑risk country. For up‑to‑date health entry requirements, consult your Country Travel Advisor website.

For malaria prevention the WHO emphasizes first‑line mechanical prevention: repellents, long light‑coloured clothing and bed nets, which are always provided at the properties where you’ll stay. For the use of antimalarial drugs, consult your doctor and the local public health office for current recommendations.

It’s wise to carry a small supply of medicines, as pharmacies may be scarce outside major centres. Your travel medical kit should include:

• Antipyretic (paracetamol)
• Antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin or amoxicillin‑clavulanate)
• Intestinal antibiotic (rifaximin)
• Analgesics (aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Antidiarrhoeals (loperamide or kaolin; use only if symptoms occur)
• Antimalarials, if recommended by your doctor
• Antihistamines
• Topical corticosteroid
• Antiseptic / antibiotic cream
• Antiemetic (e.g., dimenhydrinate for motion/air sickness)
• Insect repellent (e.g., Autan Extreme Protection)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer

The hygiene standards of the accommodations and catering we select are very good. For extra caution we recommend:

• Drink bottled sealed beverages or lodge‑provided
• Brush your teeth with bottled or lodge‑provided water,
• Avoid adding ice to drinks,
• Avoid raw vegetables and seafood unless thoroughly cooked.

Encounters with wildlife on safari are exciting and unforgettable, but they require awareness and respect. We are visitors in the animals’ home and must follow safety rules to avoid provoking sudden or dangerous reactions.

At Africa Wild Truck we are Satib partners and carry insurance that covers you during the trip and safaris at no extra cost. Nevertheless, always follow safety instructions.

When near animals, observe quietly. Any noise not made by nature can disturb them. Do not imitate animal calls, clap, whistle or attempt to attract attention.

If the vehicle is stationary and animals approach, do not lean out or try to get closer. Respect their space and wait for their time to move away. You may only exit the vehicle during planned safari stops, always with the guide and under safe conditions.

On walking safaris, follow the specialist guide’s instructions. Guides have deep knowledge of the park and animal behaviour and are fully trained and equipped for your safety.

If you want to see a specific species, we can advise the best time and area to increase the chances, but sightings cannot be guaranteed, animals roam freely.

Your personal phone will generally have good coverage across most of the areas visited, not only in towns. If you have a smartphone you can buy a local SIM—€20–30 for about 50 GB is common, to browse independently. Most chosen properties usually offer free Wi‑Fi in common areas, sometimes in rooms.

On arrival in Africa our staff will meet you at the airport, often inside the terminal. We’ll also transfer you back to the airport at the end of the trip.

Transfers depend on the itinerary. In some countries distances between destinations are shorter and most transfers are by our 4×4 vehicles or vehicles suitable to the trip type. Some programs may include scheduled internal flights or, on request, small charters.

Keep in mind that “shorter distances” are relative to the country: you may spend several hours in a vehicle on roads that are not always in perfect condition. That too is part of the journey.

Credit / debit card payments are increasingly common in major centres, and ATMs are available. Check with your bank whether your card network is accepted in the destination country and verify your PIN before departure.

In rural areas electronic payments and ATMs are limited, so you should carry cash. To exchange local currency, bring cash euros or US dollars. Note that US dollar notes dated before 2019 are not accepted.

When paying in cash, for example at a market, bargaining is customary. We advise moderation: don’t be overly generous or excessively aggressive in bargaining. Giving money freely doesn’t always help; conversely, an amount small to you can be significant locally.

Tipping is also customary; tips should be proportional to the service and should never exceed a worker’s daily wage.

At booking we agree the payment method based on the total amount. Options include:

• Bank transfer at the time of booking
• Online electronic payment at the time of booking

We can consider other methods for special needs.