Frequently Asked Questions at Awesome Africa

• Yes, we ask that all clients indicate any Allergies, food intolerances and dietary requirements.
• For the D, B&B tours, it is important to advise the Hotels to cater for certain dietary requirements.

• Yes, they are!
• Our 4x4 tours are ideal family holidays. During the day you are in the vehicle travelling as a family, you have your own space; then at night you are with the rest of the group sharing experiences and chatting about the day.

• Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on our 4x4 Tours.
• Our tour routes travel through Conservation and Nature Park areas, which do not permit pets in order to protect local wildlife and ecosystems.
• Pets can also be a safety hazard in a moving vehicle, especially in uneven off-road environments.
• Pets can also be a disturbance to other guests.

• All prices for optional extras/activities, visa costs, etc. are subject to change.
• Although unlikely, the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to road conditions, weather, natural disaster, political unrest, illness, or another force majeure.
• Any changes will be notified before the tour begins.

• No hidden costs, no surprises.
• Our quote itemises all costs and the total amount.
• Costs excluded will be communicated for each tour for such things as fuel, toll road fees, optional extras, etc.
• Optional extra costs will be provided on request.

Camping

• Yes, you have to cook your own meals
• There are some restaurants along the routes to eat at.
• A recommended meal plan is provided.

Self-Catering

• Yes, you have to cook your own meals
• There are some restaurants along the routes to eat at.
• A recommended meal plan is provided.

D, B&B

• Meals are provided.

• No, you do not need a GPS. The Guide carries one and also physical maps and a Tracks4 Africa Map book.
• For a private self-drive adventure, we recommend using a GPS as well as a Map Book

• No, you do not need a satellite phone. The Guide carries one for emergencies.
• A large section of the routes travelled has limited to no signal.
• There are, however, sections where you do get signal. So, the best way to communicate with friends and family is via WhatsApp - as the message will send or receive when there is signal.
• For a private self-drive adventure, we recommend renting and using a satellite phone if going into remote locations far from the nearest hospital.

• Travel insurance or Medical Aid Insurance is recommended to cover Hospital & Medical Treatment, etc.
• Vehicle Insurance - It is a legal requirement to have Vehicle Insurance in South Africa.
• It is also recommended to check your vehicle insurance covers 4x4 Tours.
• Our Tours include Emergency Evacuation Cover. They do not cover medical treatment or Hospitalisation.

• Only for our Wild Coast Extreme 4x4 Tours

• Our Tours include Emergency Evacuation Cover. They do not cover Hospital or Medical Treatment.
• You will need Medical Aid or Travel Insurance for Hospital or Medical Treatment.

• We recommend staying in a strict convoy, so that we know which vehicle is where whilst on route.
• The order of the convoy can be changed along the route if required or requested, at the discretion of the Guide.

• Yes, we have single travellers often joining our tours.
• A single supplement then applies.

• The Guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies.
• A large section of the routes travelled has limited to no signal.
• There are, however, sections where you do get signal. So, the best way to communicate with friends and family is via WhatsApp - as the message will send or receive when there is signal.

• We will let you know well in advance and ask if you want us to book additional accommodation before and after.

• We will send a quote once a booking form is received.
• The quote will provide banking details for EFT payment.
• Our Terms & Conditions apply.

• 4x4 tours are not about age but ability!
• On average, most of our clients range between 35 and 65 years old.
• However, we have had clients between 75 & 85 years old.
• If you have the energy levels for a mostly camping trip, can put up and down your tent and have a positive attitude toward life, you are not too old!
• You must have a valid driving license (without penalty), be medically and physically fit, be able to drive in challenging conditions and for long periods of time (up to 8 hours).

• No, our tours are in malaria-free areas.

• Mechanical towing and major vehicle repairs are not included. These require your own private roadside assistance, vehicle insurance or Travel Insurance.

• Recovery of your vehicle by a towing or recovery company is not included. These require your own private roadside assistance, vehicle insurance or Travel Insurance.
• Our tours include the use of basic on-site recovery gear (such as tow straps, compressors, and trained guide assistance) if you get stuck on the trail.

Camping

• Water is available in camping sites.
• Usually, it is filtered and often just drinkable.
• If you want to be sure that there is no pollution in the water, it is advisable to buy ‘spring water’ in the supermarket. Use this water for drinking. Then use the water from the taps for cooking and washing.

Wild Camping

• It is advised to bring at least 40 litres of drinking water.

Self-Catering

• Drinking water is available at all Accommodation
• You will need to take drinking water in the vehicle

D, B&B

• Drinking water is available at all Accommodation
• You will need to take drinking water in the vehicle

• Guides are familiar with the routes and are there to assist and answer questions.
• Guides deal with and sort out any problems along the way.
• No added stress driving yourself around an unfamiliar country.
• Opportunity to make new friends with the others on the
• Small-group delivery is a marker of quality. Large convoys may look impressive, but they tend to create delay, dust, track damage and inconsistent driving standards. Smaller groups are easier to control, safer to recover and generally better suited to technical terrain. They also allow more direct coaching when drivers need it.
• Safety and Peace of Mind: Guides carefully account for variables like weather, trail conditions, and mechanical limits. Guides are trained to solve difficult situations and deal with extreme situation If your vehicle gets stuck or experiences a breakdown, the guide is there to assist and take control.
• Skill Development: You gain practical, hands-on experience. Guides advise on tyre pressure management, wheel placement, and safe descent control, leaving you a more capable off-road driver. Guided tours provide a controlled environment to build competence without guessing your way through. You learn faster when the structure around you is sound.
• Exclusive Access: Tours sometimes provide legal entry to remote, hidden, or rugged landscapes (like conservation areas and private terrain) that you might not be allowed or able to access independently.
• Hassle-Free Logistics: All the complex details—such as permits, route planning, accommodation, and sometimes catering—are managed for you, so you can simply focus on the adventure.

General items:

• Personal toiletries (enviro-friendly) & toilet paper
• Binoculars
• Camera with accessories & chargers
• Appropriate clothing (depending on season but days generally are warm to hot and winter evenings can be cold)
• Appropriate footwear - Drivers must wear closed shoes that are compatible with uneven rough terrain. Around accommodation, footwear with a strong hard bottom is recommended to prevent thorns piercing through. Wet shoes are recommended for river crossings.
• Hat/cap & Sunscreen
• raincoat/jacket/umbrella
• Reference books (for mammals, birds, trees, etc.)
• Cell phone & chargers
• Emergency whistle

Medical and First-aid items:

• First aid kit
• Personal medication - make sure you have a printout list, in case of being treated
• Antihistamine ointment and tablets
• Eye drops
• Paracetamol
• Stingose
• Cotton wool/gauze
• Plasters and bandaging
• Scissors and tweezers
• Surgical gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Insect repellents
• Emergency Blanket

Camping gear (if required):

• Tent or rooftop tent, ground sheet etc.
• Portable shower (optional)
• Mattress, sleeping bag, pillows and towels
• Braai grid, stand and tongs
• Wood/charcoal
• Water (at least 2 x 5 litre water containers per person recommended)
• Cooking utensils (kettle, cooking pots, mugs, glasses, wooden spoon, can opener, egg lifter, cutlery, crockery, wooden carving board, paper towels, hot water flask, table cloth, drying and washing cloths)
• Small gas stove/ cooker, gas bottles & matches for cooking purposes
• Sufficient food and beverage supplies
• Refrigerator or cooler box
• Folding table and chairs
• Water purification tablets
• Plastic bowl for washing dishes
• Plastic refuse bags
• Torches (x2) and spare batteries
• Gas lamp

Wild Camping gear (if in Rustic Bush Camps):

• Portable Shower & Water
• Portable toilet seat, spade, toilet paper, sanitiser etc.
• Be fully self-sufficient

In addition to the self-drive camping gear (What to Bring along on Tour Guideline), we recommend the following for Wild Camping:

• 40 L of water for showering, dishes, etc.
• Minimum of 2lt per day for drinking & cooking. Ie 5 days wild camping would be 10 L of water.
• A portable toilet seat stand - for those that do not want to squat for the toilet along the trail.
• Spade for digging a hole for toilet. All toilet and toilet paper must be buried at least 1 foot (30 cm) under the ground.
• Portable shower, pump and bowl/bucket

There is only one basic toilet and paraffin shower available at the Mvubu Rustic Bush Camp.

Packing Tips:

• Plan your Packing, i.e. a list and where to store it, etc.
• First needed out - will be packed last in, i.e. camping table so it can be used to put items on, etc.
• Start packing from scratch and ask - Do you really need that

Categorise what you pack

• • Regular Use
  • Easy Access required
  • Not needed often
  • Rarely needed, spares etc.

Non-negotiable packing

• • First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Personal Medication
  • Should be easy to access

Centre of Gravity

• • Pack heaviest low down
  • Pack lightest higher up

GVM - Gross Vehicle Mass

• • Distribute & balance the weight evenly, front and back, left and right
  • Take into account external accessories and rooftop rack items
  • Take into account passengers, fuel, food, water, etc.
  • Don’t exceed your max GVM
• Strap loose items down
• Pack breakables securely
• Keep fridges full for efficiency
• Label boxes and bags to help find them, etc.
• Make sure you can access your recovery equipment
• Hat/cap & sunscreen
• Raincoat/jacket/umbrella
• Reference books (for mammals, birds, trees, etc.)
• Cell phone & chargers
• Emergency whistle

• Our Terms & Conditions will apply.

Overnight Tours

• We have a maximum group size of 6 guest vehicles and 1 guide vehicle.

Day Tours

• We have a maximum group size of 15 vehicles.

• Our Terms & Conditions will apply.

• A 4x4 vehicle with low range & high ground clearance. At least 200mm minimum
• Spade
• A front diff bash plate is recommended
• Rated recovery points fitted to the front and rear
• Camping equipped - tent, fridge, camping equipment etc.
• Spare keys
• Recovery kit - kinetic/recovery strap, rated shackles, spade etc.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge.
• Puncture repair kit
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Your personal medication
• Recommended Rear Diff-lock or Traction control for some tours

• We provide a breakdown of where to get fuel along the route and distances between fill-up points.

• We provide a breakdown of where to get groceries along the route.