Welcome to AH DHammo. This is the place to learn about hunting Africa.
To answer a couple of your questions... IMO, yes I would use a service to get your permits. They are up to date on what is required and all the ins and outs. Consider it money well spent.
As far as sticks, I think there are two ways to go. Pick the sticks you want to use, practice with them and take them with you. It is your hunt and the outfitter should adjust to you. The second is to find out what type the outfitter uses. Get some and practice with them.
The problem with the first is that when speed is of the essence, the tracker setting up the sticks may not be familiar with your sticks and slow down the process.