Overlanding in East Africa is one of the most intense travel experiences you can have and it comes with plenty of challenges. To travel independently in Africa means you have to be prepared for anything and everything flat tires, border crossings, getting lost in the middle of nowhere and that’s just the start. But, for those up to the task, a self-drive tour is incredibly rewarding.
A guided trip is a convenient and stress-free way to discover a new destination with all the trip details already organized for you, and with a team to support you every step of the way. This is especially the case when you’re looking to explore more remote destinations where food drops are needed, when you prefer an experienced guide on hand to keep you on track, or when carrying a full pack with all your camping gear seems overwhelming and tiring.
DEMERITS OF SELF DRIVE TOURS
The complete freedom of a self-drive tour is understandably tempting. But, every rose has a thorn and independent travel is no exception. Freedom comes at a price and, if you’re not careful, it may end up making your African road trip more stressful than anything else. So, if you’re thinking about embarking on a self-drive tour of Africa, be sure to carefully consider a few of the cons.
You have to do all the planning
Traveling independently means that you’ll be in charge of where you go, how you get there, and what you do when you arrive. This kind of freedom is amazing, except when you’re the one who has to plan it all. Traveling independently in Africa is a whole other ball game especially in remote regions where English is not widely spoken.
Unlike a guided tour where you have a region specialist to help you plan, independent travel requires much more attention to detail. It’s not enough to just pick a few highlights you want to check off your bucket list and hit the road; you need to do your research to ensure the routes you’re planning to take are safe to travel, not to mention the border crossings, visas, paperwork, and permits that some activities require you to have in advance.
It can be more expensive
When you factor in costs such as vehicle rental per day, accommodation per person per night, food, entrance fees and permits, self-drive overland tours can work out being more expensive than guided travel. Guided tours with agencies organizing tours often get discounts which is why they can offer affordable packages that include some tours, meals, and transport.
Safety
East Africa is not the easiest place to travel by road. challenges happen, and when you book the trip it’s your responsibility to fix them. This can be time-consuming and sometimes have a domino effect for the rest of your trip. With a group tour, you have a whole team behind you for advice and support, which leaves you more time to enjoy your adventure.
MERITS OF GUIDED TOURS
Local and knowledgeable guides
Secret spots, tips and the best of laughs, it takes a special kind of person to be a guide. In addition to being friendly and engaging, they are skilled at getting groups to interact and become fast and lifelong friends. If you’re new to the area, don’t speak the local language or just want good advice; tour guides can be an invaluable resource. Our local guides are passionate about their country or region you are exploring and will help bring to life the history, culture, flora and fauna of their homelands. They are often what make your walking, cycling or rafting adventure extra special.
As well as knowing hidden gems, our professional team of local guides and tour leaders can enhance your adventure so you can focus on your outdoor experiences and less about getting lost or what happens should you get into an accident.
Our guides also know about environmental regulations and local customs, so you can rest assured that the correct protocols are being followed. You’ll also be supporting the local economy of the destination you are visiting with your money going back to local businesses and its community.
Increased chance of success
Want to reach the prized summit of Mount Kenya or Rwenzori and have always wanted to trek the peaks but were too worried about altitude sickness? Our guides and tour leaders are highly experienced; they’ve seen it all and can help you overcome the biggest of hurdles.
Think of your tour leader or guide like personal trainers that will help you push your limits and walk that final kilometre or gear up for a long climb with their “can do” attitude.
While our team tries to ensure that travellers are of an adequate fitness level to complete their chosen adventure, we recommend guided trips for people who are nervous about their fitness level and capabilities and may benefit from the support of an experienced guide.
Added support
Our tour leaders are with you from the time your trip commences until it concludes and work tirelessly to ensure your holiday runs smoothly. Our team understands our travel style and expectations of an active holiday and can tailor trips to the group’s interests, that way everyone has a great experience.
For cycling trips, even though you’re travelling in a small group, you can still ride at your own pace – as far or as little as you feel comfortable – knowing a support vehicle is close by for you to hop on should you want a break from your cycle.
Convenience
You can forget the stress of researching the best walking or cycling routes for hours on end, or where the next town is to find food. Leave the planning and the boring stuff to the experts so you can focus on the exciting adventure ahead. Our guided itineraries are fully supported with plenty of quality inclusions – from comfortable accommodation to hearty, delicious meals.
Comfort, value and more inclusions
Enjoy the best hand-picked accommodation and restaurants to make sure you get a high-quality experience and have somewhere comfortable to relax and unwind after a long day on foot or bike. We’ll keep you energized for your adventure with most meals and dietary requirements catered for and snacks provided.
The inclusiveness of a guided holiday showcases great value for a quality experience, with the added flexibility of tailoring your experience based on your interests and fitness level.
Safety first
The guides are your eyes and ears of a tour and are trained to problem solve in difficult or unsafe situations (including medical emergencies). Having them around definitely takes the edge off should things not go as expected. It’s always reassuring to know you are in safe hands with our experienced team.
Get access to more of the destination
With all the logistics taken care of and a support team backing you from beginning to end of your trip, you can simply focus on your beautiful surrounds and enjoy the solitude between walks or rides.
World Expeditions have been pioneering remote, “out there” adventures on paths less travelled for over 45 years, crafting itineraries that allow travellers to delve deep into the culture and nature of a destination. So, it definitely helps to choose an experienced adventure specialist for your guided tour to get the chance to explore places you could not easily get to on your own.
Reduce your environmental footprint
While the active elements of your adventure by bike, on foot or on water does not emit carbon emissions, World Expeditions have calculated any emissions from your accommodation and have purchased credits in renewable projects so that you can be assured that your adventure tour is 100% carbon offset.
DEMERITS OF GUIDED TOURS
This hassle-free way to travel does come with its downsides though. So before you book that tour across the continent, be sure to consider the following.
No privacy
If you’re someone who prefers being alone then in a group, this form of travel may not be for you. Between the long days on the road, shared activities and hostels, there could be very little chance to have any time to yourself.
Clashing personalities
If you don’t get along with someone in the Guide it can end up being awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Less flexibility
If you want another evening in a destination and that isn’t part of the itinerary it won’t happen. And, if you don’t like a particular area then you still have to stay there until the scheduled departure.
