Small-group guided tours vs large escorted tours

Small-Group Tour, Large-Group Tour or Independent Travel: The Honest Way to Choose How You See Africa

There is no single best way to see Africa — only the way that is best for you. The region can feel overwhelming to plan: long distances, national parks and game reserves to coordinate, and far more to see than one trip allows.

Some travellers want every detail handled; others want total freedom.

This page lays out the three main ways to travel Africa — a large escorted tour, fully independent travel, and a small-group guided tour — so you can choose with confidence.

We have tried to be fair to all three, including being clear about who we are not the right fit for.

Large escorted tour

Typically 15-25 travellers per departure

Fast pace, many destinations in a short time

Large vehicles, little use of local transport

Most meals and entrance fees included

Lower headline price per day, but limited free time and depth

Best for travellers who want maximum sights with minimum planning

Independent / self-planned travel

Just you and whoever you travel with

Complete freedom over pace, route and budget

You arrange every train, hotel and booking yourself

Nothing included — you build and pay for each piece

Can be cheaper or pricier depending on your choices

Best for confident planners who enjoy the logistics and want full control

Small-group guided tour (how Africaventura travels)

Maximum 12 travellers, around 9 on average

Relaxed pace covering both the highlights and everyday life of Africa

Travel by public transport with a guide who handles the logistics

Accommodation, most meals, guided activities, entrance fees and internal transport included

Mid-range prices with no hidden costs, and departures guaranteed once booked

Best for travellers who want depth and local insight without the planning load

Group size and pace

The single biggest difference between these styles is how many people you travel with. On a large escorted tour you are one of 15 to 25; on a Africaventura tour you are one of a maximum of 12, and around 9 on average.

Smaller groups move through small camps, local villages and family-run lodges in a way large groups simply cannot — and they leave room for the unplanned moments travellers remember most.

Cost: what each style really costs

On paper, a large escorted tour can look cheaper per day and independent travel can look cheapest of all. But the headline number rarely tells the whole story.

Independent travel adds up once you are booking internal flights, safari transfers and park fees, every hotel and every experience yourself — and a mistake costs you time and money.

A guided small-group tour bundles accommodation, most meals, guided activities, entrance fees and all internal transport into one transparent price, with no hidden extras.

Who each style suits best

Choose a large escorted tour if you want to see as much as possible quickly and do not mind a big group

Choose independent travel if you love planning, want total flexibility, and are comfortable navigating Africa yourself

Choose a small-group guided tour if you want authentic, well-paced travel with the logistics handled and a local expert alongside you

Where Africaventura fits

Africaventura runs small-group tours for travellers who want to experience Africa beyond the obvious without feeling lost in logistics or crowds. Our guides handle the transfers, game drives and the language so you can focus on the experience — from staying with local families and hosts to hands-on cultural moments and standout experiences along the way.

We are honest about who we are not for: if you want to travel entirely on your own schedule, move very fast, or focus purely on luxury hotels, another style will suit you better.

But if you want real connection at a comfortable pace, this is exactly what we do.

What our travellers are saying

Based on 60 total reviews on Africaventura & Trustpilot

Heike S

Namibia & Botswana: Safari & Victoriafälle erleben

Explorer

November 2025

Verified

An all-around wonderful travel experience with many unforgettable moments: animals, landscapes, and people—a great and fascinating diversity. The group was small and got along very well. Steven, our guide, was a fantastic ambassador for his country, who showed and explained his homeland to us in all its facets. We would love to set off for Namibia again right away!

From

Christl Ruth G

Südafrika: Kapstadt, Kruger & Garden Route

Comfort

November 2025

Verified

I have experienced the wonderful nature of South Africa and learned a lot about its historical background. I will continue to learn more about the country's history.

From

Alain, Jean M : MARSEILLE

Botswana : l’essentiel en 2 semaines

Explorer

November 2025

Verified

Camping in the Moremi Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta is an unforgettable experience. Falling asleep listening to the roar of lions and waking up to the sound of elephants crossing the marsh, stepping out of the tent and seeing them 200 meters from the tent: breathtaking! Peter is an outstanding guide for spotting leopards and introducing us to wild dogs; moreover, he has excellent ornithological knowledge. He leads his little group with a masterful hand. Chobe National Park, the Makgadikgadi salt pans (and their meerkats), and the channels of the Okavango’s handle are also worth the trip.

From

Ludovic H

Afrique du Sud : l’essentiel

Comfort

October 2025

Verified

Very beautiful tour that allowed us to see magnificent landscapes as well as many animals. Once again, thank you to our guide Fidèle who did everything to ensure that this trip took place in the best possible conditions.

From

Hélène TIRANTE

Botswana : l’essentiel en 2 semaines

Explorer

October 2025

Verified

Very beautiful trip, excellent services, superb accommodations, very good meals, guide and drivers were very good, a bit of a long drive at the end but it’s necessary to see interesting things; it’s a pity that on the last day the accommodation was far from Victoria Falls, exploring it on the day of arrival was very nice as we could walk to the villa. Thanks to Peter our guide who knows a lot, to Charles and Justice the bush drivers, to the great bush staff including Mma who did the cooking, and of course Clyde our dedicated driver who was always very cheerful and attentive. It was not necessary to bring sweaters or jackets as recommended, and we did have plenty of water on request in the bus and 4x4, contrary to what we had been told. We will recommend Africaventura to our friends and we will certainly travel again with this group.

From

Pascale L : ANTIBES

Namibie & Botswana : safari & Chutes Victoria

Explorer

October 2025

Verified

Breathtaking journey! First, the desert with its red dunes and the Dalinian landscapes of Deadvlei. The hot air balloon ride was a unique experience. Then the seaside with its Breton climate and the charming town of Swakopmund. A unique cruise full of surprises not to be missed under any circumstances. Then the magnificent landscapes of Damaraland and the discovery of the local peoples. Then... THE SAFARIS!!!! Etosha, then Chobe. Here, there’s no need to look for the animals—they are everywhere and in their thousands. All together: elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, impalas, springbok, ostriches, and even leopards. Then, crocodiles, buffaloes, hippos... Impossible to name them all. As for the accommodation: stunning lodges, then Ngepi camp in Robinson Crusoe style and the Out of Africa-style campsite... Everything is here to dazzle you and leave you with unforgettable memories, especially if you travel with our amazing guide Jimmy and very friendly travel companions.

From

Laurence, Josiane T

Namibie & Botswana : safari & Chutes Victoria

Explorer

October 2025

Verified

This trip to Namibia was wonderful. Mao, our guide, shared with us his love for his country, taught us its history and geology, all in a great atmosphere with lots of humor and always positivity. We had unforgettable moments with a great team. Life is beautiful, as Mao would say 🥰

From

Erika Rolande Marcelle R

Namibie & Botswana : safari & Chutes Victoria

Explorer

August 2025

Verified

We had an absolutely unforgettable trip to Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Everything came together for a perfect experience: magnificent and varied landscapes, incredibly kind and welcoming people, comfortable hotels with excellent cuisine, as well as safaris that amazed us from start to finish. A huge thank you to our guide Malia, whose passion and knowledge of her country and its history made this trip even more enriching. We have incredible memories and can only recommend this unique experience.

From

Véronique, Huguette, Marie LAUTOUR

Namibie & Botswana : safari & Chutes Victoria

Explorer

August 2025

Verified

Amazing! Superb discovery trip in every way: dunes, desert landscapes, different safaris, wildlife, flora. Komoro ride, ... Top-notch 4-star national guide. High-quality accommodations with excellent bedding, often in settings with exceptional views. Delicious meals, very generous, sometimes organized in unusual places. Very friendly group, ...

From

Anja F

Botswana intensiv: Safari, Fluss & Salzpfannen

Explorer

August 2025

Verified

Great mix of jeep and boat safaris, during which we were able to observe many animals well. The lodges were excellently chosen and the food was very delicious.

From