Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trips 2020
575 trips to Self-Guided & Independent tours from 210 tour companies. 2,248 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Travel Style
Travel Style
Relaxed A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full on For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Mixed You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Trip Type
Trip Type
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided / Independent Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Vacation / Holiday Package Similar to a self guided tour, this usually involves a home base, such as a hotel or resort, with packaged activities and day tours as a part of the stay.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Itinerary Focus
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Countries Visited
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Travel Theme
Travelers Age
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Supplier (Company)
Continents Visited
No filters applied
Classic Botswana
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 562 / day
$ 4,495
From :
$ 5,880
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Absorb game reserve scenery as you wind your way through papyrus-clad banks on a traditional mokoro canoe, then pull up to a river bed and enjoy a g&t
- With flights between destinations you’ll have more time to enjoy the relaxing periods between safaris – snooze, journal, read a book or just take in the magnificent views
- Experience unique okavango accommodation at gunn's camp, the feature stay of this trip, with a 2 night stay in a semi-luxury tent with ensuite and its own veranda
- Explore the moremi game reserve on walking safari with your personal guide and uncover botswana's wild side
- Numerous game drives and activities make this a wildlife lover’s dream; just a taste of the animals on show – giraffe, kudu, impala, baboon, hippo, crocodile, warthog, wildebeest, spotted hyena, zebra, elephant, lion, cheetah and even the elusive leopard
- Your time at moremi game reserve and the okavango delta includes all beverages
Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Botswana
South African Sojourn with Victoria Falls & C ...
13 days
$ 296 / day
$ 3,849
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Minimal walking. Motor vehicles for all major parts of trip. Wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Most cruises.
Very Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make
- Visit the unforgettable Apartheid Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years
- Visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience
- Visit Mandela House for a perspective on life here and see the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
South African Sojourn with Chobe National Park
11 days
$ 339 / day
$ 3,729
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Minimal walking. Motor vehicles for all major parts of trip. Wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Most cruises.
Very Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit a Colony Of Endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make
- Visit the unforgettable Apartheid Museum
- Visit Mandela House to gain perspective on life here
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Botswana, South Africa
South African Sojourn with Victoria Falls & B ...
15 days
$ 365 / day
$ 5,469
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Minimal walking. Motor vehicles for all major parts of trip. Wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Most cruises.
Very Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make
- Visit the unforgettable Apartheid Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years
- Visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience
- Visit Mandela House for a perspective on life here and see the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Jewels of Africa with Chobe National Park Area
13 days
$ 344 / day
$ 4,469
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Minimal walking. Motor vehicles for all major parts of trip. Wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Most cruises.
Very Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick
- Visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience
- Visit a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Victoria Falls, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Jewels of Africa with Chobe National Park Area &a ...
16 days
$ 330 / day
$ 5,279
Travel Style :
For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Full on
Physical Level :
Minimal walking. Motor vehicles for all major parts of trip. Wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Most cruises.
Very Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick
- Visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience
- Visit a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Nairobi, Victoria Falls, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe
1- 6 of 6 Trips Shown
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Top Self-Guided & Independent Experiences and Attractions
Top Self-Guided & Independent Experiences
Sampling culinary delicacies in Tuscany
Ascending the terraced hillsides to reach upper Ghandruk that offers a fine view of Annapurna mountain range
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and enjoying the sight of colorful houses
Enjoying a self guided walking tour at your own pace
Enjoying the hospitality of a local host
Having a local guide that shows you around town
Volunteering at a rehabilitation and conservation center of wild animals
Exploring the Amazon jungles with local guides
Hitching a lift on a cargo boat to Timbuktu
Taking a train journey through Europe with suggested stops planned out by a travel expert
Learning some of the local language when staying with a family in Nepal
Self-Guided & Independent Trip Reviews
2,248 Self-Guided & Independent Tour Reviews - Summary 98% Recommend
All Self-Guided & Independent tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.8 for all Self-Guided & Independent trips.
