Difficulty
Easy
The terrain is not challenging and there is no significant climbing.
Moderate
Light climbing. Lower average distances per day on decent road surfaces.
Average
Some long and tough days with shorter less challenging days mixed in. Environment and terrain are more of a factor.
Challenging
Longer days, harsher environments (eg: temperature, winds) and terrain (rough dirt, gravel roads) become a factor.
Hard
Expect lots of climbing, long days and bad roads. Expect the unexpected. Train with days like these in mind and come prepared to suffer.
Far Out Factor
Familiar
There are no language barriers and traveling and cycling in these areas is similar in experience to what you are used to.
Somewhat Familiar
Some language and cultural differences create minor communication problems. The signs and directions become slightly more challenging.
Unfamiliar
The language and culture will be noticeably different and the ease at which you order food, ask directions and communicate will be reduced significantly.
Unusual
Customs, gestures and interactions might seem strange at first. You’ll have to develop techniques to communicate your ideas.
Far Out
Culture and language hold few similarities to your own. This makes even the simplest tasks much more challenging and time consuming.
Accommodation
Roughing It
All rough camping in the bush or desert with limited or no facilities. No access to amenities other than what is provided on the support vehicles.
All Camping
A mix of organized campsites and rough camps with no facilities. Campsites will often be close to civilization and access to amenities and showers is increased.
Mixed
Mostly organized campsites, the odd night of rough camping and some basic indoor accommodations (hostels, guesthouses, etc).
Mostly Indoors
Some campsites but also many nice hotels, hostels, or guesthouses. Good access to amenities, many nights with hot showers and clean rooms and generally good access to amenities.
All Indoors
All hotels, hostels, or guesthouses ranging in quality from 2-star to 4-star. Access to running water and hot showers. Easy access to amenities most nights.
Note
While we do not place restrictions on participation (except if you are under 18 or over 69, or if the answers on your health and fitness questionnaire raise flags), we do encourage people to consider their fitness and comfort levels carefully before undertaking these tours.To read more about how to train for the tours click here.You might also wish to read our TDA Tours 101 Information Kit – packed with details that help you prepare for a tour mentally and physically.