Expedition FAQs

We know that committing to an international can be fun and exciting, but there are also major questions you or those that love you may be asking. With those questions in mind, here is a list of questions and answers that you might be asking as you consider joining us for an expedition.

Why would I travel with Obontu over other travel options?

Our trips offer the most authentic expedition in the world! This is not a purely tourist trip, though adventure and exploration are an important part of the expedition. This is a with-the-people-live-as-they-live kind of trip. You will leave feeling a deep connection with the people, a connection that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Our trips also give you the ability to empower the lives others. One of your purposes will be to create a sustainable person that an entrepreneur and their family will live from. You will have the opportunity to bless the lives of generations through your efforts.

Are these expeditions safe?

We take every precaution to keep all of our travelers safe. We offer mandatory safety trainings for all travelers before the expeditions to go over different scenarios and how to safely navigate them. We discuss topics such as staying in groups, not staying out past dark in high risk areas, being thoughtful on what you wear and portray, what to do in a confrontational situation, etc.
Our trip leaders are seasoned travelers who have been trained on group safety, they will be there to protect and support. They will carry a first-aid kit with them at all times. Additionally, we make special efforts to travel with one of our well-respected local leaders for additional protection.
With that being said, international travel has inherent risk. We will do our very best to mitigate such risk. As long as all trip participants follow their training and the leadership of their trip leaders, risk of danger will be as low as possible.

What happens if Covid related issues causes new restrictions or shuts down my country during my scheduled travel time?

We have successfully launched expeditions in places with Covid warnings during 2021 trips. Though our itineraries were slightly altered we were still able to accomplish great things. We will continue to alter trips if necessary.
In the case of a total country lock-down where it is no longer possible to get into the country, we will refund the trip amount.
Alternate options would include making arrangements to launch the expedition in another one of our countries if desired and possible.

Can anyone go on an Obontu expedition?

We try to accommodate all people, if you are willing to do your best to help others, and desire a life changing experience, please apply!

With that being said, all travelers must first apply and be accepted into an expedition. To ensure the safety and good experience of other travelers, we reserve the right to refuse anyone from joining an expedition.

What ages are allowed to go on an expedition?

These are adult trips. A majority of our trips are 18+. We emphasize autonomy and personal decision making while on the expedition, so being able to make prudent personal decisions is important.
In some instances, we may allow younger travelers on an expedition, if an entire family wants to go together. If this is the case for you, please contact us and we can discuss arrangements.

What are typical traveler demographics? Is there an expedition for couples? Families? College aged students? Corporate groups? Middle aged adults?

We offer trips for everyone! Our base trips are opened to all adults, but we also offer trips exclusively for couples, families, corporate groups, etc.
Please list your preferred traveler demographic in the necessary place of your application.

What will my individual role be in helping with business creation?

You will be an integral part of the business creation. You have special skillsets that make you uniquely qualified.
You will be expected to assist in the planning, fundraising, and execution of the business plan you create with your expedition mates and the entrepreneurs you are working wtih.

What if I don't have any skills that will help in business creation?

If you've had this thought, know you are not alone. This is the question we get more than any other. Because you personally may not be an entrepreneur, you make feel a sense of inadequacy in your ability to build a sustainable business for someone else.

Through many experiences, we KNOW that if you have the desire then you have what it takes to build a sustainable business! Obontu has the necessary resources and experience to guide you and your expedition mates in coming up with a sustainable business plan. We will continue to support the business after you leave.

The key for you is to be willing to try! Offer your time and effort, and soon you will see how your personal skills will apply.

One example: A girl who came on a trip in 2021 thought that she didn't have any applicable skills. In talking with her, she felt that her only skill was calligraphy and drawing and that it wasn't a marketable skillset. She was willing to try to offer that skillset though, as silly as it felt to her. Fast forward to today and there are multiple people in South Africa with very successful sign creation shops providing the necessary money for shelter, food, school, clothes, etc. for families.

Am I able to extend my trip if I want to stay longer in the country?

Our expeditions begin and end at LAX. If you decide to stay longer or alter trip plans that is up to, however all necessary accommodations, transport, safety, activities, etc. is your responsibility.

What are the sleeping arrangements like?

Every person will have a bed to sleep on each night, other than on nights spent in the wilderness if your specific expedition activities call for such. In which case, safe arrangements will be made.
Special accommodations can be made for families and couples.

What if I have food allergies?

There are a variety of food options available in every country we travel to. It is your responsibility to communicate with your trip leader on any special arrangements that need to be made. Additionally, you should be prepared with ample snacks to bring with you that you can eat.

Am I able to sit out of an activity that I am not comfortable with participating in?

As our expeditions are geared towards adults, we value autonomy highly. Therefore, all activities are optional. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to participate in a specific activity that is up to you!

Somedays of your expedition will be busy and being on time will be key. We have a strict be there policy... if you are there on time when the transport leaves great, if not no worries but don't be upset because you aren't able to participate.

Ultimately... It's up to you!

Will I for sure be able to go with my friends/family who also signed up?

We make every effort to make this possible. So far we have been able to make it happen 100% of the time, so count on it!

Any suggestions on paying for my trip?

We have lots of suggestions! Go to our blog posts and you will find a whole article on this subject.

These expeditions are a lot of money, what does my money go towards?

Your expedition payment goes towards making your expedition possible. As the expedition payment covers all necessary travel expenses including in country transportation, housing, most meals, leaders/guides, activities, etc.

Considering all we do while in country, we are the most affordable option out there. This is due to our connections with the local businesses and because of our ability to send multiple groups to the same establishment, thus giving us great discounts.

What makes your expeditions so much cheaper than other expeditions I have found?

Its funny how we get both the why so expensive questions and the why so cheap questions.
The answer to the why so cheap question is that we truly do all we can do make your expedition affordable! This is possible because of our connections with the local businesses and because of our ability to send multiple groups to the same establishment, thus giving us great discounts.
The expedition will not feel cheap. We did not cut any corners to make it happen. We really do just strive to make our trips affordable!

Who are the entrepreneurs you connect with, and how do you make those connections?

Our country ambassadors have established incredible connections in each of our countries. The entrepreneurs that we connect with are found through our in-country leaders who live right in the communities with our entrepreneurs! When our groups form their ideas, we reach out to our leaders and tell them the type of entrepreneurs we are looking for. They then go to the community and search out those types of entrepreneurs. They then go through a vetting process to see if they are serious about creating a business. We then connect the entrepreneur and the travelers to work on final plans.
Example: A team decides that one of their focuses will be to build nail salons in their country of Tanzania. Obontu would reach out to the local Obo leader in Tanzania and ask them to find potential entrpreneurs interested in nail salons/ a beauty service business. Once the local leader has a few applicants, the local leader works with Obo admin leaders to vet whether the person is serious about creating a sustainable business.
Once the person has been vetted they will be connected with the group who will then be able to work with the entrepreneur directly on creating the plan of action.

What am I able to pack?

We have an entire post devoted to this question! Check it out on our blog (toggle their from the header)

Do you offer refunds if for some reason I can't go after signing up?

We only offer refunds of deposits for the following 24 hours after acceptance.
Due to the nature of international travel, once you are signed up for an expedition, we immediately begin making reservations and bookings on your behalf. If, for whatever reason, you were to drop out of the trip, we would not be able to get refunds on most of the bookings and reservations.

Do you offer any discounts or special pricing?

We occasionally offer special pricing.

Currently, we have the following offers:

-Any friend who puts you down as their referral on their application gets you $100 off your trip payment.