Hi Simon,
I would keep the wheels with tubes. If you hit a huge poth hole and bend a rim you are done with a tubeless setup.
If you have a flat with a tube type setup you have 2 options: change it now if you are in the mood or just use a tire sealent spray can to seal the puncture. Let it sit a few minutes and take off. You can then deal with the flat tire later when you want it. Most small towns have tire repair shop. They'll do it for you a dollar or two.
If you want to avoid mud in Africa, better plan to avoid crossing from Gabon to Congo during the raining season.
Another tip: find a shop that is willing to ship parts to you in Africa before leaving. A verbal yes is not enough (don't ask me how I know). Define with them how they will be paid, how they will know it is not a scam from someone else in Africa,...
Patrick
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