The 'o6 Novara Safari has disc brakes, which is why I bought the '05. They put the brazeons for the rack way up the seatstays meaning you use their rack (which I didn't lie) or try to tfind one that works with that configuration. I don't know how possible that is when you want a rack rated for 50+ lbs. I am partial to Tubus racks and they definitely won't work.
Another issue for really long haulers is replacing the brake pads. You have to remove the wheel to get to the pads.
And a personal issue, I can't see the pads well enough to see whether they need replacing or not.
To me it seems discs are great for mountain biking and foul weather commuting but I wouldn't take them on a tour. (an opinion based soely on theory)