Level of Difficulty
The Kilimanjaro challenge is graded as “extreme”.
"Extreme" challenges will involve altitude, and a great deal of endurance. These trips are not to be taken lightly, and will take place in extreme environments, without home comforts. They are usually undertaken by someone with previous experience in a mountain setting, but who wants to take their experience to the next level physically and mentally. Training is essential to ensure you are suitably prepared for the challenge.
Summit night in particular is a gruelling experience that will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.
You can tell your supporters that on your Kilimanjaro trek you will be:
- Trekking for around 6-8 hours per day
- Battling the altitude on the mountain up to the summit of 5895m
- Arising before dawn and trekking through the night on summit day
- Experiencing nightly temperatures of down to -15 degrees
- Sleeping in a tent for 7 nights
Level of Difficulty
The Kilimanjaro challenge is graded as “extreme”.
"Extreme" challenges will involve altitude, and a great deal of endurance. These trips are not to be taken lightly, and will take place in extreme environments, without home comforts. They are usually undertaken by someone with previous experience in a mountain setting, but who wants to take their experience to the next level physically and mentally. Training is essential to ensure you are suitably prepared for the challenge.
Summit night in particular is a gruelling experience that will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.
You can tell your supporters that on your Kilimanjaro trek you will be:
- Trekking for around 6-8 hours per day
- Battling the altitude on the mountain up to the summit of 5895m
- Arising before dawn and trekking through the night on summit day
- Experiencing nightly temperatures of down to -15 degrees
- Sleeping in a tent for 7 nights
Typical day
During the trek you will be trekking an average of 5 to 8 hours each day, except for summit day which involves 12 to 15 hours of trekking. Depending on the weather and the day, rest/water stops will be set up regularly, where you can regroup, rest and relax while drinking water and eating your snacks. Lunch will usually be a cooked lunch either along the way or when you reach the campsite (depending on the length of that trekking day). You will get to your campsite in the afternoon where you can relax, have a hot drink and eat your dinner in the mess tent. Along the route, toilet facilities are limited to the great outdoors. At the campsites there will be toilet tents erected for the group.
Typical day
During the trek you will be trekking an average of 5 to 8 hours each day, except for summit day which involves 12 to 15 hours of trekking. Depending on the weather and the day, rest/water stops will be set up regularly, where you can regroup, rest and relax while drinking water and eating your snacks. Lunch will usually be a cooked lunch either along the way or when you reach the campsite (depending on the length of that trekking day). You will get to your campsite in the afternoon where you can relax, have a hot drink and eat your dinner in the mess tent. Along the route, toilet facilities are limited to the great outdoors. At the campsites there will be toilet tents erected for the group.
Emergencies
We endeavour to provide a UK trained doctor to follow you on this trek with a full emergency medical kit if required. If you are unable to continue the climb, you will be sent down with a porter where you can seek additional medical attention at the local hospital if needed. The doctors at this hospital are very well trained in dealing with altitude related illnesses as well as trekking injuries. However, please be understanding of the fact that facilities in this part of Africa will not compare to those that you are used to at home.
Emergencies
We endeavour to provide a UK trained doctor to follow you on this trek with a full emergency medical kit if required. If you are unable to continue the climb, you will be sent down with a porter where you can seek additional medical attention at the local hospital if needed. The doctors at this hospital are very well trained in dealing with altitude related illnesses as well as trekking injuries. However, please be understanding of the fact that facilities in this part of Africa will not compare to those that you are used to at home.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount.
In terms of your Kilimanjaro Summit Climb, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- You will be trekking to an altitude of 5895m, and altitude trekking carries it's own risks
- Emergency evacuation to a hospital may take upwards of 8 hours, depending on your location on the mountain
- You will be sleeping in temperatures of down to -15 degrees
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount.
In terms of your Kilimanjaro Summit Climb, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- You will be trekking to an altitude of 5895m, and altitude trekking carries it's own risks
- Emergency evacuation to a hospital may take upwards of 8 hours, depending on your location on the mountain
- You will be sleeping in temperatures of down to -15 degrees
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work with bodies such as Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place.
We work directly with a local, ethical, KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) certified supplier to organise our climbs on Mt. Kilimanjaro. This means that by choosing to climb with us, you are doing the most to ensure the porters supporting your climb are given the proper welfare and salaries they deserve.
With nearly 300 local Kilimanjaro operators to choose from in Tanzania many hardworking mountain crew are sadly often extremely exploited and mistreated. Few receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.
That is why Charity Challenge is a proud partner of KPAP. Our climbs are independently and objectively monitored.
Monitoring activities are continual and include:
- Porter Questionnaires and Interviews
- Examination of partner company’s salary distribution methods and a review of tipping procedures
- Audit and reporting by a KPAP investigative porter on all partner company climbs
For the guides and porters who work very hard to support you and your fellow climbers on the trek, they first need to be looked after themselves. Consequently, this means that you have a much more enjoyable and successful climb on Kilimanjaro.
We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work with bodies such as Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place.
We work directly with a local, ethical, KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) certified supplier to organise our climbs on Mt. Kilimanjaro. This means that by choosing to climb with us, you are doing the most to ensure the porters supporting your climb are given the proper welfare and salaries they deserve.
With nearly 300 local Kilimanjaro operators to choose from in Tanzania many hardworking mountain crew are sadly often extremely exploited and mistreated. Few receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.
That is why Charity Challenge is a proud partner of KPAP. Our climbs are independently and objectively monitored.
Monitoring activities are continual and include:
- Porter Questionnaires and Interviews
- Examination of partner company’s salary distribution methods and a review of tipping procedures
- Audit and reporting by a KPAP investigative porter on all partner company climbs
For the guides and porters who work very hard to support you and your fellow climbers on the trek, they first need to be looked after themselves. Consequently, this means that you have a much more enjoyable and successful climb on Kilimanjaro.
We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
Flights
You will be flying overnight from London to Kilimanjaro airport. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). Please note; if you are arranging your own flights, we are unable to arrange airport transfers between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 due to safety issues, so please avoid flights that arrive during this period.
Please note: Timings of the group flights are subject to change so please take this into consideration when booking domestic travel arrangements to reach your departure airport i.e. book flexible tickets where possible. We are unable to take responsibility for the consequences of missed international flights due to delayed travel arrangements to the airport. We therefore advise you, when booking transport and making any arrangements, to plan to get to the airport in plenty of time allowing for any possible delays which may occur on the day (bad weather, break down, cancellations etc). If you book a domestic flight, in order to get to your international departure airport, please do consider that this flight ticket cannot be linked to the ticket we are organising for you; you will need to collect your luggage, possibly change terminal and check-in again as normal.
Flights
You will be flying overnight from London to Kilimanjaro airport. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). Please note; if you are arranging your own flights, we are unable to arrange airport transfers between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 due to safety issues, so please avoid flights that arrive during this period.
Please note: Timings of the group flights are subject to change so please take this into consideration when booking domestic travel arrangements to reach your departure airport i.e. book flexible tickets where possible. We are unable to take responsibility for the consequences of missed international flights due to delayed travel arrangements to the airport. We therefore advise you, when booking transport and making any arrangements, to plan to get to the airport in plenty of time allowing for any possible delays which may occur on the day (bad weather, break down, cancellations etc). If you book a domestic flight, in order to get to your international departure airport, please do consider that this flight ticket cannot be linked to the ticket we are organising for you; you will need to collect your luggage, possibly change terminal and check-in again as normal.
Visa
Your full ten-year passport must have at least six months left to run from the end of the challenge. You will need a Single Entry Tourist Visa to enter Tanzania. Three months prior to departure we will provide you with the necessary application form and details to apply.
E-Visa Application
Visa applications can now be completed online. If choosing to complete the application online, there is no need to visit the High Commission for applications to be completed and processed. Applicants will only be called to the High Commission if contacted and requested to do so. The cost of the visa is approx. $50.
Visa
Your full ten-year passport must have at least six months left to run from the end of the challenge. You will need a Single Entry Tourist Visa to enter Tanzania. Three months prior to departure we will provide you with the necessary application form and details to apply.
E-Visa Application
Visa applications can now be completed online. If choosing to complete the application online, there is no need to visit the High Commission for applications to be completed and processed. Applicants will only be called to the High Commission if contacted and requested to do so. The cost of the visa is approx. $50.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy. This should include protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure; the specific activities on your challenge including trekking at high altitude (up to 6000 meters); medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) specifically for this trip covering helicopter evacuation.
For more travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at bookings@charitychallenge.com.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy. This should include protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure; the specific activities on your challenge including trekking at high altitude (up to 6000 meters); medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) specifically for this trip covering helicopter evacuation.
For more travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at bookings@charitychallenge.com.
Vaccinations, Medicines & Altitude
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/tanzania#Vaccine_recommendations
Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication:
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
- Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Altitude:
For advice on altitude sickness, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/26/altitude-illness
Vaccinations, Medicines & Altitude
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/tanzania#Vaccine_recommendations
Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication:
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
- Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Altitude:
For advice on altitude sickness, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/26/altitude-illness
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro can vary dramatically, from 35°C in the plains below the mountain to -20°C at the summit (if you include the wind chill). Early mornings will immediately warm-up as soon as the sun rises and the days should be warm and bright. As soon as the sun sets, however, the temperature drops radically and it is often well below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will need strong UV protection (even on cloudy days) as there is minimal shade as you start your ascent. Normally January and February are the driest and clearest months to climb. However, June through to late October and December are also good but you should expect a little more cloud around the rainforest zone. Whenever you climb, expect convection to send warm air from the hot plains below across the rainforest to precipitate at higher altitudes as rain, sleet, and snow. This happens on some, but not all, afternoons. Nights are usually clear and frosty, and mornings clear and sunny.
Terrain
The terrain on Kilimanjaro varies and you will travel through 5 eco-sytems during your trip. You will begin in the 'cultivation zone' at the gate and then travel through the 'rainforest' (1,800m - 2,800m) and into the 'moorland' (2,800m - 4,000m). As you climb higher, you will experience the 'alpine desert' (4,000m - 5,000m) and then the 'arctic zone' (5,000m - 5,895m). You will be trekking along a mixture of paths, tracks and plateaus which will include areas with uneven ground and loose rocks or scree. This trek has an element of scrambling where you will need to use your hands to help you up and over large rocks and boulders. You will be supported by a large local team at all times and there is no technical climbing involved.
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro can vary dramatically, from 35°C in the plains below the mountain to -20°C at the summit (if you include the wind chill). Early mornings will immediately warm-up as soon as the sun rises and the days should be warm and bright. As soon as the sun sets, however, the temperature drops radically and it is often well below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will need strong UV protection (even on cloudy days) as there is minimal shade as you start your ascent. Normally January and February are the driest and clearest months to climb. However, June through to late October and December are also good but you should expect a little more cloud around the rainforest zone. Whenever you climb, expect convection to send warm air from the hot plains below across the rainforest to precipitate at higher altitudes as rain, sleet, and snow. This happens on some, but not all, afternoons. Nights are usually clear and frosty, and mornings clear and sunny.
Terrain
The terrain on Kilimanjaro varies and you will travel through 5 eco-sytems during your trip. You will begin in the 'cultivation zone' at the gate and then travel through the 'rainforest' (1,800m - 2,800m) and into the 'moorland' (2,800m - 4,000m). As you climb higher, you will experience the 'alpine desert' (4,000m - 5,000m) and then the 'arctic zone' (5,000m - 5,895m). You will be trekking along a mixture of paths, tracks and plateaus which will include areas with uneven ground and loose rocks or scree. This trek has an element of scrambling where you will need to use your hands to help you up and over large rocks and boulders. You will be supported by a large local team at all times and there is no technical climbing involved.
Evacuations
In the event of a medical emergency the first choice of evacuation method will be on foot, or on a stretcher, to get back down the mountain. You would then be met by a vehicle to take you to the nearest hospital or hotel to rest.
In the event of a serious medical emergency, where walking or a stretcher back down the mountain is not possible, an evacuation by helicopter may be the quickest and safest choice, this will be dependent on the weather and service availability. Your Challenge Leader and the Expedition Doctor will discuss this with you, with the final decision resting with the doctor.
We appreciate that having to descend from the mountain will be a disappointment, having trained and fundraised for the challenge. However, the doctor will make the decision based on their professional assessment of your health. Your safety is, and always will be, Charity Challenge’s number one priority.
We will organise the logistics of the helicopter evacuation and in most cases, you would be taken to a hospital in Moshi (nearest hospital to Mount Kilimanjaro). We will make the arrangements as quickly as possible to get you to safety, but it will be your responsibility to cover the costs of the helicopter evacuation before being taken into the hospital. Therefore, Charity Challenge requires you to have access to a minimum of USD $5,500 (about £4,400) of available funds and we would highly recommend that you have sufficient funds on your credit card before you leave home. Whilst Charity Challenge can initially open an insurance claim on your behalf, you will need to process a claim on your return home to recover any costs as a result of the evacuation. In order to process the claim further down the line, and as a minimum, insurance companies will require the helicopter invoice, a receipt of payment and a medical report from the doctor/hospital.
Charity Challenge will help you make all necessary arrangements for your accommodation, your return flight (if you return home earlier than the scheduled return date) and to advise you of the next steps depending on your particular situation. Once again, you will need to pay for additional services and keep receipts in order to recover costs once you return home.
Some airlines may require a “Fit To Fly” certificate, especially if the medical emergency was as a result of an altitude related condition. Please refer to the Insurance tab for further information.
Evacuations
In the event of a medical emergency the first choice of evacuation method will be on foot, or on a stretcher, to get back down the mountain. You would then be met by a vehicle to take you to the nearest hospital or hotel to rest.
In the event of a serious medical emergency, where walking or a stretcher back down the mountain is not possible, an evacuation by helicopter may be the quickest and safest choice, this will be dependent on the weather and service availability. Your Challenge Leader and the Expedition Doctor will discuss this with you, with the final decision resting with the doctor.
We appreciate that having to descend from the mountain will be a disappointment, having trained and fundraised for the challenge. However, the doctor will make the decision based on their professional assessment of your health. Your safety is, and always will be, Charity Challenge’s number one priority.
We will organise the logistics of the helicopter evacuation and in most cases, you would be taken to a hospital in Moshi (nearest hospital to Mount Kilimanjaro). We will make the arrangements as quickly as possible to get you to safety, but it will be your responsibility to cover the costs of the helicopter evacuation before being taken into the hospital. Therefore, Charity Challenge requires you to have access to a minimum of USD $5,500 (about £4,400) of available funds and we would highly recommend that you have sufficient funds on your credit card before you leave home. Whilst Charity Challenge can initially open an insurance claim on your behalf, you will need to process a claim on your return home to recover any costs as a result of the evacuation. In order to process the claim further down the line, and as a minimum, insurance companies will require the helicopter invoice, a receipt of payment and a medical report from the doctor/hospital.
Charity Challenge will help you make all necessary arrangements for your accommodation, your return flight (if you return home earlier than the scheduled return date) and to advise you of the next steps depending on your particular situation. Once again, you will need to pay for additional services and keep receipts in order to recover costs once you return home.
Some airlines may require a “Fit To Fly” certificate, especially if the medical emergency was as a result of an altitude related condition. Please refer to the Insurance tab for further information.
Extension
3 Day Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
You will be collected from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for the game viewing experience in Tarangire National Park. Marvel at the large collection of baobab trees, the many bird species and varied big mammal populations, including the largest concentration of elephants in the country.
Day 1 - Tarangire National Park
Following your Kilimanjaro climb you will have a Safari briefing at the overnight hotel. Depart west out of Arusha on a 2-2.5 hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2,600 square kilometers and is second to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in concentration of wildlife. The park is spectacular in the dry season when many migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters of Tarangire River. Herds of Elephants gather to stay in Tarangire until the onset of the rains when they migrate again to new grazing areas. (BLD) Dinner and Overnight Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge
Day 2 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour
After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro and descend down to the crater floor which is about 2000 feet deep and 14 miles wide. The crater hosts a variety of wildlife.
Spend some time in the Savanna, bush land, forests and lakes. All inhabited with elephants, lions, wildebeast, and flamingoes. Spend the day exploring the World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro crater, home to nearly 25,000 animals. This will give you a real chance to spot the big five; lion, elephant, endangered black rhino, buffalo and leopard plus countless other animals. (BLD) Dinner and Overnight Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge
Day 3 - Departure
Following breakfast you will depart the lodge for the drive back to Arusha. enjoy a hot lunch on route before being dropped off at the airport for your onward journey home.
Day 4 - Land back into the UK
Saying goodbye will not be easy, but the memories you’ve made will stay with you forever.
Important information about the extension
Included:
- Transportation in a 4WD vehicle as specified in the itinerary
- Park fees as specified in the itinerary
- Night 1 - Dinner and Overnight at Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Full Board
- Night 2 - Dinner and Overnight at Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Full Board
- All Airport Transfers
- Safari Guide and Cook services (English Speaking)
- Complimentary Mineral Water (1 Litre bottle per Pax per day)
- All Meals as specified in the itinerary
Excluded:
- Items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, beverages etc
- Tips (Recommended $30 per day)
Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of 4 particpants and ground availability and should be booked as soon as possible. Occasionally, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 10 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex. Single supplements are available.
* Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.
Extension
3 Day Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
You will be collected from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for the game viewing experience in Tarangire National Park. Marvel at the large collection of baobab trees, the many bird species and varied big mammal populations, including the largest concentration of elephants in the country.
Day 1 - Tarangire National Park
Following your Kilimanjaro climb you will have a Safari briefing at the overnight hotel. Depart west out of Arusha on a 2-2.5 hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2,600 square kilometers and is second to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in concentration of wildlife. The park is spectacular in the dry season when many migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters of Tarangire River. Herds of Elephants gather to stay in Tarangire until the onset of the rains when they migrate again to new grazing areas. (BLD) Dinner and Overnight Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge
Day 2 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour
After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro and descend down to the crater floor which is about 2000 feet deep and 14 miles wide. The crater hosts a variety of wildlife.
Spend some time in the Savanna, bush land, forests and lakes. All inhabited with elephants, lions, wildebeast, and flamingoes. Spend the day exploring the World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro crater, home to nearly 25,000 animals. This will give you a real chance to spot the big five; lion, elephant, endangered black rhino, buffalo and leopard plus countless other animals. (BLD) Dinner and Overnight Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge
Day 3 - Departure
Following breakfast you will depart the lodge for the drive back to Arusha. enjoy a hot lunch on route before being dropped off at the airport for your onward journey home.
Day 4 - Land back into the UK
Saying goodbye will not be easy, but the memories you’ve made will stay with you forever.
Important information about the extension
Included:
- Transportation in a 4WD vehicle as specified in the itinerary
- Park fees as specified in the itinerary
- Night 1 - Dinner and Overnight at Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Full Board
- Night 2 - Dinner and Overnight at Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Full Board
- All Airport Transfers
- Safari Guide and Cook services (English Speaking)
- Complimentary Mineral Water (1 Litre bottle per Pax per day)
- All Meals as specified in the itinerary
Excluded:
- Items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, beverages etc
- Tips (Recommended $30 per day)
Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of 4 particpants and ground availability and should be booked as soon as possible. Occasionally, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 10 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex. Single supplements are available.
* Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.
Training
A good level of fitness is definitely required, as this challenge is graded ‘Extreme’, due to the basic facilities, high altitude, long days and rough terrain. Don’t forget the impact of temperature extremes and high altitude; and remember that you will be trekking for a number of days. Anyone who leads an active and healthy lifestyle should find this challenge achievable, however always ensure that you have trained and prepared throughly before the trip departs but the more you train before the challenge, the more you will get out of it.
Training tips for the Kilimanjaro challenge:
- Endurance training should be your primary focus
- Ensure that you get some training walks done in the mountains of the UK to familiarise yourself with walking on rugged terrain
- Try to incorporate ascents into your training as well as long distances
- Carry a full daypack while training, and steadily add more weight
- Join one of our training weekends!
- Visit an altitude centre
- Use the Fitness and Training tips in your account area
Training
A good level of fitness is definitely required, as this challenge is graded ‘Extreme’, due to the basic facilities, high altitude, long days and rough terrain. Don’t forget the impact of temperature extremes and high altitude; and remember that you will be trekking for a number of days. Anyone who leads an active and healthy lifestyle should find this challenge achievable, however always ensure that you have trained and prepared throughly before the trip departs but the more you train before the challenge, the more you will get out of it.
Training tips for the Kilimanjaro challenge:
- Endurance training should be your primary focus
- Ensure that you get some training walks done in the mountains of the UK to familiarise yourself with walking on rugged terrain
- Try to incorporate ascents into your training as well as long distances
- Carry a full daypack while training, and steadily add more weight
- Join one of our training weekends!
- Visit an altitude centre
- Use the Fitness and Training tips in your account area
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Luggage allowance and valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. You will require three types of bag for this trip:
- Daypack - This will be carried by you during the trekking day and will contain your trekking essentials. This bag should be fitted properly and should be 25-35 litres in capacity.
- Duffle bag (or rucksack) - This will be carried by the porter during the trek and will only be accessible at the campsites. It should contain everthing that you require for the trek that you will not be carrying yourself. Please do not bring a bag with hard sides or wheels as porters often carry luggage on their heads. Your duffel bag should be 70-90 litres capacity. The maximum weight each porter will carry is 15kgs and your luggage will be weighed at the gate before commencing the climb. If you have more than 15kg an extra porter will need to be hired and could cost you up to $100.
- Hotel bag - This will be left at the hotel while you are on the mountain. You can leave any non-trekking items in this bag to be collected when you return from your trek. These items are left with the hotel reception but they are left at your own risk. Your passport, money and any valuables should be kept on you at all times.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches.
On your outward journey, please wear your trekking gear, hiking boots, and carry a spare change of clothing in your hand luggage, just in case your duffle bag gets delayed.
Luggage allowance and valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. You will require three types of bag for this trip:
- Daypack - This will be carried by you during the trekking day and will contain your trekking essentials. This bag should be fitted properly and should be 25-35 litres in capacity.
- Duffle bag (or rucksack) - This will be carried by the porter during the trek and will only be accessible at the campsites. It should contain everthing that you require for the trek that you will not be carrying yourself. Please do not bring a bag with hard sides or wheels as porters often carry luggage on their heads. Your duffel bag should be 70-90 litres capacity. The maximum weight each porter will carry is 15kgs and your luggage will be weighed at the gate before commencing the climb. If you have more than 15kg an extra porter will need to be hired and could cost you up to $100.
- Hotel bag - This will be left at the hotel while you are on the mountain. You can leave any non-trekking items in this bag to be collected when you return from your trek. These items are left with the hotel reception but they are left at your own risk. Your passport, money and any valuables should be kept on you at all times.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches.
On your outward journey, please wear your trekking gear, hiking boots, and carry a spare change of clothing in your hand luggage, just in case your duffle bag gets delayed.
Leadership
We employ a number of Red Cross first aid qualified challenge guides, all of whom speak fluent English. When the guides first qualify they gain the Kili National Parks (KINAPA) award in first aid, which is basic but tough. All guides are also trained in incident management and challenge leadership. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. The itinerary is there as a guide and may be forced to change, for example, due to unusual weather patterns or the strength of the group. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary. However, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leader will have the final say.
An expedition medic will also join the group to provide full time support and assistance throughout the trek. The medic will be english speaking and are often UK based.
Leadership
We employ a number of Red Cross first aid qualified challenge guides, all of whom speak fluent English. When the guides first qualify they gain the Kili National Parks (KINAPA) award in first aid, which is basic but tough. All guides are also trained in incident management and challenge leadership. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. The itinerary is there as a guide and may be forced to change, for example, due to unusual weather patterns or the strength of the group. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary. However, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leader will have the final say.
An expedition medic will also join the group to provide full time support and assistance throughout the trek. The medic will be english speaking and are often UK based.
Group Size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 13 people in order to run and a maximum of 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10 to 12 people, by charging a small group supplement of £95, which will be added to your final balance invoice (self funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Group Size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 13 people in order to run and a maximum of 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10 to 12 people, by charging a small group supplement of £95, which will be added to your final balance invoice (self funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Clothing and equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning.
The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you get one fitted in-store and train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts, and a down jacket for the evenings in camp and your summit day/night. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Cycle Surgery and altitude centre.
Clothing and equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning.
The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you get one fitted in-store and train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts, and a down jacket for the evenings in camp and your summit day/night. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Cycle Surgery and altitude centre.
Accommodation & Toilets
Accommodation
You will be camping on the mountain in two person tents, which will be supplied and erected by the ground team. Before and after your climb, you will be staying in more comfortable accommodation at a lodge in Arusha or Marangu. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance. If you do not wish to share a tent/hotel room, please enquire with Charity Challenge regarding the single supplement.
Toilets
In the camps you will have toilet tents set up by your ground team, containing chemical toilets. You can also use the long drops provided by the National Parks agency, which are very basic and not monitored regularly. Your camp team will provide washing bowls of warm water as you arrive at camp at the end of the days trekking. There will also be water and soap available in camp to wash your hand with after using the toilet and before eating.
You should take plenty of toilet paper and wet wipes with you as well as anti-bacterial hand gel. You should also bring something to put used toilet paper in during the trekking day as toilet facilities between campsites will be limited to the great outdoors. Please note, there are no showers whilst you are on the trek.
Accommodation & Toilets
Accommodation
You will be camping on the mountain in two person tents, which will be supplied and erected by the ground team. Before and after your climb, you will be staying in more comfortable accommodation at a lodge in Arusha or Marangu. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance. If you do not wish to share a tent/hotel room, please enquire with Charity Challenge regarding the single supplement.
Toilets
In the camps you will have toilet tents set up by your ground team, containing chemical toilets. You can also use the long drops provided by the National Parks agency, which are very basic and not monitored regularly. Your camp team will provide washing bowls of warm water as you arrive at camp at the end of the days trekking. There will also be water and soap available in camp to wash your hand with after using the toilet and before eating.
You should take plenty of toilet paper and wet wipes with you as well as anti-bacterial hand gel. You should also bring something to put used toilet paper in during the trekking day as toilet facilities between campsites will be limited to the great outdoors. Please note, there are no showers whilst you are on the trek.
Food & Drink
There will be a hot breakfast (eg: porridge, eggs, toast, tea and coffee) to start the day, a cooked lunch on the mountain or at your camp and a filling hot meal in the evening (eg: soup, followed by rice, potato or pasta and sauce, and usually fruit for dessert.) You will need to bring plenty of snacks to keep your energy levels and calorie intake high during the trekking hours, especially on summit night. It is advisable to bring snacks that you really enjoy eating as altitude can affect your appetite.
There will be ample drinking water, as we will be filling up from local water sources. All the water is treated and is safe to drink, but you may wish to also use iodine drops or tablets as well whilst trekking. If you choose to use water straight from the stream or from hotel taps it is best to purify it first. The porters will collect water each morning and evening for drinking and cooking. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
Food & Drink
There will be a hot breakfast (eg: porridge, eggs, toast, tea and coffee) to start the day, a cooked lunch on the mountain or at your camp and a filling hot meal in the evening (eg: soup, followed by rice, potato or pasta and sauce, and usually fruit for dessert.) You will need to bring plenty of snacks to keep your energy levels and calorie intake high during the trekking hours, especially on summit night. It is advisable to bring snacks that you really enjoy eating as altitude can affect your appetite.
There will be ample drinking water, as we will be filling up from local water sources. All the water is treated and is safe to drink, but you may wish to also use iodine drops or tablets as well whilst trekking. If you choose to use water straight from the stream or from hotel taps it is best to purify it first. The porters will collect water each morning and evening for drinking and cooking. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
Money
Currency: The Tanzania shilling is a soft currency and you cannot obtain shillings before leaving the UK. US dollars are accepted in most places and should be used in country. Tanzanian Shillings cannot be exported, therefore should be reconverted against your currency declaration form.
Exchange: The Bank of Tanzania performs all currency transfers; all other offers of currency exchange are illegal. There are also foreign exchange bureaus at the airport and in most towns and cities where you can change cash or travellers’ cheques at the prevailing free market exchange rate. The best currency is the dollar (US). For up to date currency exchange, go to: http://www.xe.com/
Credit cards: Major credit cards are sometimes accepted at larger hotels. Other than that, their use is limited and are not generally accepted in restaurants, shops etc. Bring enough money and do not carry all your cash on you. Cash point machines, which allow the use of Visa & MasterCard etc with a PIN, can be found at the airport and in the main towns (such as Arusha and Marangu), but are rare in smaller towns.
Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip. Somewhere in the region of £250-£300 in US dollars should be sufficient to cover presents, tips, drinks, and so on. Keep in mind that other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We recommend that you carry cash.
Tips: We recommend in the region of $200, and this should be given to the challenge leader on the last day of the trek, who will distribute it among all of the support team. If you do want to give one member of staff an extra tip, please also leave this until the end and allocate this on top of the recommended tipping amount. Make sure you have plenty of smaller dollar bills for tipping drivers and lodge/hotel staff. If you are going on the safari we recommend $25 per person for your guide/driver and then a small amount for lodge staff.
Money
Currency: The Tanzania shilling is a soft currency and you cannot obtain shillings before leaving the UK. US dollars are accepted in most places and should be used in country. Tanzanian Shillings cannot be exported, therefore should be reconverted against your currency declaration form.
Exchange: The Bank of Tanzania performs all currency transfers; all other offers of currency exchange are illegal. There are also foreign exchange bureaus at the airport and in most towns and cities where you can change cash or travellers’ cheques at the prevailing free market exchange rate. The best currency is the dollar (US). For up to date currency exchange, go to: http://www.xe.com/
Credit cards: Major credit cards are sometimes accepted at larger hotels. Other than that, their use is limited and are not generally accepted in restaurants, shops etc. Bring enough money and do not carry all your cash on you. Cash point machines, which allow the use of Visa & MasterCard etc with a PIN, can be found at the airport and in the main towns (such as Arusha and Marangu), but are rare in smaller towns.
Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip. Somewhere in the region of £250-£300 in US dollars should be sufficient to cover presents, tips, drinks, and so on. Keep in mind that other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We recommend that you carry cash.
Tips: We recommend in the region of $200, and this should be given to the challenge leader on the last day of the trek, who will distribute it among all of the support team. If you do want to give one member of staff an extra tip, please also leave this until the end and allocate this on top of the recommended tipping amount. Make sure you have plenty of smaller dollar bills for tipping drivers and lodge/hotel staff. If you are going on the safari we recommend $25 per person for your guide/driver and then a small amount for lodge staff.
Phone and WiFi
There is Wi-Fi at the hotel at the beginning and end, but not on the mountain. Phone signal is available in town, but virtually non-existent on the mountain.
There is no opportunity to recharge any electrical equipment during the trek, but if you want to bring a solar charger these can work well to charge phones. There are charge points in your rooms at the hotel.
Phone and WiFi
There is Wi-Fi at the hotel at the beginning and end, but not on the mountain. Phone signal is available in town, but virtually non-existent on the mountain.
There is no opportunity to recharge any electrical equipment during the trek, but if you want to bring a solar charger these can work well to charge phones. There are charge points in your rooms at the hotel.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.