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Find answers to common questions about the 2013 Kilimanjaro Hiking Challenge.
The trek will take place from 12-22 September 2013.
The trips in 2012 are now full. If you're taking part in the 2012 trips, please visit the 2012 common questions page|.
Simply pay a £550* registration fee and return this with a completed application form|. The registration fee is non-refundable but can be transferred to a later trip within two years of the date of departure.
You will then need to raise a minimum of £4,450, of which £1,700 must be received by Macmillan Cancer Support four months prior to departure. The remainder must be with us within one month of the event taking place.
*The registration fee can be paid in full or in two instalments of £275 (full details on application form).
Your registration fee of £550, plus the first £1700 of sponsorship, will be paid by Macmillan on your behalf to our tour operator, Discover Adventure, for the costs of your participation.
At least 62% of the £4,450 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £4,450, 100% of the surplus will benefit the charity.
Macmillan is proud to have one of the best cost:income ratios in the sector, meaning more of your hard earned sponsorship is spent on our vital services and not on trip costs.
We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to reach your target. You will also have the support of the Challenge Team and our extensive network of Macmillan fundraisers throughout the UK.
However, if you do not manage to raise £1,700 four months prior to departure you will have the choice of making up the shortfall yourself or transferring to a later challenge, and thereby giving yourself longer to fundraise.
This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply.
The group will be made up of around 30 people, both men and women, from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, although you must be 18 or over to take part. Whilst some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the group quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.
On the trek, porters carry the group's main luggage, food, water and camping equipment. However, each participant will carry a day pack with personal items needed during the day: water, sunscreen, camera, waterproofs etc. Trekking time varies from 5-14 hours per day and the terrain is varied and rough underfoot, through overgrown forest paths, moorland, rocky trail and scree.
The terrain and weather conditions demand appropriate kit. It will be well below freezing at the summit. This is a very challenging trek due to the altitude factor. Participants should be fit and enjoy good health, however it is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude and how it will affect them. The Machamé route we will be taking allows better acclimatisation than other routes. However, we must emphasise that some trekkers will not reach the summit as a result of altitude sickness.
While hiking on the trail we will be camping in two-man tents, staying at basic campsites with few facilities.
Temperature: September 16-31° C. Average level of rainfall per month: 10-20mm.
Although warm by day and hot on the valley floor, altitude dramatically affects temperatures and it will be below freezing at night.
This challenge is particularly tough and is not suitable for anyone who does not already walk or participate in active sport on a regular basis. You will need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months, but we will provide you with a full training programme and arrange a training weekend at least four months prior to the trip.
Throughout the trek we will be accompanied by porters who will carry all our equipment and supplies. You will carry a day pack to hold any equipment you might need during the day.
Everyone on the challenge is required to complete a medical form that must be signed by your GP. Medical forms will be provided in your fundraising packs and individual surgeries may charge for this service. As much of the trip is at altitude it is not suitable for anyone with chronic respiratory or cardio vascular disease.
A valid 10-year passport with at least one year to run is essential.
Entry into Tanzania requires a visa for UK citizens at a cost of approximately £38. Details of how to obtain a visa will be provided nearer the date of the trip. We recommend you consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.
One of the key determining criteria Macmillan looks for when selecting a tour operator to organise our events is a demonstrable appreciation of environmental concerns. Our tour operator Discover Adventure has links with 'Climate Care', a service that enables participants to neutralise the carbon emissions caused by taking long-haul flights.
For full details of how to offset your carbon emissions visit the Discover Adventure website.|
If you have any more questions, please contact us by calling 020 7840 7887 or emailing hiking@macmillan.org.uk|
Email hiking@macmillan.org.uk| Call 020 7840 7887 Fax 020 7840 4717 Write to Team Macmillan, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ