When does the trip take place?
What do I have to do to take part?
What sort of person takes part?
Where will we stay whilst hiking?
Do I have to carry my own kit?
Am I fit enough?
Do I have to meet any medical requirements?
How does Macmillan benefit?
What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship?
What will the weather be like?
What is included?
What is not included?
What else do I need?
What is the hiking like?
Who organises the trip?
Can I offset my carbon footprint?
When does the trip take place?
The trip will take place from 20 February - 2 March 2009.
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What do I have to do to take part?
Simply pay a £350 registration fee and return this with a completed application form.
You will then need to raise a minimum of £3,700, of which £2,500 must be received by Macmillan Cancer Support two months prior to departure. The outstanding amount must be with us within two months of the event taking place.
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What sort of person takes part?
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.
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Where will we stay whilst hiking?
Whilst hiking on the trail we will be camping in two man tents, staying at basic campsites with few facilities.
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Do I have to carry my own kit?
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.
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Am I fit enough?
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.
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Do I have to meet any medical requirements?
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.
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How does Macmillan benefit?
At least 65% of the £3,700 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £3,700 the entire surplus will benefit the charity.
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What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship?
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 £2,500 two 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.
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What will the weather be like?
Temperature: Jan/Feb 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.
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What is included?
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return flight: London - Kilimanjaro International - London
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accommodation: six days rough camping, three nights in hotel
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park entry fees
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all food other than three meals
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all camping equipment other than a sleeping bag and sleeping mat
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full support with local guides, porters, cooks, Discover Adventure
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leaders and doctors
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Macmillan Cancer Support representative.
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What is not included?
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insurance: our tour operator, Discover Adventure, offers insurance specifically created to cover you for the activity you will be undertaking
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celebration meal on the final night, plus one other meal
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international departure tax
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an obligatory tip of $90-$100 US for the local guides and porters
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we also recommend around £120 for personal expenses.
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What else do I need?
A valid ten-year passport with at least one year to run is essential. Entry into Tanzania requires a visa for UK citizens at a cost of £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.
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What is the hiking like?
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 Machame 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.
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Who organises the trip?
This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply.
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Can I offset my carbon footprint?
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.
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If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7887 or email us at hiking@macmillan.org.uk