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What is the full IJM UK Kilimanjaro Challenge itinerary?Day 1: Depart from London Heathrow on a flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a local, high quality hotel in Nairobi.
Day 2: Spend the day visiting and being immersed in IJM's work in Kenya, meeting the team and learning about the work they do to combat police brutality and abuse of power. Later that evening, be provided with a briefing meeting for a final run through of the expedition ahead and a chance to ask any questions about what to expect.
Day 3 – Trek Day 1: 4 miles / 4 hours / 1,950 – 2,600m: An early morning start for a 4-hour drive across the Tanzanian border to the Rongai starting point to begin the trek. After registration, you will be introduced to your guides and porters who will remain with you for the duration of the trek. The trek begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 4 – Trek Day 2: 5.6 miles / 6-7 hours / 2,600 – 3,600m: A morning walk up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450m). The walk is steadily uphill with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. The afternoon route leaves the main trail and heads out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m).
Day 5 – Trek Day 3: 3.7 miles / 4 hours / 3,600 – 4,330m: A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Vegetation is left behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
Day 6 – Trek Day 4: 5.6 miles / 5 hours / 4,330 – 4,700m: You will cross the seemingly never-ending lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo campsite (4,700m), which lies at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. The open landscape affords stunning all-round views and, as you approach Kibo, you will begin to be able to make out the winding summit path that you will take the following day. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent.
Day 7 – Trek Day 5: 3.1 miles ascent + 9.3 miles descent / 12-15 hours / 4,700 – 5,895 – 3,720m: The final and most demanding part of the climb takes place by torchlight departing at 12am on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m) There is a short rest to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi, followed by a three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700m) is surprisingly fast and, after a chance to rest, the descent continues to the final campsite at Horombo (3,720m).
Day 8 – Trek Day 6: 12.5 miles / 5-6 hours / 3,720 – 1,650m: A steady descent through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), which is the first stopping place for those on the Marangu route. The descent continues through lush forest on a path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m), at which point the trek is complete. You will transfer back to hotel in Marangu where the rest of the day is spent resting, recuperating and celebrating.
Day 9: A leisurely start to the day prior to a transfer to Nairobi Airport by road to catch the return flight to London Heathrow. For those who wish, the return home can be delayed in order to travel onto destinations such as Zanzibar or a safari. Such extensions can be arranged upon request and at your own personal cost.
What are your key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018?
- Travellers will receive all essential information about the package before concluding the package travel contract.
- There is always at least one trader who is liable for the proper performance of all the travel services included in the contract.
- Travellers are given an emergency number or details of a contact point where they can get in touch with the organiser or travel agent.
- Travellers may transfer the package to another person, on reasonable notice and possibly subject to additional costs.
- The price of the package may only be increased if specific costs rise (for instance fuel prices), and if expressly provided for in the contract, and in any event not later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase exceeds 8% of the price of the package, the traveller may terminate the contract. If the organiser reserves the right to a price increase, the traveller has a right to a price reduction if there is a decrease in the relevant costs.
- Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee and get a full refund of any payments if any of the essential elements of the package, other than the price, are changed significantly. If before the start of the package the trader responsible for the package cancels the package, travellers are entitled to a refund and compensation where appropriate.
- Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee before the start of the package in the event of exceptional circumstances, for instance if there are serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package.
- Additionally, travellers may at any time before the start of the package terminate the contract in return for an appropriate and justifiable termination fee.
- If, after the start of the package, significant elements of the package cannot be provided as agreed, suitable alternative arrangements will have to be offered to the traveller at no extra cost. Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee, where services are not performed in accordance with the contract and this substantially affects the performance of the package and the organiser fails to remedy the problem.
- Travellers are also entitled to a price reduction or compensation for damages or both where the travel services are not performed or are improperly performed.
- The organiser has to provide assistance if the traveller is in difficulty.
- If the organiser becomes insolvent, payments will be refunded. If the organiser or, where applicable, the retailer becomes insolvent after the start of the package and if transport is included in the package, repatriation of the travellers is secured. RightFoot Adventures Limited has taken out insolvency protection for flight inclusive packages by way of an ATOL (ATOL number 10556) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Please see clause 4 of our Booking Terms and Conditions for further information. Travellers may contact this entity or, where applicable, the competent authority if services are denied because of RightFoot Adventures Limited’s insolvency.
The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.
How fit do I need to be? Could I take part?You absolutely can make it to the summit! Make no mistake about it, reaching Uhuru Peak atop Mount Kilimanjaro is a gruelling and physically demanding challenge that will test all who attempt it. However, it is also truly achievable and, with the right approach, anyone can succeed.
With the exception of the long summit day, each day on the mountain will include between 4-6 hours trekking with the remainder of the day to relax, rest and socialise with the group. The biggest problem faced by those attempting Kilimanjaro is in fact, not lack of physical fitness but some degree of high altitude illness. Almost all participants will experience at least some of the symptoms associated with being at high altitude, but being aware of this in advance and responding appropriately will allow you to minimize its effect – namely, walking slowly and taking plenty of fluids and rest. You will be provided with more information about high altitude illness in your confirmation pack. Those with prior medical problems or concerns should seek advice from a doctor first.
With some advance physical preparation and mental determination you too truly can achieve this magnificent goal.
What about altitude sickness?Altitude sickness is frequently experienced by those travelling to altitudes typically above 2,500m. Almost everyone will experience some form of altitude sickness but the vast majority will only experience the mild and commonly occurring symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia or dizziness.
Our practical experience shows that these milder symptoms can be managed and overcome through three key steps to achieving successful acclimatisation: drink plenty and eat well, walk slowly, and walk high / sleep low. Your guide team are trained to help you achieve just this and to enjoy the amazing experiences being offered.
What kit or equipment will I need?It's important to remember that this is a trek and not a climb and, as a result, no technical equipment or expertise is needed. The most important item you’ll need is a good quality, comfortable, and worn-in pair of walking boots. Beyond that, the clothing you’ll need includes items that most people will likely already have: a down or multi-layered jacket, thermal underwear, shorts/trousers, t-shirts, a fleece, waterproofs, gloves, a sun-hat and beanie. You’ll also need a backpack to carry each day, and a larger bag for the rest of your belongings – which will be carried for you; a sleeping bag; a head-torch and water storage. Every team member will receive a full information pack upon signing up which includes more information on suggested kit for the challenge.
What is included in the total trip cost?Trip costs include international flights, in-country travel, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, expedition costs and permit fees. It does not include, your mandatory insurance cover, transport to and from the airport of origin, visas, vaccinations, tips or other expenses of a personal nature - including drinks.
You will be provided with further information outlining all of the equipment you will need for the challenge. Most notably, this includes a comfortable and worn-in pair of walking boots, appropriate clothing, and a sleeping bag.
How many places are there? What if I don't know anyone else?There are a maximum of 29 places available on each trip and a first-come, first-served policy will determine how spaces are filled. The majority of participants won’t initially know each other but this is an amazing team-building experience and by the end you will have made a number of close new friends – all bonded by the fantastic experience that you have shared. Whilst you may want to sign up with a friend or family member, there really is no problem if you sign up alone. The guide ratio for this trip is very high with one guide for every two challenge participants, so helping to ensure your safety throughout the experience. In the unlikely event that the minimum group size required is not met, participants will be notified no later than 12 weeks prior to departure and refunded in full.
If I've been accepted, what information will I receive?You will receive a comprehensive information pack providing details of the challenge and those for whom fundraising is being undertaken, how to prepare - including training, fundraising and what to take, and the itinerary with additional details about what to expect on the trip. In addition, you will be able to contact a dedicated trip manager to discuss details of the trip and your preparations, and to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns that you might have.
What food and accommodation will be provided, and how much do I have to carry?On the challenge itself you will stay in huts or tents at each day's designated camp – on a shared basis. Before and after the challenge you will be accommodated in a local hotel – sharing an en-suite room with one other person. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout.
You will only need to take the clothing and equipment that you need on the trek itself as you will have an opportunity to leave other un-required items securely at the hotel whilst you’re away. During the trek, you will only carry a daypack yourself containing the items that you feel you will need between the day’s camps. Your remaining possessions will be carried by the expert guide team on your behalf.
Terms and ConditionsRightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.
Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.
Who is organising the trip?RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.
Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.