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The SOS Kilimanjaro Challenge - March 2015

"Good things happen when people do more than they have to"   Hermann Gmeiner, Founder of SOS Children’s Villages

Congratulations on aiming high for SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde - 5,895m high to be precise! By joining the team you are becoming part of an experience that you will never forget and making a lifetime's difference to children served by SOS in Arusha, Tanzania.

SOS Arusha

The 9-day adventure begins on the morning of Thursday 5th March 2015 departing from Luxembourg Airport and flying to Kilimanjaro Airport via Amsterdam. After a night's rest, you will spend the first day visiting the SOS Children's Village and School in Arusha and have an opportunity to see first-hand how big a difference is being made to each child served by the project. Later that evening you will have your final expedition briefing prior to travelling to the mountain the following morning.

Our journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro will take place over the course of 6-days via the Rongai route. From the trek's starting point at 1,950m elevation, you will trek through savannah bushland, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and ice cap before finally arriving at Uhuru Summit at 5,895m. Having achieved the feat of trekking to the 'Roof of Africa' you will descend to Kilimanjaro Park Gate and return to the lodge in Arusha to freshen up and enjoy a celebratory meal before returning later that evening to Kilimanjaro Airport for the return journey home, again via Amsterdam, arriving back into Luxembourg Airport on the morning of Saturday 14th March 2014.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest walkable mountain in the world and therefore requires no technical experience or equipment. It is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The midnight ascent to the summit is the toughest test both physically and mentally but the effect of being at altitude will also play its part throughout. A good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.

 

 

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Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

 


Express Your Interest Watch A Video

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

 

The cost of the trip is €3,200. This includes international flights from and to Luxembourg Airport, transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees and fully supported expedition costs. It does not include transport to and from Luxembourg Airport, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees, travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks. To confirm your place on the Challenge Team, please select ‘Book Your Place’ above and complete the booking form. Upon submitting the completed form, you will be given instructions for paying the non-refundable trip deposit of €600 by bank transfer or cheque. The remaining trip cost balance is due no later than two months in advance of departure.

In addition to trip costs, each member of the team commits to fundraise €3,000 (or more where possible) in sponsorship money to support the projects of SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde in Tanzania. Your commitment to fundraise 80% of this target (or more) by no later than one month prior to departure is a condition of participation. More in Terms & Conditions, article 7.

To download the trip itinerary click here.

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.


Optional Extensions

Some team members may wish to extend their stay and make the most of Tanzania's many wonders and we will happily adapt the itinerary to suit you. We can work with you to book an extension of your choosing - whether it be a safari, time in Zanzibar or both - or we can simply extend the date of your return flight to enable you to make your own arrangements. Either way, upon booking your place simply contact us to indicate your preferences and we will work with you to do the rest.

The most popular extension option is the three-day safari. Should this be of interest, the itinerary below shows the detail of how this would be structured - as well as the price based on three team members taking part and having private rooms throughout:

March 13th: Guided game-drive to Tarangire National Park. Overnight at Migunga Forest Camp consisting of semi-luxury permanent tented accommodation. Includes: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

March 14th: Guided game-drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight at Migunga Forest Camp consisting of semi-luxury permanent tented accommodation. Includes: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

March 15th: Guided game-drive to Lake Manyara. Late afternoon/early evening return to Kilimanjaro Airport to connect onto return flight - which would then arrive back into Luxembourg the following morning, Monday 16th March. Includes: breakfast & lunch.

The cost of the above would be 750€ per person should three or more people want to opt for this option, and based on single supplements throughout. However, we are happy to help facilitate whatever extension you might be interested in - whether it be as we have set out above, an adapted version, or a simple Arusha/Zanzibar extension.

The Challenge Team

Find out more about the challengers or make a donation by clicking on a picture below:

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Date of Trip: March 2015

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SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde



SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde is a Luxembourgish association, which belongs to SOS Children's Villages International, the worldwide federation of SOS Children's Villages associations.

A non-denominational, non-governmental organisation, it is dedicated to helping orphans and other abandoned and destitute children in 134 countries and territories. Over 82,000 young people have found a new home in the 1,171 SOS Children's Villages and the SOS Youth Facilities. Over 160,000 children and young people receive an education through 185 SOS Schools, 227 SOS Kindergartens and 50 SOS Vocational Training Centres. With 119 SOS Social Centres it also helps over 410,000 people – mainly children and their families – through Family Strengthening Programmes providing material, psychological and educational support. 75 SOS Medical Centres are open to help the local populations. Last but not least, SOS operates today 7 emergency programmes in regions where the organisation is active.

In operation for 40 years, SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde has drawn upon the support of Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Directorate of Development Cooperation and the generosity of its many donors, sponsors and friends to undertake concrete projects. These include the construction of SOS Children's Villages, schools, kindergartens, social and medical infrastructures as well as Family Strengthening and emergency aid programmes. The Luxembourg association currently supports 6 SOS Children’s Villages, 23 Family Strengthening Programmes, 5 educational and vocational programmes and 5 emergency relief programmes (Syria, Philippines, Haiti, Liberia) benefiting more than 89,000 beneficiaries.

Furthermore, development education is also one of its strategic pillars – and the organisation is dedicating special attention to raising awareness about development issues and child rights in educational and extra-curricular facilities as well as among the public.

Arusha

In spite of its booming tourism industry and the success of its other industries, many of Arusha’s residents live in a state of poverty. The development of infrastructure has not kept pace with rapid population growth.This has left many families living in slums and facing serious threats to their health and wellbeing. SOS Children is working to support those living in poverty and hardship in Arusha, particularly its children.

 

Children growing up in precarious conditions

Arusha, with its population of more than one million inhabitants, is a city located in northern Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya. It sits among some of Africa’s most famous attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley. It is considered a major international diplomatic hub as well as being the region’s financial and cultural centre.

In spite of Arusha’s prosperity, many of its inhabitants are living in poverty and daily hardship. Children are society’s most vulnerable group, and often take to the streets in order to survive. Older children, aged 15 to 18 years, travel from rural areas in search of employment opportunities to support their families at home.

The city’s infrastructure has not kept up with rapid population growth and living conditions have worsened. The number of families living in slums continues to increase, and overcrowding and a lack of sanitation are a serious threat to the wellbeing of these people.

Strengthening the community for long-term development

SOS Children started work with the children and families of Arusha in 2000. The SOS family strengthening programme is a key focus, and provides parents and children with the resources they need to create a stable family environment, in order to keep the family unit together.

The SOS Social Centre helps to alleviate the hardship faced by many in their daily lives by providing essential social services to around 1,400 children and their carers.

An SOS day care provides education, and three meals a day, for up to 75 children, allowing their parents to work or search for employment knowing their children are in a safe and happy environment. Basic education is provided for children who have never attended school, and the social centre helps keep other children at school by assisting parents with school fees and paying for school uniforms. The SOS Social Centre also provides food packages to struggling families.

Helping families to be healthy

SOS Children works closely with local organisations in Arusha to help parents and carers to improve their situation, gain skills and confidence, and ultimately provide for their families. The SOS Social Centre offers vocational training courses and training to help improve parenting skills, including child health and development, child rights, nutrition and hygiene. SOS Children also helps parents and adult carers by giving micro-credits to enable them to start small businesses of their own.

SOS Children’s Villages has an established medical centre in Arusha, offering healthcare to the local community, voluntary HIV testing and counselling, and free treatment and medication to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The centre is also focused on maternal health and provides gynaecology, counselling and vaccinations to teenage and child mothers in particular. The centre treats nearly 5,000 patients each year.

The Children's Village in Arusha

Fifteen SOS families provide stable homes for up to 150 children who are no longer able to live with their parents. SOS children grow up alongside their SOS brothers and sisters, under the care of an affectionate SOS Mother.

The younger children attend the SOS Nursery School with children from the local area, allowing them to make friendships and integrate with their community from an early age. SOS children complete their primary and secondary education with their peers at SOS schools. Around 500 students attend Arusha’s SOS schools.

When the older children feel ready to move out of the family home, they have the option of moving into shared, semi-independent accommodation. Here, they are supported by the SOS Youth Programme, and assisted by a qualified counsellor as they continue they education or vocational training.

Your questions answered...

Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.

Click a question below to expand the answer.


Who can apply to go?

Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support those in need at the same time as trekking through and up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interested participants over the age of 65 will need to provide a medical form or consent letter signed by a doctor. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult and parental consent provided.

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 Conditions

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.

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.