SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
School Expeditions with Adventure Alternative
Š2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
CONTENTS
1) INTRODUCTIONS a) Adventure Alternative & Moving Mountains b) Best Practice c) Safety d) Legal & Financial e) General Trip Format f) Supervision g) Millennium Development Goals 2) TRIP INFORMATION SUMMARIES a) AfriCamp b) HimalayaCamp c) BorneoCamp 3) STAFF INFORMATION a) Staff in Kenya b) Staff in Nepal c) Staff in Borneo 4) TESTIMONIALS ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS BELOW ARE AVAILABLE IN THE DIGITAL VERSION – SEE USB CARD 5) SELECTED POLICIES & APPLICATION FORM EXAMPLES a) Participant Code of Conduct b) Participant Application Form c) Participant Medical Form d) Participant Selection Criteria e) Volunteer Responsibilities f) Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy g) Supervision & Staffing Guidelines for participants 6) PAYMENTS & BOOKINGS a) Terms & Definitions b) Venture Stakeholder Diagram c) How Payments Work d) Booking Terms & Conditions e) Expedition Legalities 7) SELECTED HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION a) General Health and Safety Policy Statement b) General Risk Analysis & Management System c) Explanation and List of Risk Assessments available d) Crisis Management Plan, Summary 8) SUSTAINABLE & RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 9) LIST OF TRAVEL INFORMATION SHEETS AVAILABLE
©2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
1) INTRODUCTIONS a) Adventure Alternative & Moving Mountains Adventure Alternative is an adventure travel company founded in 1991 by mountaineer and adventurer Gavin Bate. Prior to officially setting up the company, Gavin had spent many years travelling and organising expeditions for himself, friends, groups and organisations including the Scout movement. He had also worked in many developing countries both as a volunteer and as a paid employee of aid agencies and schools. These experiences fed into a wish to continue to make a living from this type of work but also to establish an organisation that benefitted not only the traveller themselves and the organising company but also the people and communities in the host countries. This is the philosophy on which the company has run ever since. Adventure Alternative has now grown from its original roots and branched out into providing many types of trips in many locations around the world. In order to continue to follow the founding philosophy of the company we have established in-country offices and permanent salaried staff in Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal and Borneo as well as the UK office in Northern Ireland.
One of our core trip types, and one that gives us the most satisfaction to run, are those that see groups of young people travel out to communities abroad and live and interact with them. The format of these expeditions has grown and developed over a period of more than twenty years. The concept throughout has been of maximising the positive effects of the programme, not only on the visiting participants but also on the host communities. Inevitably this twoway relationship makes for a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. The host communities welcome us back year after year and the atmosphere that this creates is as important as the activities themselves. Integral to every trip is the link with the International Development NGO and Charity, Moving Mountains. Moving Mountains was set up alongside Adventure Alternative, both by Adventure Alternative Director Gavin Bate. As a commercial organisation, Adventure Alternative supports and underwrites the activities of the NGO and also provides and/or funds all of the administration for the charity.
In this way the overheads of the charity are kept to an absolute minimum, meaning that fundraising and donations go directly to the beneficiaries. The integration of the staff and facilities of the two organisations means that there is a single team pulling in the same direction. Through these initiatives we are able to raise funds for the development work in a manner that goes beyond simple donation. We are able to offer something in return, including the opportunity to see the communities, culture and people who are benefiting from the development. This is not offered as a diversion from the trip, it is an essential part of the whole philosophy. The development goals of the NGO are drawn up and appraised by the trustees in partnership with the host community committees. The strategies are planned on a long-term basis with each group and phase building upon the achievements of the last. This is essential in creating schemes that are sustainable and efficient in the long term. An overarching theme will be that what you are doing and experiencing is part of an ongoing process rather than an isolated "flash in the pan" event. For example we do not want a rural African village to be awash with smiling faces, helping hands and revenue for a week and then to be deserted again for the rest of the year. Equally, we do not want you to have an experience of a lifetime and then to return to your previous life unchanged and without building upon those experiences. You will see that your visit is an important cog which is keeping a larger machine running. Š2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
b) Best Practice We fully support the principles and manifesto upheld by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC). We have seen time and again the huge benefits that can be achieved from the experiences on our trips. We also recognise our role in working with and aiding the teaching staff team to try to maximise the positive outcomes of the trip and tailoring our programmes to any specific learning outcomes, needs or aspirations of any given group. This includes the provision of pre-trip information, briefings, guidance, support and resources for participants, teachers and parents. We can work with teaching teams to help contribute to ‘priming’ activities which help to prepare the group for the trip and in so-doing maximise what is gained from the time spent away. This can be further enhanced with activities promoting reflection and consolidation upon the group’s return.
As an extension of the guiding frameworks we have drawn on best practice from the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), Young Explorers’ Trust (YET), the Expedition Providers’ Association (EPA), Fair Trade Volunteering (FTV), Sustainable Travel International (STI), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Tourism Concern and many more.
Each of these sources has its own, though overlapping, bodies of knowledge and experience to offer. The net result is that we are able to offer a final package with genuine integrity of philosophy, purpose, planning and execution.
In recognition of our work we have, in recent years, won the Responsible Tourism Award, Best personal Contribution and also the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Roger Diski Community Project Award for Sustainable Travel.
©2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
c) Safety We take the safety of all our groups extremely seriously, it is our number one priority and in all circumstances it will take precedence over any other objective or factor. We undertake a comprehensive evaluation of risks, contingencies and emergency management prior to the trip, this is monitored throughout the venture and we have the capacity to modify or substitute any of the activities at any point during the programme, if required.
We adhere to the principles and standards promoted by the Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities, outside the United Kingdom; BS8848 and as such we have structured much of our document system in a similar format. The structure of our organisation means that we are able to maintain close control on all of the activities and resources throughout the course of the venture. Our resources include our own in-country offices and equipment and, in Kenya, our own vehicles and drivers.
We have a wide network of contacts throughout the countries in which we operate, the information and advice that they provide is invaluable in our ongoing evaluations. This is supplemented by automatic notifications from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to our UK office. We are part of the FCO Know Before You Go Campaign and recommend that groups or individuals register with the FCO Locate system prior to travel.
We operate a company account with InterHealth which gives our clients access to pre-trip medical advice and also gives our leaders and staff access to a 24hr emergency helpline for medical advice and first aid support.
We make advance contact with rescue and medical providers in the areas of operation, for example we have a registered account with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) which would ensure prompt air evacuation with the Flying Doctors in Kenya and Northern Tanzania.
Š2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
d) Legal & Financial Adventure Alternative carries relevant Insurance policies to cover Employers’ Liability, Public Liability, Professional Indemnity and Emergency Assistance. We do not currently provide personal travel insurance for participants but do provide guidance on the policy requirements and can direct clients to a number of suitable providers.
Adventure Alternative is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), which is an organisation of nearly 150 specialist travel companies that uphold principles of sustainable tourism, as well as promoting expertise, quality and personal service in all their products.
All AITO members are required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK Government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis.
Adventure Alternative has secured financial bonding with AmTrust Europe and complies with all the legal requirements for tour companies. Please note that as we do not currently sell flights it is not appropriate or necessary to be Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) bonded.
To ensure the security of your personal information, Adventure Alternative adheres to the Data Protection Act 1998 and is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). Our Registration Number is: Z2125893
In each trip description we provide a breakdown of what is included in the trip fee and what the likely additional costs are. There are contingency funds with the leader on the ground, the in-country office and the UK office so that any unforeseen or emergency expenditure can be easily catered for. We have a number of company policy documents including safety, child protection, cancellation and various other relevant issues. Copies of most of these are included on the enclosed USB data stick and copies can be forwarded directly by email or post upon request.
Š2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
e) General Trip Format The trip is an extremely varied schedule and we do manage to fit a very wide range of experiences into the programme. However, we do not make it so packed that we are rushing around or have to cut any experiences short. The first phase of the programme is particularly driven by the volunteering activities on a work project identified by our partner development velopment NGO, Moving Mountains. Mountains. The work on the project goes on in parallel, el, and integrated with, the concept of a ‘summer camp’ where the visiting students camp with children from the host community. The groups live and work together and along the way they inevitably share their skills, experiences, thoughts and feelings without ut it being artificially structured or forced. In a short time the bonds that are built can be incredibly strong and for many this will be the unexpected highlight of the trip. The students will go on to participate in an ‘expedition’ element of the trip. tri The exact nature of this varies slightly depending on the host country but the concept is one of a multi-day day trek where the students travel on foot whilst carrying their own equipment and food. There will be a defined objective and along the way they camp ca and cook their own meals in a tent-group tent of three. In Kenya the expedition is usually a climb to Point Lenana on Mount Kenya. This part of the trip involves a controlled degree of physical exertion and explores the student’s sense of adventure and self sufficiency under moderately demanding circumstances. It can be interesting and surprising to see which individuals come into their own on this phase of the trip. After the exertions of the expedition, the next stage is usually a ‘reward’ of more adventure but of a less strenuous nature. This would usually be orientated around viewing wildlife and natural landscapes. For example in Kenya this would typically be a safari and a few days spent on the Indian Ocean coast. This is a good way to round off and consolidate the trip and we encourage the students to reflect on their new experiences through informal group activities and sessions. sessions
©2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
f) Supervision One of the things that we pride ourselves on is our ability to deliver an expedition programme where the group are under the charge of our own staff throughout. We do not outsource our ground-operations to a third party. From the moment the group arrives to the moment they leave they will be supervised by Adventure Alternative staff. This is surprisingly rare in the industry but it allows us a degree of control in terms of planning, execution and safety that is second to none. We have our own in-country staff who are not only experienced in leading expeditions but also have invaluable experience and knowledge of the host country and culture. This knowledge feeds into the planning and logistics on the one hand, and on the other it allows the participants a great source of knowledge regarding the country and a direct window into the lives of their hosts. A typical group would be supervised on an overall ratio of 8 participants to 1 member of Adventure Alternative staff on general activities. When undertaking more onerous activities such as the ‘Expedition’ element, the ratio would usually increase to 1:5. Each group would normally have at least one UK leader along with the in-country leader team. In addition to these base Participant : Adventure Alternative Leader ratios there would typically be pastoral care in the form of teachers or parents from the school organisation at a ratio of around 1 for every 10 participants. We have found that this can be invaluable in terms of familiarity between the participant and teacher/parent. This works both ways in the evaluation and resolution of any issues that arise. We can agree and arrange meetings between representatives of the school and our UK leaders. This would sometimes include weekend activity and training weekends where the prospective participants can meet leaders and ask any questions that they may have. We actively encourage inclusive travel and are experienced in the provision of measures that may be required to allow participants with additional needs to travel with the group. In some instances the programme and/or staffing levels may need to be adjusted to suit specific needs. We are happy to evaluate these requirements on a venture-specific basis at no additional cost. No participant will be excluded on any grounds other than upon mutual agreement between the school and Adventure Alternative that the safety of the participant or group would be compromised. In addition to our dedicated Leader team, there will many other Adventure Alternative support staff around. These would typically include a number of cooking staff, drivers, driver’s mate and also junior and apprentice staff members. At any time you can be assured that we have ample staff available on hand for any situation that may present its self. As well as the staff present on the trip there are also staff manning each of the in-country offices and the UK office. These provide a strong support base for the leaders in the field and also draw on further resources provided by specialist consultants such as a 24hr medical advice helpline and Foreign Office advice notifications.
©2012 Adventure Alternative
SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
g, Millennium Development Goals Adventure Alternative and Moving Mountains support the United Nations, Millennium Development Goals. Our focussed financing and partnerships for development have
resulted in achievements in our efforts to combat extreme poverty and facilitate social development. The interactions created by the school trips have specific aims in mind, to educate young people about different areas of ‘aid’ which we tackle in three different environments. Africamp – Material poverty, Social welfare, Street children, Equality
The AfriCamp trip to Kenya attracts 16 year olds in groups of around 25, for whom we provide a large support network of UK and Kenyan staff, both company and charity. The students tackle the moral issues of material poverty and aid in Africa, taking part in traditional charity projects like renovations, and they interact with many young people of their own age during our highly popular annual summer camps. The purpose is to encourage young people to realise the reality and value of equality and human rights, and the essential equality of people despite their different backgrounds. They will be supervised by our social workers, community health workers and youth leaders. This is a very social experience, highly beneficial to the young Kenyans who gain self-esteem and aspire to do well in school. Himalayacamp – Mountain community infrastructure, Deforestation, Modernisation
HimalayaCamp is a slightly shorter trip for a smaller, older group of people (17-20 generally) which looks into the infrastructural problems facing communities in the Himalayas, environmental issues due to deforestation, and seeing the community projects we run high in the mountains. The trip visits several villages where we have worked for well over ten years and built up a large number of projects from hydro power and schools to monasteries and health clinics. The group experience a Sherpa culture in danger from deforestation and modernisation, and see for themselves the difficulty of creating trade and developing a progressive education in a remote environment, while at the same time protecting traditional mores. The trip is part of our intention to bring controlled tourism to the area and introduce external money, which has been so successful that in the last five years there has been a significant improvement in the demographic of the whole region. Borneocamp – Logging, Deforestation, Protection of Indigenous tribal rights
BorneoCamp is the hardest of the three trips, and specifically looks at the environmental problems facing indigenous tribes in Sarawak where we plant around 15,000 trees every year. The groups are older again (18-24) and smaller in number, and the trip itself is physically more demanding. This is a trip which we control strictly because of the impact of westernisation on these original jungle dwellers. Apart from seeing for themselves the destruction of the rainforest due to indiscriminate logging, the groups live with the villagers under expert supervision from our staff, collect seeds and visit reforestation sites. They also attempt to record some of the unique knowledge held by the Penan people, and encourage them to realise the value of their own environment. Following on from the Camp Trips are our AlternativeGap Trips. The trips are ten weeks in length and allow young
people from 18-24 to spend considerably more time interacting with our NGO staff in both Kenya and Nepal, generally in groups of 10 or more. For adults we have a number of International Development trips, each of two weeks, which allow people to experience charity work, and our sabbaticals are specifically for professionals looking for a minimum of six months work in-country. ©2012 Adventure Alternative
EXPEDITION DETAILS SUMMARY
Trip Name
AfriCamp
Country
Locations Activities (approx duration)
Nairobi, Mt Kenya NP, Samburu/Nakuru/Naivasha NR, Mombasa
Kenya
Volunteering- Building Work, Kids’ Summer Camp (9 days) Expedition- Climb Mt Kenya (5 days) Adventure- Safari (3 days) Coast- Snorkelling, Watersports, Camel Rides (5 days) Nairobi tour & Days spent partly travelling (6 days)
Duration
4 weeks
Challenge
Volunteering- Moderate; Some low level manual labour, Games with kids. Expedition- Moderate to Difficult physical challenge, Most will experience mild effects of
Objectives
Accommodation
Transport
Leader : Student Ratio
Dates
June – August
altitude, fully supported and monitored. Cultural Exposure- Difficult; Some situations will involve exposure to others in extreme poverty & deprivation. Adventure Travel / Safari- Easy to Moderate; Some hot and dusty conditions, a couple of long days in a vehicle. Personal social development, Personal cultural exposure, Personal exposure to physical challenge, Increased self-reliance & Confidence, Develop self-motivation, Improved group social interaction, Improved teamwork & Problem-solving, Improved communication & interaction skills Exposure to personal and group achievement, Experience of vastly different physical terrain, flora & fauna.
Camping; Generally Large 4-man Safari Tents, 3-man Mountain Dome Tents on Mt Kenya Adventure Alternative Overland Truck, Chartered Private Coach
Food
1 : 8 Generally 1 : 5 Expedition
Teacher : Student Ratio
Including 1 UK Leader
Basic Cost
£ 1,795
Includes
AA UK Logistics & Backup AA Kenya Logistics & Staffing Medical Back-up All internal transport travel All meals and accommodation All National Park fees Mt Kenya peak Permit All activities in the itinerary
Excludes (estimat ed cost)
At Volunteer Camp; mainly simple Kenyan dishes prepared freshly by participants alongside Kenyan students. On Safari food prepared by Adventure Alternative staff at camp location. On expedition; students plan and prepare own meals under supervision Suggested 1 : 10
Return flight to Nairobi (~ £600) Travel Insurance (~ £35) Travel vaccinations and anti-malaria tablets ( ~ £180)
Fundraising total for Moving Mountains Trust, either:£500 per person or An annual amount agreed with school or sending group organisation for adopting the charity for a year. Possible Itinerary Changes: Please note that the above information is given in good faith but the nature of adventure travel is such that amendments to the programme may be required at short notice due to factors beyond the control of Adventure Alternative. In this situation we will seek to undertake equivalent activities in an alternative location and ensure that the overall objectives and nature of the trip are maintained. Please see our standard terms and conditions for information relating to cancellation.
©2012 Adventure Alternative
EXPEDITION DETAILS SUMMARY
Trip Name
HimalayaCamp
Country
Locations
Kathmandu, Khumbu Valley: Dolakha District, Juving District, Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park
Activities (approx duration)
Volunteering- Renovation Work, School Camp, Sports Programme, Homestay (5 days) Expedition- Trek; Jiri to Bumburi. (6 days) Bupsa to Namche Bazaar to Lukla (4 days) Culture- Namche Bazaar, Sherpa capital, Sherpa communities (2 days), Sightseeing in Kathmandu City & Valley, Ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur (3 days) Adventure- Rafting, Elephant-back jungle walk, exploring Chitwan (4 days) Rest days and road travel days- (3 days)
Duration
4 weeks
Challenge
Volunteering- Moderate; Some low level manual labour, Games with kids. Expedition- Moderate to Difficult physical challenge, Most will experience mild effects of
Dates
Nepal
September – November
altitude, fully supported and monitored.
Objectives
Accommodation
Transport Leader : Student Ratio Basic Cost
Cultural Exposure- Easy to Moderate; There may be some exposure to poverty but generally very different & extremely interesting cultural experiences. Adventure Travel / Unwinding- Easy to Moderate; Generally the activities are not at all strenuous. It can be hot with intense sunlight. Personal social development, Personal cultural exposure, Personal exposure to physical challenge, Increased self-reliance & Confidence, Develop self-motivation, Improved group social interaction, Improved teamwork & Problem-solving, Improved communication & interaction skills Exposure to personal and group achievement, Experience of vastly different physical terrain, flora & fauna. Tea Houses; Simple but clean and comfy buildings. Communal eating area. Some have showers, mostly bowl-washing. Usually with inside ‘squat’ type toilets. Camping; Generally 2-man DomeTents. Adventure Alternative Overland Truck, Chartered Private Coach 1 : 8 Generally Including 1 UK Leader
Food
Teacher : Student Ratio
At Volunteering Stage; mainly simple Nepali dishes such as rice, stew, curry, vegetables etc, prepared freshly by tea house owners and our own staff. On the trail we will eat at tea houses. They have a large range of local foods and their own interpretation of western dishes. Suggested 1 : 10
£ 1,695
Return flight to Nairobi (~ £750) Travel Insurance (~ £50) Travel vaccinations ( ~ £25) Fundraising total for Moving Mountains Trust, either:£500 per person or An annual amount agreed with school or sending group organisation for adopting the charity for a year. Possible Itinerary Changes: Please note that the above information is given in good faith but the nature of adventure travel is such that amendments to the programme may be required at short notice due to factors beyond the control of Adventure Alternative. In this situation we will seek to undertake equivalent activities in an alternative location and ensure that the overall objectives and nature of the trip are maintained. Please see our standard terms and conditions for information relating to cancellation.
Includes
AA UK Logistics & Backup AA Nepal Logistics & Staffing Medical Back-up All internal road travel Internal mountain flight (Lukla) All meals and accommodation All National Park fees Trekking TIMs card All activities in the itinerary
Excludes (estimated cost)
©2012 Adventure Alternative
EXPEDITION DETAILS SUMMARY
Trip Name
BorneoCamp
Country
Locations
Sabah and Sarawak; Mt Kinabalu, Kinabatangan River, Penan Peace Park, Lupa Masa Jungle Camp, Miri
Activities (approx duration)
Volunteering- Tree planting and village stay (6 days) Expedition- Climb Mt Kinabalu (3 days) Culture- Jungle survival course, travel to and from Penan area (4 days) Adventure- Sabah River journey, Lupa Masa jungle camp (4 days) Coast- Rafting, island snorkelling, sightseeing/wildlife (4 days) Rest days and travel days- (6 days)
Duration
4 weeks
Challenge
Volunteering- Moderate; Seed collecting in jungle, Transplanting saplings, Working on tree nursery, Living in the jungle in hammocks, High heat and humidity
Dates
Malaysia
July - September
Expedition- Moderate physical challenge, Easy path with steps, although steep, plenty of facilities. Highly supported, Summit not precipitous or exposed Cultural Exposure- Moderate to Difficult; Highly fragile environment with non-English speaking Penan tribe, jungle communities on the rivers, but cities are westernised.
Adventure Travel- Easy to Moderate; Non-technical, great fun, but hot and humid, danger of sun-related illnesses,
Objectives
Accommodation
Transport
Personal social development, Personal cultural exposure, Personal exposure to physical challenge, Increased self-reliance & Confidence, Develop self-motivation, Improved group social interaction, Improved teamwork & Problem-solving, Improved communication & interaction skills Exposure to personal and group achievement, Experience of vastly different physical terrain, flora & fauna, Firsthand experience of NGO’s work in Developmental Aid, Promote interest in Ecological protection, Awareness of universal human rights, Westernisation, Consumerism and Global Community ethics. Eco Lodge; Simple raised pondoks with Mostly vegetarian, organic food, jungle Food mosquito nets, washing and cooking plants, occasionally meat, lots of fruit, facilities, or dormitories in modern lodges. coconut and in the towns a Basic outside ‘squat’ type toilets. combination of Chinese, Malay and Homestays; village longhouses western food. Water needs treating. Jungle camping; Generally in suspended hammocks with mosquito net and waterproof canopy. 4-wheel drive, Longboat canoe, Small Turboprop plane
Leader : Student Ratio
1 : 8 Generally
Basic Cost
£ 1,895
Including local AA leader and several village guides.
Teacher : Student Ratio
Suggested 1 : 10
AA UK Logistics & Backup Return flight to Kota Kinabalu (~ £750) Excludes AA Borneo Logistics & Staffing (estimated Travel Insurance (~ £50) Medical Back-up Travel vaccinations ( ~ £25) cost) All internal road & river transport Fundraising total for Moving Mountains Internal flight Trust, either:- £500 per person or All meals and accommodation An annual amount agreed with school All National Park fees or sending group organisation. All activities in the itinerary Possible Itinerary Changes: Please note that the above information is given in good faith but the nature of adventure travel is such that amendments to the programme may be required at short notice due to factors beyond the control of Adventure Alternative. In this situation we will seek to undertake equivalent activities in an alternative location and ensure that the overall objectives and nature of the trip are maintained. Please see our standard terms and conditions for information relating to cancellation.
Includes
©2012 Adventure Alternative
ADVENTURE ALTERNATIVE STAFF IN KENYA
We have a fantastic team of our own Adventure Alternative staff out in Kenya. Operations are centred on our main office and guesthouse in Nairobi but we have a network across the country with a small office and guesthouse in Embu, Eastern Province, and also a guesthouse in Ulamba in Western Kenya. We also have many contacts with projects, schools, clinics, businesses and individuals all over the country. Heading up our operations is Kelly Kioko, Director of Adventure Alternative Kenya. Gavin, Director of Adventure Alternative UK, met Kelly when he was a young street kid in Nairobi. That was over ten years ago, and in that time Kelly was sponsored through school, first by Gavin personally then through the Moving Mountains Trust. Kelly was then mentored as a member of the Adventure Alternative staff, right through to now having staff of his own to look after. Kelly is married with a son and lives in Nairobi. Another well established member of the Adventure Alternative Kenya team is Rosie Gathirimu. Rosie is another beneficiary of Moving Mountains and has grown and flourished, first as a sponsored student living in the Kibera slums of Nairobi then on through higher education and then training with Adventure Alternative. She has an energy and positivity that is infectious and inspiring. Her enthusiasm is quickly transferred to those around her. Rosie has a daughter and son and lives with her husband Halad in Nairobi.
Eva Muronji carries out important managing and planning work in the Nairobi office as well as leading expeditions and safaris. Eva is also a very accomplished expedition cook with diplomas in Food Production, Tour Operations, Tour Guiding and Administration. Eva is a very warm and sensitive leader, well attuned to the mood of the group. Eva has two children and lives in Nairobi. Jackton Otieno, better known as ‘OT’ manages Adventure Alternative’s fleet of vehicles in Kenya and is also our head overland driver. Aside from a super-human ability to drive through sand and mud, OT is a constant source of positivity and humour. His giggle is enough to bring a smile to the whole groups’ faces. OT’s honesty, integrity and hard work have made him an irreplaceable part of the Adventure Alternative family for over fifteen years.
Francis Kioni has earned a reputation as Adventure Alternative’s ‘wise man’ in Kenya. This reputation is well earned, Kioni takes charge of planning, organising and managing all of the International Development construction projects as well as leading groups and climbing Mount Kenya. He has proved himself time and again in delivering sound advice and expert logistical work all over Kenya. Kioni has lived in Kibera in Nairobi and now lives close to the slopes of Mt Kenya in Naro Moru. We have many other important and experienced staff in Kenya, please see our relevant website pages for more. ©2012 Adventure Alternative
ADVENTURE ALTERNATIVE STAFF IN NEPAL
Adventure Alternative has its own offices and guesthouse in Kathmandu. The office is run by full-time, salaried staff and the guesthouse is part of the same building. This base gives us the resources and flexibility to provide a very well supported network of ventures in the country. Almost all our Nepali staff grew up in the mountain villages with some later moving to Kathmandu. This means that they have a natural and instinctive link with the areas that our treks and climbs operate in whilst also having the knowledge and experience of the cities and towns. We also have strong relationships with the rural communities and provide much needed part-time work for a huge number of their inhabitants. We have built up a mutual trust with many villages from which we repeatedly hire porters and stay in the tea houses. One re-occurring theme with our previous clients has been they came out looking forward to seeing the mountains and came home missing the people. The director of Adventure Alternative Nepal is Pasang Tendi Sherpa. As well as running the Nepal company, Pasang is an experienced mountaineer and trekking leader. Pasang has climbed Mount Everest many times and has also climbed in the Andes and Alaska. Originally from Kari Khola in the Khumbu region south of Mount Everest, Pasang is an influential and well respected figure in the mountain communities. He now lives in Kathmandu with his wife and two children.
Managing our guesthouse in Kathmandu is Sarasoti Sherpa. Sarasoti is married to Pasang and together they live in part of the guesthouse with their two children. Sarasoti does an excellent job of making clients feel at home in Kathmandu, including making fantastic curries. This is all extremely welcome when you have endured a long flight to Nepal.
Our most experienced trekking guide in Nepal is Ang Chiring Sherpa. Chiring now lives in Kathmandu but is originally from the Kari Khola area of the Kumbu Valley. He still owns a house and a small piece of farmland in upper Kari Khola and has many friends and family all over the Khumbu. Chiring grew up in the area in a time before mainstream tourism had reached it. He is able to provide a unique picture of the changes and development of the area over a period of more than 50 years. He has a very deep knowledge and understanding of Nepali culture, history and the land. With very good spoken English he is also able to share this knowledge very effectively. Another of our very experienced trekking guides is Nima Wongdi Sherpa. Wongdi has worked in the Nepali expedition industry for a very long time and has travelled all over the country in the process. As an example, he has made the trip to Mount Kailas more than 65 times and worked as a porter and cook on Mount Everest. He excels at expedition logistics and planning and is seemingly able to create fine cuisine at any altitude and in any environment.
A younger member of our team is Lopsang Sherpa. Lopsang’s abilities allowed him to rise up to the respected ranks of Climbing Sherpa at an early age. Now in his late twenties, he has already climbed Mount Everest 5 times in addition to leading other treks and climbs around the country. His kind and caring demeanour is typical of Nepali culture and we look forward to nurturing his talents into the future. We have many other wonderful full and part-time staff in Nepal with further information available on our website. Š2012 Adventure Alternative
ADVENTURE ALTERNATIVE STAFF IN BORNEO
Adventure Alternative has its own offices in the town of Kuching in the western Sarawak area of Malaysian Borneo. We are also an investor in the Lupa Masa Eco-Camp in the Sabah region at the North Eastern corner of Malaysian Borneo. From these two bases we are able to plan and coordinate a wide range of expeditions and activities. We have permanent office staff in Kuching, who are able to coordinate with our staff out in the rainforest or on the coast. We have built relationships with indigenous communities and we are following their advice and wishes in promoting small-scale and minimum impact activities in their native lands. In this way the local people are able to sustain their communities without resorting to logging or forest-clearing for agriculture. We often travel and stay with local people, they are able to provide a unique insight into the rainforest flora, fauna and culture. Heading up operations in Borneo is Tom Hewitt. Originally from the UK, Tom has led a life of travel and adventure before settling in Borneo. Tom is very knowledgeable about the environments and people of the Borneo rainforest and passionate about its protection. He has worked in rainforest protection and enrichment projects and has been able to practice what he preaches in setting up and running the Lupa Masa eco camp close to Poring Springs in the North East Borneo. Tom speaks basic Malay and Indonesian and is well respected by local communities for the responsible and ethical stance that his activities follow.
Taking charge of the office in Kuching is Kimberly Chiang. Kim is a native Sabahan and has a good background in tourism in Borneo as well as excellent communication and management skills. She is invaluable as a coordinator and reliable point of contact in the country. Kim is also on hand to assist groups in and around Kuching.
Also based in Kuching is Danny Voon. Danny is a native Sarawakian and assists Kim in running the communication and logistics in Borneo as well as leading treks and expeditions out into the rainforest and along the coast. Danny has close links with the native jungle communities and has built up an extensive knowledge of jungle survival and living techniques from his time with them. Our licensed park and nature guide Ahmadie, aka Armani, has grown up in the rainforest as part of the indigenous population. He speaks the native language and has extensive knowledge of the rainforest tribes’ culture and history. He is therefore able to offer a truly fascinating perspective on the land and people. Armani, is based in Kuching, Sarawak and assists Kim with the planning and logistics of trips as well as leading jungle expeditions.
Another of our in-country leaders is Charlie Ryan. Charlie is a US national but has followed his passion for the rainforest to Borneo. Charlie has worked on rainforest protection projects with Mescot as well as being experienced in leading jungle treks and climbs. He speaks basic Malay and is able to effectively communicate and interact with the local people.
We have many other wonderful full and part-time staff in Borneo including native guides and trackers who have spent their whole life in, and living off the natural rainforest using time-honoured and honed skills. Š2012 Adventure Alternative
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
4. A small selection of client feedback on our trips to Kenya, Nepal and Borneo.
‘I was hoping for and expecting an experience that would sit with me for a long while and was not let down, awesome does not do it justice . The trip, from the decision to run an adult Africamp to returning home, was well organised, informative, fun and something I hope to repeat in the future. The trip was made enjoyable and rewarding by the positive attitude and support of all the staff (AA and local community staff) who ensured that we had an experience to remember. I have learned a lot about Kenyan life and culture and also a few things about myself. I feel as if for a time I made a little bit of difference to the life of some Kenyan children and adults. Thank you.’
Gareth T, May 2012 ‘Borneo - a wonderful and unforgettable experience with so many fantastic memories. Did so much in 3 weeks. This trip will be with me for a long time to come. Would not hesitate using AA again (this was my 2nd time) as feel safe and secure with such a responsible company and for all what they stand for.’
Sue C, May 2012 ‘For a long time I thought the AA Mongolia Eclipse trip was the best I'd been on but Borneo blew it out of the water. The itinerary was spot on, Tom was a howl, but it was really down to the Malay people themselves. Everyone we met had a smile on their face and went out of their way to help us and there was no sense of people trying to get what they could from you. Some of the most decent, genuine people I've ever met.’
Richard C, May 2012 ‘The most exciting and memorable trip I've ever been on. I can’t believe how much we did, from the river trip and seeing the orang-utans, probiscus monkeys and incredible exotic birds to spending a night above the clouds on Kinabalu then sleeping in the jungle at the Eco Camp, just stunning. Put simply the most wonderful adventure.’
Sonia D, May 2012 ‘The best travel experience I have ever been on and I have travelled extensively throughout many 3rd world countries, feeling safe and secure during the whole trip with indigenous people around which makes the trip as a whole an extremely worthwhile experience.’ Ceri D, April 2012 (Kenya) ‘My son did Kenyan Africamp and came back saying it can't be described in words and photos, you'd have to see it for yourself. I did and he was right! The Kenyan staff are warm and welcoming and gave such an insight into their beautiful country. The work of Moving Mountains is awe-inspiring we visited Ulamba orphanage which is just a small part of the many projects they support. As well as helping with this project we had 2 safaris, cycling and rock climbing and two amazing journeys across Kenya all packed into a 2 week stay. Fantastic experience and supporting the charity too!’
Karen L, April 2012 ‘My Adult africamp experience has been a 'once in a lifetime experience’, one that I did not truly expect. Once you have visited Kenya and met the Moving Mountains staff, gained additional information about the specific projects, you will find it difficult to return home and forget about it. It will leave an everlasting impact on you as an individual, a key member of the group and as a professional worker who can support the charity from a different perspective. You will come home really motivated, enthused and fully committed to the Moving Mountains charity and know that you have ultimately had a truly 'life changing' experience that will stay with you and will also ensure that you do not take your life for granted will want to maximise as many opportunities as you possibly can. Please thank all of the team who made it so special. I am looking forward to seeing them all again in the summer’.
Emma D, April 2012
©2012 Adventure Alternative
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
‘I have just returned from Everest Base Camp with two friends. I just wanted to say that we all had a fantastic time – it was truly an amazing journey and a wonderful experience. The staff that Adventure Alternative employ are second to none – happy, helpful caring and informative. We were fortunate to have Tshering and Lopsang both truly amazing guys, together with five porters , one for each of us. It’s nice to know and reassuring that the company pay above “normal wages” and that each porter carries one bag. We all saw too often how much other porters carry and for much less. We all have been very impressed with Adventure Alternative and have already discussed about using you again for a future trip. Well done, congratulations and a very big thank you for looking after us. Please pass on our thanks to all of those concerned.’
Sue C, October 2011 ‘Just a wee note to say thanks for getting my "missing bag" up the mountain for me. What initially from my perspective looked like a disaster at the start of my trek turned out to be the most fantastic 3 wks I have ever spent anywhere so far. The whole trek just blew my mind away, from the culture, scenery and mostly the people, esp the sherpa's & porters used by adv alt. I dont think I could praise enough the likes of Pasang, Jangbu & Geljun who looked after us at times above & beyond the call of duty. Please pass on my sentiments to all of the crew out there’.
Richard D, September 2008 This has been the most humbling experience of my life. I want to change my name when I go home because I think I am a different person. When people feel as though they are part of a team and part of a dream they discover themselves. I have got to know the Adventure Alternative leaders; they are so good with us, caring and authentic. What a privilege to be accepted by them. A month to remember and savour. If we had chosen the ‘easy way’ we would have taken a routine safari to Kenya with any High Street Tour Operator, and probably experienced very little except for panoramic scenery. We have chosen a hard route and tomorrow will see the culmination of a lot of personal and team effort. In the evening the bonfire burst into crackling flame and released wild life in kids and leaders alike – crazy, free leaping, dancing, singing round the fire – Christian songs, Kikuyu chants – a great privilege to be there, spontaneous, natural. Close encounter with a large bull elephant on the way. I’ve seen a real live elephant! A trip to a shanty town...the huts seem to grow out of the mud. The alleys of the town are just spaces between the huts. A rabbit warren of life, business and organisation combined, with no particular sense of urgency. So many children sat in the tunnels between the huts just watching the mzungus (white people). At the schools we were treated like royalty. We can walk away, go back to camp. Go back to England. But to live with it? Does this way of living really fit into this century, it is like walking through a timewarp. Wow. Very emotional day, one that I personally have been dreading. Everyone busying themselves, cleaning up the campsites etc and delaying the moment when we shall finally have to say goodbye to these wonderful kids. Emotions are very close to the surface, many of the mzungus are crying, others are desperately trying not to (why do we always have to suppress emotions?) Today was even tougher and the slog up the vertical bog tested many people’s resolve. But again, we all got through. As I slogged up I often asked myself “what am I doing this for?” But once I reached Mackinders Camp and I got my strength back, I knew why. Boy, what a climb in the dark! Every one panted and cursed on the way up. “Is there no end to this climb?” But the joy and euphoria on reaching the summit was unbounded. There was personal pride at having overcome adversity, but also a strengthened team spirit at having done it all together. We must all be stronger for having done this.
Africamper, August 2008
©2012 Adventure Alternative
Headmaster: Mr Martin Boden MA (Cantab) headmaster@kesbath.com Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: Ms Jane Rowell BSc, MBA kesadmin@kesbath.com
2 July 2012
We had teams of students and staff travelling with Adventure Alternative in 2009, 2010 and 2012. The teams took part in volunteering projects, expedition activities and an overland safari. Throughout the preparation, build-up and the trip itself we were extremely happy with the professionalism and care with which the Adventure Alternative staff looked after us. The itinerary was very carefully planned and the staff were most cooperative in dealing with our requests. The students came home energised and enriched by their experiences and surely will make more engaged and worldly adults as a result of it. We have now built up a strong relationship with the organisation and importantly with the schools and communities in Kenya which we look forward to continuing and strengthening. We shall continue to use and work with Adventure Alternative in all our future trips to Kenya.
Mrs Jane Wilcox King Edward’s School
King Edward’s School, North Road, Bath BA2 6HU Telephone: 01225 464313 Fax: 01225 481363 Email: headmaster@kesbath.com www.kesbath.com King Edward’s School Bath. Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No. 3394895. Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1115875