2
An African Adventure
that should be on everyone’s to do list Kilimanjaro towers above the Tanzanian savannah at 5,895m as the highest free-standing mountain in the world and presents you with the classic adventure that should most definitely be on your to do list! Your adventure will see you trek through rainforest, breaking the tree line and onto the volcanic Shira plateaux, overcoming the epic Baranco Wall before reaching summit camp for the challenging overnight summit attempt. Guided by the stars and your head torch on that last night is one of the most challenging experiences you’ll ever face. As the sun comes up behind your back and you can see the snow of the crater rim you take one small step after another until you finally reach the rooftop of Africa and all that hard work will be rewarded with the most incredible sunrise you’ll ever see!
3
Kilimanjaro In a Nutshell...
To get your place on the Kilimanjaro adventure you need to register online to confirm your place before committing to fundraising for one of our incredible charity partners. In a nutshell what you need to know: Registration Fee: £295 Fundraising Target: £2850 (less if you choose Flexi-Fundraising, see page 10 for more details) Net amount to charity: At least £1475 goes to charity, 100% of anything raised above the minimum goes to charity (our record from a student is £19k!) Charity, choose between:
Meningitis Research Foundation and Practical Action
Duration of Adventure:
16 days, 6 days on the mountain, 8 days to explore Tanzania
Adventure Dates:
Range of dates over the summer months
Get your place on the adventure today by booking online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/kilimanjaro 4
Or call us on 0845 643 9801 to register over the phone with one of the team.
5
Your Itinerary 17 Day - Adventure Guide DAY 1:
Departure
Say good bye to the folks and catch a plane to from London to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. >> Meals provided on the plane.
DAY 2:
Arrival and Team Briefing
Having landed at Nairobi you’ll transfer overland to Arusha to your hotel where you will be met by the Student Adventures team and your guides for the climb. There will be a final challenge brief before the trek begins in the morning. >> No meals provided.
6
DAY 3: Machame Gate and the Rainforest (5 – 6 hours trekking) The team will sign in at Machame National Park Gate (1,800m), make the final preparations with your guides and begin your trek through the rainforest. A vast array of flower, fauna and wildlife will captivate your attention as you settle into the challenge before reaching the Machame Hut at the edge of the rainforest (2,980m). Tonight you’ll be stunned by the stars! >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4:
Machame Camp to Shira
Plateaux (5 - 6 hours trekking)
Today you break the treeline with quite a steep pull up along the Machame ridge line which sees you reach the Shira Plateaux (3,766m) and you’ll gain your first up close sight of Kibo, the snow peak cap and the rooftop of Africa – breathtaking! Arriving at camp in the early afternoon there is plenty of time to relax in the moorlands of Kilimanjaro and take in the stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru, for the first time you’ll get a sense of being above the clouds. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: Shira Plateaux to Barranco Wall
(7 – 8 hours trekking)
Setting off from Shira Hut you’ll make your way East over the plateaux with a gradual ascent through the alpine dessert as Kibo looms ever nearer. Stopping for lunch you’ll then have
the chance to ascend the Lava Tower along southern flank of Kibo to gain valuable altitude acclimatisation (4,400m) and incredible views before descending down the trail to camp at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall. (3,983m) Barranco camp offers incredible views of the summit from a different angle and a real sense of camping above the clouds. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: Barranco Wall to Barafu Hut (7 – 8 hours trekking)
After an early breakfast you’ll have the exciting challenge of scrambling up Barranco Wall. (no technical skills required) You’ll be out of breath after a quick ascent of about 800ft but a sense of achievement and stunning views of both Kibo and the clouds await you at the top! Carrying on to the Karanga valley you’ll stop for lunch before heading onto the rocky zone which Barafu Camp (4,600m) sits astride. An early dinner and some sleep in preparation for the summit! >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
7
Safari, Zanzibar or DAY 7: Barafu Hut to the Summit DAY 9 – 15: Independent Travel and back to Mweka Camp (12 – 15 hours trekking) Summit night begins at around 11pm and is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences you’ll have. We’ll set off with head torches and the stars to lead the way up the scree slopes of our final ascent up to Stella Point (5,685m) and get there around the time of sunrise – look over your shoulder for incredible views. Pushing on it’s a gentle ascent around the crater rim to Uhura Peak and the rooftop of Africa – an incredible achievement! After taking in the views and what you have achieved it is time to turn round and head back down to Barafu camp where you will rest for a couple of hours, have a late breakfast and then set off lower down the mountain to Mweka Camp, tired but happy. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 8: Mweka camp to Mweka Gate (4 – 5 hours trekking) After breakfast it is time to pack up and say farewell to your guides, porters and support team who have helped you get to the top in true African fashion, Jambo, Jambo bwana…. (you’ll know what we mean when you climb!) A gradual and pleasant descent back into the rainforest where you will sign-out at the gates, have lunch and then had back to the hotel for a hot shower, Kili beer and a chance to celebrate! >> Breakfast and Lunch. Celebration Meal not included.
8
You have the opportunity to undertake two days of incredible safari at Tarangire National Park and the incredible Ngorogoro Crater where you’ll have the opportunity to take in the Big Five and many more animals up close and personal. Definitely something everyone should experience given the chance. >> Breakfast (x3), Lunch(x2) and Dinner (x1) Following on from the dusty jeeps and lions is your chance to take a short hop by plane over to the island of Zanzibar, pure paradise and a brilliant way to relax after your tough climb and dusty safari experience. Relax on the beach, snorkel, take in the sights of Stone Town and of course some incredible sunsets with cocktail in hand! >>
Breakfast throughout your time on Zanzibar.
DAY 16 – 17:
Catch international flight home to the UK.
The adventure has to end sometime! >> Meals on the plane
Please note the itinerary is only an indication and is subject to changed based on group strength, weather, wildlife and other external factors. Your Adventure Manager’s decisions are final and we would ask you to be flexible in a result of a change to your itinerary.
9
Flexi-Fundraising Flexible fundraising puts you in charge of how much your fundraising target is. Find out below how you could reduce your fundraising target by a lot if you pay a little extra.
So how does Flexible Fundraising work?
1
You pay your registration fee when you confirm your place
2
Choose to pay some of the trip costs yourself from £10 to £350 – this can be paid in instalments throughout the year to help you budget.
3
For every £10 Flexi-Pay your target is reduced by £17. See your fundraising target get reduced by up to £600!
Example:
No Flexi Pay Fundraising Target: £2850
Registration Fee £295
+ Flexi Pay £200 (paid in two instalments over the course of the year) Registration Fee £295
10
+ Flexi Pay £200
Fundraising Target: £2510
Example:
Registration fee of £295 Flexi-fee of £200 paid in two instalments over the course of the year Fundraising Target reduced from £2850 to £2510
The maximum flex-fundraising fee is £350 to reduce your target by £600!
“Reduce your fundraising target by up to £600 by paying a little bit extra in instalments to meet the cost of your trip. The percentage of money going to charity increases whilst your fundraising target decreases!”
Your Adventure What’s included International flights to and from the UK to Africa. Internal transfers scheduled on the itinerary. Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis on the night prior to and after your trek. Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame Route with full support crew, guides, chef and porters. National Park fees, permits and vehicle fees as needed for the itinerary All meals and safe drinking water on the trek. Support prior to and during the adventure 24 hour emergency response line. Adventure T-shirt.
What’s not included Personal kit. Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary. Tips and gratuities to your Kilimanjaro support team. Optional extension adventures – safari and Zanzibar. Visas for countries visited. Personal Travel Insurance – we can recommend an appropriate provider for adventure travel. Evacuation – in event of a serious medical emergency we will co-ordinate your evacuation with your travel insurance. Vaccinations. Spending money for drinks, souvenirs and additional activities.
11
More Adventure Than You Can Handle...
Kilimanjaro is an awesome challenge, but it’s not the end of the adventure! After your climb you have 8 days to either undertake your own independent travel or come with us for some unforgettable extension adventures that are amazing and great value for money as well. Not to mention that you’ll be hanging out with your new found friends from the climb.
Safari - Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Safari on the African plains is better than a David Attenborough programme, don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime to get in a 4x4 jeep and get up close and personal with lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffe and an endless list of Lion King favourites! You’ll spend two days in the truck soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of Africa up close and the absolute highlight is descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, a mile square, teeming with wildlife and the Big Five!
12
13
14
More Adventure Than You Can Handle...
Zanzibar – The perfect way to round off the adventure. Zanzibar, the spice island, is an amazing paradise that is waiting for you. Cocktails and sunsets, seafood and snorkelling, chilling out on the island with the team is perfect for getting the dust out of your hair from the climb and safari. You’ll have the chance to explore the centre of the island, famous for its spices, and visit Stone Town with its fascinating insight into the slave trade and the Fardhani food market on the harbour wall that serves up lobster, snapper, prawns and other delicacies as the sun goes down!
15
What You Really Need To Know Frequently Asked Questions Is the Kilimanjaro Adventure for me? Absolutely! Trekking to the top of Kilimanjaro is simply once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should attempt. Standing atop of the rooftop of Africa has a stunning, unforgettable view as the sun comes up and the chance to go on safari and chill out on Zanzibar, a little slice of paradise is too good to pass up. Kilimanjaro is for you… if you have a sense of adventure!
I am worried about fundraising, how would I raise the money? It’s natural to be worried about fundraising; it’s a challenge to raise the money for charity. You will have a great support network to help you through
16
the process. There will be an Adventure Leader (a fellow student) at your University as your first point of contact who will help you every step of the way having been through the process before. Our great charity partners have dedicated staff to run fundraising workshops to help you develop a plan with loads of brilliant ideas and they’re at the end of the phone and email to help.
What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target? If it looks like you’re not going to make your target you can postpone your adventure to a later date to give you longer to reach your fundraising target and take the pressure off.
Can I reduce my fundraising target in I have friends at another University, anyway? can they take part with me? Yes! Using our flexi-funder you can reduce your target by up to ÂŁ600 if you meet some of the costs of the adventure yourself. This can be paid in manageable payments over the course of the year to fit in with your student budget. For more details check the website on how to do this.
Is the adventure safe and how fit do I need to be? All adventure travel has an element of risk, but our adventures are risk-assessed and you are with experienced local guides who know the mountain well and how to look after you. Our adventures comply with the safety recommendations of BS8848 and is ATOL protected (no 10415) In terms of fitness, this is a tough challenge where you will have to trek at altitude and keep going when the going gets tough. You’ll need to train to prepare to get to the top.
Absolutely! All you have to do is send them the registration link on our website and get them to join the adventure with you!
Do I have to be a student to take part? No – all you need is a sense of adventure and you can take part in an adventure with some of the lowest fundraising targets in the UK!
What do you do to protect the environment? We support the national parks to help them maintain and restore paths to minimise erosion and we carbon offset all international flights with the not-for-profit organisation, Climate Care.
17
What Do Students Say? A few thoughts from students who set foot on the mighty Kilimanjaro... “I’m finally back in the UK after the best 16 days of my life. I’ve climbed to the roof of Africa, been on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and chilled on the idyllic island of Zanzibar. Met some amazing people along the way, and I will never forget it for as long as I live.” Will Brookes-Smith, Portsmouth University “So after 35hours, 4 planes, 4 trains and one smelly traveller I am finally home. I’ve had the most amazing time in Africa, Climbed the highest free standing mountain with the greatest team possible, nearly seen a woman eaten by a lion, and consumed far too much cocktails and Konyagi for the price I paid. Portsmouth Rag it’s been an amazing few weeks.” Lee Watson, Portsmouth University
18
19
Get Involved and Get Your Place! Kilimanjaro is an awesome adventure to the rooftop of Africa that you should definitely do!
The Ultimate African Adventure
To the Rooftop of Africa
Book online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/kilimanjaro Call to book with one of the team on 0845 643 9801 or ask any questions.