Itinerary – at a glance
Day 1
Depart the on your overnight flight to Nairobi.
Day 2
We arrive in Nairobi and then transfer to Arusha. On arrival, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight. There will be a briefing about our Challenge.
Day 3 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Drive from Arusha to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. Continue driving to the Lemosho Glades; from there we start trekking through the rain forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite (2,800m) where we overnight.
Day 4 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira Cave 1
After breakfast, we continue with ascending across the dense rain forest, with the trail gradually becoming steeper. Following lunch, we cross a high altitude desert plateau - Shire Caldera to Shire Cave (3,500m), where we camp.
Day 5 - Shira Cave 1 to Shira Hut 2
After breakfast at Shire Cave, we proceed gently east across the Shira Plateau and the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Hut, on the moorland meadow. It is an excellent place in this route for acclimatization, while gaining the altitude slowly. Overnight Camping at Shire Hut 2 (3,800m)
Day 6 - Shira Hut 2 to Barranco Hut/Camp
From Shira Hut we turn eastward and continue climbing towards the Barranco Hut, through the Lava Tower while getting great views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. With a climb up to approx. 4,500m, today is great for acclimatisation. Overnight stay at Barranco Hut (3,900m)
Day 7 - Barranco Hut/Camp to Karanga Valley
We continue trekking up to 4,270m and after overcoming the volcanic rock barrier, locally known at the Barranco Wall, we descend through scree and ridges to Karanga Valley and overnight here at 4,100m.
Day 8 - Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut
After breakfast, the climb continues – we follow the trail up the broad ridge to Barafu Hut for dinner and overnight. This is an acclimatization day, ascending through sections of scree and rock, then down into valleys. Camp at 4,600m.
Day 9 - Barafu Hut to UHURU PEAK 5,895m
After some very early tea and biscuits (about 12am!), your climb continues to Stella point (5,745m) to reach Uhuru peak at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa! After witnessing the spectacular sunrise and taking photos, we then descend to Millennium Camp for overnight, with a stopover at Barafu Hut for Lunch.
Day 10 - Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, descend to Mweka gate, meet the waiting driver and drive back to the hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and our celebratory dinner!
Day 11
After breakfast, we enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 12
Arrive UK
(Itinerary correct at time of printing but subject to change)
Questions answered
Is this trip for me?
ABSOLUTELY!! This trek is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 17 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help their favourite charity. Most people will sign up as individuals meaning you will all be in the same situation!
How fit do I need to be?
This trek has been designed to be challenging and is considered to be tough, but achievable by anyone as long as you train before hand. Remember, you are trekking for eight consecutive days, in high altitude and in varied temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge. Trekking training tips will be sent to you when you sign up.
Where will we stay?
Whilst in Arusha, we will stay in a hotel, twin rooms with en-suite washing facilities. Whilst we are on the mountain, we will be camping with all tents being supplied. Our campsites will be set up by our porters ready for our arrival at the end of each days trekking.
Do I need specialist Kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and warm sleeping bag, and maybe some trekking poles, you do not need any specialist kit. To save on incurring extra expense, some kit maybe hired from the local area – reservation forms will be sent out to each participant nearer departure.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sun-screen, water, sun hat, camera etc) and your kit bag will be carried from camp to camp by our porters. You will be able to leave your main piece of luggage at the Hotel in Arusha.
Food matters
All meals will be provided whilst on trek as well as breakfast whilst staying in Arusha. We cater for all dietary requirements so long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your Registration Form enclosed. African food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables. Please tell us in advance if you are vegetarian or need a special diet.
What’s included?
Return flights from London Airport to Nairobi, all transfers, all accommodation, all meals on trek and celebratory dinner, porters and professional English speaking local guides for trek, cooks, tents, permits and National Park fees, Global Adventure Challenge expedition leader from the UK, comprehensive first aid kit.
What’s not included?
Personal airport taxes – these are approximately £80 and payable 6 weeks prior to departure, personal travel insurance – this must be taken through GAC upon registration, visa, gratuities, alcoholic drinks and your own kit (warm sleeping bag, warm clothes, trekking boots etc)
Can I stay in Africa after the Challenge?
All extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability and are given on a first come first served basis. Those wanting to request an extension should contact Global Adventure Challenges on 0870 460 8991 as soon as possible. There is a £60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended.
What sort of back-up is there?
There will be a strong support team with professional Global Adventure Challenge leaders from the UK, as well as local guides and porters. Full, comprehensive medical kits will be taken and satellite telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times. A local English speaking doctor will also be joining the trek with additional medical supplies.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops where we can drink and eat some snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left alone – remember though, this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – Mt Kilimanjaro is 5,895m.
Will the altitude affect me?
Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude. However, the fitter you are the better you will cope whilst on the mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken up the mountain and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from the charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
I’m interested... what do I do now?
Places are limited and go on a first served basis so try to register as soon as you can! You will need to fill in a registration form and medical questionnaire and post it back to Global Adventure Challenges along with the registration fee and insurance payment – all payment options and costs are explained on the enclosed information sheet. Once your registration is received, Global Adventure Challenges will write to you sending you further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! The charity will also be in contact with you to discuss your fundraising.
You are required to pay a registration fee of £425 now, and a minimum sponsorship of £3350 - 80% of this minimum sponsorship (£2,680) must be sent to Yorkshire Cancer Research 10 weeks prior to the event. The charity will be invoiced for this amount before the event and you must have paid before the charity can pay the invoice. The remaining 20% of the minimum, plus any funds raised over the minimum, must be sent to Yorkshire Cancer Research no later than six weeks after the event.
