9
11–21 February 2016 Information guide Kilimanjaro Rongai route trek

Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    5

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

11–21 February 2016

Information guide

Kilimanjaro

Rongai route

trek

Page 2: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

Why play makes a differencePlay can help children and young people deal with their fears and worries about Great Ormond Street Hospital, their illness and treatment. If a child has an upcoming procedure or operation, one of our play specialists will use distraction therapy to teach them ways of coping with a difficult or painful procedure, like a blood test. They might use dolls and teddys to help explain the procedure or specially designed books as part of a play programme to distract the child and make them feel more comfortable during the procedure.

All wards have play workers and play rooms to make sure activities are available. The Play team ensure there are activities planned for each day, and arrange special celebrations for birthdays or to mark big events. They are an important part of a child’s treatment team, and make a big difference to his or her hospital experience.

The Play team is funded by the charity and your support will make a huge difference to this invaluable resource.

Welcome The eventThis 10-day trip to Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will follow the Rongai route, which approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent ice fields. You’ll trek with a group of like-minded supporters and experience the incredible scenery of the volcano and the expansive plains of the Kilimanjaro National Park, as well as the hospitality of the fantastic Tanzanian crew. Kilimanjaro is one of the most challenging treks with a summit of 5,895m, but it is also one of the most rewarding and breathtaking challenges on the planet.

Please read through this booklet carefully and keep it safe so you can refer back to it. It should contain all the information you will need for the trek, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Challenge Events team by calling 020 7239 3164 or emailing [email protected] make sure you have fully completed and returned all your medical and insurance forms. If you have any questions about this part of your registration, please contact Action Challenge on 020 7609 6695 or by emailing [email protected]

Date11–21 February 2016

Total distance77km

Claim your 15%

discount at

Cotswold Outdoors!

Just quote our account number

AF-GOSH-C3 when paying.

For a full list of our discounts,

please email

[email protected]

Fundraising target£4,300

Instalment datesFirst deadline £3,200 30 November 2015. Second deadline £1,100 21 March 2016.

Thank you so much for taking part in our Kilimanjaro trek on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. We are so pleased that you are joining us and we really hope that you enjoy this challenge. The Kilimanjaro Trek 2016 will see your donations to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity help fund Play services and bring fun and happiness to our patients.

Page 3: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

ItineraryThe quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent ice fields as you climb high above the plains.

Departure day You’ll depart the UK from London Heathrow. The Action Challenge team will have your tickets ready for you at the airport, just remember your passport! Don’t forget to wear your trekking boots on the plane, or at least have them packed into your hand luggage. If your luggage is lost or delayed these will be the hardest to replace. You’ll receive details about your departure one month before your challenge.

Kibo camp Altitude: 4,700m Trekking time: Six hoursToday you will head across the desert-style landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo, and reach your campsite at Kibo huts camp at the base of the mighty Kibo. The afternoon is a time to rest and eat before the final push to the summit later that night!

Summit day Altitude: 5,895m Trekking time: Fifteen hoursAwaking just before midnight, today you’ll climb for about six hours by torchlight, up the most demanding part of the route, to reach Gilman’s Point at the crater rim. You will then make your final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent at 5,895m, which takes a further one-and-a-half hours. After admiring the views and taking photos, you’ll descend, stopping at your camp via Kibo for breakfast, and then on down to Horombo huts camp at 3,091m.

Moshi/Arusha Trekking time: Six hoursAfter breakfast you’ll continue your descent back through the rainforest to the Mandara huts where you will enjoy lunch. You’ll then continue down the track to finish your trek and leave the Kilimanjaro National Park through Marangu Gate. A transfer by bus takes you to your hotel, where you can finally take off your walking boots and enjoy your first hot shower in almost a week! You’ll have the afternoon to relax by the pool with a drink and enjoy a fantastic dinner in the evening to celebrate your remarkable achievements. For those who have the energy, you can party into the night!

DepartureYou can enjoy a free morning either by the pool or exploring the local area before transferring back to the airport by bus.

Arrive homeAll timings are approximate and may be subject to change. We will advise you of your flight times one month prior to departure.

Acclimatisation day Altitude: 4,440m Trekking time: Four hoursAfter a later breakfast than usual, you’ll head off for a relaxed day of walking to acclimatise to a height of up to 4,700m at the ridge. The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, with stunning views over the Kenyan plains in the distance.

Nale Moru On arrival you will transfer from the airport to your hotel in the village of Nale Moru – the journey lasts approximately three to four hours. There is a short time to freshen up before a briefing and equipment check with your challenge leaders and a welcome meeting with the local guides. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a meal together and then have a good night’s sleep to prepare for the challenge ahead.

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

7

6

1

8

2

9

10

11

Simba camp Altitude: 2,668m Trekking time: Four hoursAfter a hearty breakfast you will transfer by road to the Nale Moru Gate. Here you’ll meet the rest of your team, including your guides, cooks and porters. You will register for the trek and your bags will be weighed to ensure each is within the 15kg limit. You’ll begin your trek through farmland and the pine forest that surrounds the local area. The forest then gives way to scrub and heather, and there is a very good chance you’ll see mongooses and smaller wildlife. Elephant and buffalo have been known to cross the path that you’ll follow, but we may only see their tracks, as the majority of their movements are under the cover of darkness. You will have some short breaks and a packed lunch en route before reaching your camp in the afternoon where there is some time to relax before dinner and your first night under canvas.

DAY

3

Kikelewa caves camp Altitude: 3,679m Trekking time: Seven hoursToday’s route snakes through changing scenery, ascending up through heather and moorland to the jagged peak of Mawenzi. You will stop for lunch at the second cave camp, before turning south-east and travelling along a path that ambles through heathland and rocky outcrops, with fantastic views of the Mawenzi, Kibo and the northern ice fields. After a long day, you’ll retire to your tent just below the Mawenzi Saddle.

DAY

4

Mawenzi tarn camp Altitude: 4,330m Trekking time: Five hoursToday is an early start, continuing along the gentle path that soon becomes steeper. Your efforts are rewarded by a hot lunch at Mawenzi Tarn, which sits in a bowl, protected by the ridges and spires of Mawenzi. An afternoon walk allows time to explore and get used to the altitude before an early dinner.

DAY

5

Page 4: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

Useful informationTour cost includes:• scheduled return flights and transfers

• all food and accommodation (except two meals on your free day)

• camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and mat)

• Action Challenge leaders and doctor

• local guides

Tour cost does not include:• insurance

• tips for local guides (approximately USD$150 per person)

• Tanzanian visa

• vaccinations

• international departure tax (if applicable)

• entrance fees to any optional sites you may wish to visit

MoneyWe recommend that you bring between USD$300–400 to cover tips for the local team of porters and guides, gifts and purchases on the mountain. The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). Although there is an ATM at the airport, please do not rely on it to work. Please ensure you bring cash with you, as cards are generally not accepted in restaurants and shops.

FlightsFlights will be booked as a group and we will inform you of your departure and return details. Flights are booked through Action Challenge UK Ltd under ATOL licence 6296.

Fuel surchargeAny fuel surcharge imposed by the airline will be covered by your costs through Action Challenge UK Ltd. If there are any additional charges, we’ll inform you as soon as we are notified.

Passport, visa and vaccinationsA valid, 10-year passport is essential for travel and must be valid for at least six months prior to departure.

You will need to gain a visa for Tanzania – these are valid for three months from the date of purchase, so we will let you know how and when to apply for this.

We insist that you have had a tetanus injection in the last 10 years and vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Currently, you do not need a yellow fever vaccination. Please consult guidelines on malaria: as Tanzania is a high-risk country you may need anti-malaria tablets. Please note, you should

always check with your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date travel advice. If you are extending your trip, please check guidelines for the areas you are going to, as they may differ from the trail.

WeatherYou will experience various climate zones on the trek, from rainforests to desert-like terrain up to the ice-peaked summit. During the first and last day of the climb, temperatures should remain warm (around 20–25°C) with high humidity. It will become cooler at dusk, dropping to around 10–15°C at night.

Throughout the ascent, the vegetation becomes sparser and temperatures drop dramatically to around 10–15°C. Around the 4,000m mark, the temperature falls to single figures. On average, it becomes one degree colder per every 200m of altitude gained.

On summit day, expect temperatures to fall below freezing. With added wind-chill, the climate can feel as low as –20°C! Mountainous weather is always unpredictable and can change very quickly. To ensure that you embrace this as part of the experience, be ready for wind, rain, sun and snow!

Food and accommodationAll food and accommodation is included, unless otherwise specified above. The food is good – there will be plenty of it and will meet your dietary requirements. Hotel accommodation is in nice, three-star hotels. Camping accommodation consists of basic, two-man tents, but they are of a high standard and we will try to make you as comfortable as possible.

What are you training for?Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a tough endurance challenge. To reach 5,895m and then descend over a period of six to seven days on varied terrain out in the elements, all while combating the effects of altitude, you must train, whatever your current fitness level. Although walking is something you may do every day and 10 miles-plus per day may not seem a great distance, when you are on the mountain, the pace will be slower than you are used to. Therefore, you will be spending between six and nine hours a day on average on your feet. Preparation is key and will aid your enjoyment of the challenge, while ensuring that your body is up to the rigours of mountain trekking.

Combating the effects of altitude is not quite as simple. Altitude sickness can affect different people in different ways, and attempting to become as fit as possible may not ultimately help with the prevention of acute mountain sickness. An increased level of fitness will improve the body’s ability to cope with less oxygen in the air, making acclimatisation and the walking itself far less strenuous.

How do you train?Training is a very simple concept: it is all about progressively increasing your body’s ability to do just that little bit more and giving it time to adapt, recover and come back stronger. The trick is to train properly and to do it gradually, ensuring that you build up a good level of fitness, stamina and endurance before you set off. You’ll need to get used to spending prolonged periods of time on your feet, which also has the added benefit of toughening up your feet and getting you used to your walking boots. Equally important is increasing your resilience to the aches and pains you might experience during your trek and developing the mind-set required to cope with the nature of the challenge.

You should be looking to plan a structured training programme. This level of preparation can be obtained with a mixture of aerobic fitness, interval and

strength training, walking and ensuring that you are eating the correct foods and keeping hydrated both in training and on the trek. Within this guide is a brief summary of the types of exercise and activity you should work into your plan. If you don’t go to the gym and are looking to start a new fitness regime to prepare yourself, we advise speaking to a member of staff at your local gym to work out a structured training plan that suits your current fitness level and builds on areas for improvement suited to your end goal – your trek on Kilimanjaro!

Bespoke training planA number of options also exist for a bespoke training plan, tailored to your fitness, timetable and budget. At the upper end of this are personal trainers (PTs) who will not only design your custom plan, but will meet with you regularly and guide you through it using their experience and expertise. Increasingly, more budget- or time-conscious challengers are opting to employ online PTs who provide many of the services one would expect from a traditional PT, but without the face- to-face contact.

Training

Top five training tips

Don’t overcommit to training or overstretch yourself. You want to start the challenge in

peak physical fitness but without being burnt out.

These are the team’s top five tips.

Wear your gear in!

Walk as often and as much as you can. Wear the boots you will be wearing on the event (if they are new, then this is very important!) and find a way to carry your backpack comfortably – this will help to avoid blisters and any foot and back injuries.

#1 Go climb a hill! Before you set out on your challenge, we recommend you try something a little closer to home first. There are many fantastic walks you can do in the UK: Mount Snowdon in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland, anywhere in the Peak District, the South Downs, or just a hill you can find near to your home. The possibilities are endless! We recommend you aim for a couple of long walks at least two months before your planned trip, so you can judge your overall fitness levels, test out your boots and determine what areas of training and fitness you might need to work on more.

#2

Page 5: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

Don’t panic! If you miss a session, then it’s not the end of the world. Don’t push yourself to try and make it up – one session won’t make too much difference in the end. However, if you start to try and fit your life around your training, you will soon find yourself unable to keep up and more likely to throw in the towel. Keep your mind focused on the task at hand and remember that your mental determination is just as important as your physical strength. In the week leading up to your challenge, we recommend eating, drinking lots of water and getting as much rest and sleep as you can!

#5

Innovation in technology means that there are also a growing number of applications that create ‘responsive’ training plans that you can use with your laptop, tablet or smartphone to monitor and track your journey.

Fitness and exerciseMany people signing up to the challenge use it as a great motivator to join a gym, exercise classes, a local sports club or to take up running. You can plan and fit exercise into your current lifestyle (we recommend a rounded approach with a mixture of different types of exercise) and set out a weekly plan which is achievable and manageable – something you can stick to! The aim of these sessions is to improve your cardiovascular system, core strength and stamina, so that you have a solid basis from which you can gradually increase your overall general fitness level.

Aerobic conditioning This will form the core of your training through regular walks, building up to longer distances and faster paces. Aerobic exercise trains the energy systems of the body that use oxygen.

Varied exercises Just walking to build up fitness levels can become monotonous, so consider using different forms of exercise to keep your training varied and interesting. Team and racket sports or cycling, for example, can work well within a training programme and you don’t have to drop all of your other interests. The key is to undertake regular aerobic exercise with long walks in between.

Interval training Bouts of intense exercise interspersed with short rest intervals is known as interval training. The intensity and duration of the work intervals and the length of the rest periods dictate the output and effectiveness of your training. Alternate between brisk walking or running for up to a minute, and then return to your original pace for a set period before repeating.

Strength training Basic strength programmes adapt the body for more strenuous resistance training. This targets the major muscle groups, tendons, ligaments and joints to help prevent injury. Relevant exercises can include squats, bench presses, overhead presses, leg presses and calf presses, leg extensions and leg curls.

 

A good long walk!Our best advice is to practice for the activity you are going to do – walking! Taking up hiking in preparation for the challenge will give you invaluable experience of the different stresses and strains that uphill and downhill walking puts on your legs and feet.

Look for nature trails and head for hills and mountains if there are any nearby. Use the weekends to do full-day hikes. There is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your training and use it as a chance to get outdoors, see some of the countryside and get fit in the process!

Walking also provides you with the chance to test out your walking boots, kit and backpack that you will be wearing and using during your climb. Breaking in your boots properly is vital to ensuring you don’t suffer on the trip. Only when you can walk a full day’s hike up and down hills without getting any blisters do you know you have fully broken in your boots! It is crucial that the backpack you buy for your challenge fits your back and shape (most retailers will fit your backpack for you) and only by wearing this during your training walks will you be able to tell if it is fitted properly. The weight in your backpack will determine how you walk and the pressure you put on your feet and your stride, so it will also aid breaking in your boots too!

Fit exercise into your daily routine! Whether it is a case of getting off the bus a stop early, taking the stairs instead of the lift or even walking up escalators, you will be surprised at how much difference a few little changes can make to your day-to-day wellbeing and overall fitness.

Keep hydrated!As a general rule, most people do not drink enough water. Start increasing your standard intake before the hike and be more conscious about how much water you consume during the day. This will not only improve your general health, it will also make you more sensitive to the early signs of dehydration, which will help you manage your hydration levels on the trek.

#3#4

If you are planning on taking energy snacks and drinks with you on the trek, carry them during your training walks to learn which snacks and refreshments you crave the most after a long day of walking.

Join us on one of our training walks – Action Challenge organise a series of training weekends and the opportunity to take a place on one of their 100km walks. These walks are led by Action Challenge’s mountain guides and provide invaluable experience in the lead-up to your challenge. Please call 020 7609 6695 for more information.

(Medical advice: if you have any concerns about embarking on a serious training programme, or the actual walk, please consult your GP.)

Footwear and careBoots are worth investing in. We recommend going to a specialist retailer and getting advice on the right boots for you. Your footwear is fundamental in such a climb – your boots should have a high ankle and a stiff heel to give lateral support.

When buying walking boots, please remember the following points:

• Do so at the end of the day: feet swell throughout the day and you need to try them on when your feet are at their largest.

• Always wear socks and, if possible, the same socks you will be wearing when walking.

• We recommend medium to heavyweight gortex (or breathable) and waterproof walking boots. Please ask the store for help to ensure that you are fitted with the correct boots.

• Make sure you try both boots on. Lots of people have one foot slightly bigger than the other.

 Diet and hydration during training and on the tripIt is so important to keep eating and drinking to maintain high energy levels when hiking. Keeping energy and hydration levels high will make strenuous portions of the hike far easier on the body. It is advisable to eat sufficient quantities, even if you do not feel particularly hungry, as stamina depletes quickly during the hike. It is also recommended to consume ample amounts of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and mineral nutrients before the hike starts.

During physical exertion, it is crucial to replenish fluids for optimal hydration and energy for the brain and muscles to continue their work. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and vitamins are significantly better absorbed, and help to replace energy, vitamins and other nutrients essential for performance. Ensure you incorporate these practices into your training.

 

Page 6: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

???

?FAQsWill I fit in?The challenge is available to anyone who wants to join either as a family, a group of friends or colleagues, or as an individual. We try to ensure that everyone bonds and works as a team, and we find that there’s a great sense of camaraderie on all of our events! Everyone will have fundraised for the same incredible cause and it is extremely important to us that while you are challenging yourself on the trek, you are enjoying yourself along the way!

How fit do I need to be for this trek?Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge, but one that is achievable with the correct training. It requires a reasonable level of strength, stamina and determination. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building) and anaerobic (strength building) exercises and some good long walks!

Why should I train?Training will make the overall experience of the trek far more enjoyable. If you have prepared your muscles and mind well, and built up your stamina suitably, the expedition will be much more successful. Training can be anything from taking part in an Action Challenge training weekend or getting off the bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way. As long as you are working your muscles and motivating your body, your fitness will build itself.

Who will accompany the group?There is an Action Challenge trek leader and also an expedition medic. There are approximately three members of support staff per person in the group, including guides, a medical porter and kitchen staff, plus luggage, tent and toilet porters.

What will the accommodation be like?While in the city, you’ll be staying in a comfortable three-star hotel, with rooms allocated on a twin or triple basis. While on the trek, accommodation will be good-quality tents at designated camp sites.

Accommodation will be basic. There will be two private flushing toilet tents per camp and a bowl of warm water to wash in the mornings and before each meal.

Can I request a single supplement for my hotel or tent?Yes, single supplements can be arranged at the following charge: £110 for tent only, £150 for hotel only or £250 for both. You can book your supplement by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 0207 609 6695

What food and drink do we get while on the challenge?All meals are included in the trip cost, except during free time. You will be provided with three varied and nutritious meals a day. Breakfast is at the accommodation or campsite and typically consists of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toast, fruit, porridge, eggs and sausage. Lunch and dinner will be eaten en route or at the campsite, comprising chicken or beef, fish, rice, pasta, potatoes and vegetables.

There will be an unlimited supply of fully purified and treated water every day while trekking. Any other drinks at the hotel or restaurant will need to be paid for on an individual basis.

Please note that we will do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements if informed in advance.

Can I extend my stay?Yes. We can ask the airline to change your return date. However, please note that all extensions incur an admin fee and a potential fare increase. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability. We are unable to accommodate extension or deviation requests within 12 weeks of departure.

If you are interested in extending your stay, booking one of these packages or extending your return flight date, then please email [email protected] and we will send you full details of the packages. Requests will be made to the airline once we have received your specific dates.

How much of the money goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity?Approximately 60 per cent of the money you raise will go directly to the work of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The remaining amount is required to cover your flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and guides. Anything you raise over your minimum fundraising target will go directly to the hospital, so please remember that the more you raise, the more you will be able to help the hospital.

How will I raise the money?Your fundraising toolkit contains loads of great fundraising ideas, a sponsor form and promotional materials. You can also set up an online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com and the Challenge Events team are always on hand to offer you advice and support.

As the price that Great Ormond Street International Promotions Limited (GOSIPL – a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity) pays to Charity Challenge for your package exceeds £500, you will be considered a ‘professional fundraiser’ as defined by the Charities Act 1992. This means you must give the following statement when you are obtaining sponsorship:

“I am participating in a trek to raise funds for the benefit of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. I have guaranteed to raise at least £4,300 for the charity, of which approximately 40 per cent will be used to pay for the costs of my flight and accommodation.”

What happens if I cannot raise the money?You must raise 75 per cent of your fundraising target eight weeks before your departure. If you are unable to raise the sponsorship, you may be liable to forfeit your place on the challenge. However, you may choose to pay the remaining balance yourself.

?

Page 7: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

Recommended Smaller waterproof bags to organise equipment in and to keep spare clothing dry

Thin sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk) for extra warmth

Extra sleeping mat or thermarest self-inflating pad – a thin, foam sleeping mat is supplied by operator

Camera with spare batteries and memory cards

Snacks for up to six or seven trekking days – sweets/trail mix/cereal bars

Carbohydrate gels/energy tablets/electrolyte replacement tablets to add to drinking water

2 sets of chemical (one-use) hand warmers for summit days

Optional Small, lightweight umbrella

Sleeping bag cover/‘bivvy bag’ to protect sleeping bag from damp

iPod/MP3 player for travelling

Earplugs

Travel pillow

Travel towel

Trekking poles

Mobile telephone with charger

TOILETRIESEssential Antibacterial hand gel

1 toilet roll or packs of travel tissues

Ziplock resealable bags – for storing toilet paper between camps

Sunscreen (at least factor 30+), lip balm and after sun

Toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste

Insect repellent wipes/sprays or patches

Recommended Wet wipes for personal hygiene

Shampoo and shower products for the hotel

Small nail brush to keep hands and nails clean

Optional Soap/face wash

If applicable Feminine hygiene products

Contact lenses and solutions for wearers. A pair of glasses as backup

Kit ListFOOTWEAR

Essential Gortex or leather hiking boots – water-repellent and fully broken in with ankle support

3 pairs of thick walking socks and 3 thin liner socks to avoid blisters

Recommended Trainers or light footwear – for use in the campsites

Trekking gaiters – used to stop scree getting into your boots and keep your boots dry in the wet, or deep snow

1 pair of heavyweight mountaineering socks for summit night

CLOTHING

Essential Gortex or breathable waterproof jacket with hood *ensure this fits over fleece or down jacket

Gortex or breathable waterproof over-trousers *ensure these fit over trekking trousers

Lightweight trekking trousers and shorts for warmer days – zip-offs work well

Down or synthetic puffa jacket

1–2 micro fleece tops for layering

2–3 trekking T-shirts *wicking or synthetic – not cotton

Light- to mid-weight wicking or synthetic long/thermal underwear/base layers for top and bottom *not cotton

1 warm pair of wind-stopper gloves – must be able to fit under waterproof gloves

1 thick pair of gloves *must be waterproof

Warm fleecy hat/headband that covers ears, or a balaclava

A bandana or buff for warmth and sun protection – ideally with fleece layer

Peaked cap with neck cover or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection

Recommended Heavyweight trekking trousers for cold days/summit night

1 extra pair of thick fleecy mitts

Casual clothes for gala dinner/hotels/travel – can be left at the hotel to avoid carrying on the mountain

Tracksuit bottoms/spare trousers to wear in the campsites in the evenings

Optional Swimsuit

EquIPMENT

Essential 90–110-litre duffle bag or backpack (no wheels)

Minimum 30–35-litre rucksack (with rain cover) for carrying personal items on trekking days

4–5 season sleeping bag in cover

Strong heavy-duty bin liners or waterproof bag liner to keep clothing/equipment dry

2–3-litre platypus/camelback water carrier and two 1-litre water bottles (camelback mouth tubing is prone to freezing on summit night so bottles are essential)

Head torch with spare batteries

Sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection that block out the sun from the sides – skiing sunglasses work well

Page 8: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

Essential Paracetamol/ibuprofen/aspirin

Anti-malaria tablets

Antihistamines

Plasters/blister kit/zinc oxide tape

Rehydration powder (Dioralyte)

Recommended Anti-diarrhoea tablets (Imodium)

Antiseptic wipes

Throat lozenges

Muscle rub/Deep Heat/ibuprofen gel

Knee supports (if required)

Vaseline petroleum jelly to rub on your feet, which will reduce friction with boots and socks

Talcum powder

Optional Diamox tablets for those who have consulted a GP/clinic

If applicable Any personal medication that has been prescribed by a GP or clinic – split between hold and hand luggage

DOCuMENTS

Essential Passport and photocopy of passport – stored separately from passport in case passport goes missing

1 passport-sized photo – stored separately from passport in case passport goes missing

Visa for Tanzania

Travel insurance certificate and 24-hour emergency contact telephone number for insurance company

US dollars – approximately USD$300–400 in mixed denominations

Credit card/additional funds in case of trip curtailment costs

Action Challenge emergency contact list

Your luggage will be limited to two bags during the climb. Please note this will be restricted to 13–15kg on the mountain and bags will be available at your first hotel in Tanzania, where you may decant any items that are not needed on the mountain. These will be stored securely and returned at the end of your climb.

Extension packsThere are three extension packs available from Action Challenge. Please note, these are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are booked separately to your fundraising target. Please contact Action Challenge for details.

FIVE-DAY SERENGETI SAFARIThe five-day Serengeti Safari begins in Lake Manyara National Park and then follows the migration of up to two million animals through the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. This safari incorporates both mobile camping and lodge accommodation for the ultimate safari experience.

 

ZANZIBAR Zanzibar is an archipelago of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, and just a short plane ride away from Kilimanjaro. As the number-one beach destination in East Africa, Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your Kilimanjaro climb, where you can scuba dive, go deep-sea fishing, take a relaxing boat trip around the islands or simply flop out on a sun lounger. Chill out and catch up on some well-deserved rest!

THREE-DAY NGORONGORO SAFARI This three-day extension safari takes you into the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering over 8,300 sq km and teeming with wildlife, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Masses of flamingos stand tall, turning the landscape into shades of pastel pink, while scores of wildebeest graze on the grasses of the Caldera. The chances you will see a black rhino are high, and make sure you look out for lions, elephants, zebras and more.

Recommended reading Finke, Jens: A Rough Guide to Tanzania

Fitzpatrick, Mary: The Lonely Planet – Tanzania

Houston, Charles S: High Altitude Illness & Wellness

Stedman, Henry: Kilimanjaro the Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain: Includes Mount Meru & Guides to Arusha, Moshi, Marangu, Nairobi & Dar-Es-Salaam

Stewart, Alexander: Kilimanjaro: A Complete Trekker’s Guide

Page 9: Rongai route - Great Ormond Street Hospital...The quiet Rongai route approaches Africa’s highest mountain from the north, and provides spectacular views of the summit and its magnificent

Challenge Events teamWe’ll support you on every step of your amazing challenge. If you need anything, or you want to tell us your story, just get in touch – we love hearing from you!

T 020 7239 3164 E [email protected] www.gosh.org/challengesGreat Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity,40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1LE

Action Challenge UK

T 020 7609 6695E [email protected] Challenge UK Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP

Georgina

Danielle

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 235825.

HeatherTash

Alison

Gary

Amy

Kirstin

We’re here to help!