Before You Go
There is a great deal of planning and preparation that goes into your journey to the top of Africa, from your kit to visas and documentation to fundraising. Within this section we hope to answer some of the questions you may have about getting ready for your epic adventure. Please browse through the menu tabs for more specific information on a particular topic. Once you have registered on to a challenge, you will also receive a full information pack with more details, but if there is anything else you would like to ask, please contact either Grace or Krysia, (our Kilimanjaro experts) on +44 (0) 20 7609 6695 or please send an email to kili@actionchallenge.com
Your Questions Answered
Do I need a visa for travelling to Tanzania?
The answer is yes, all UK, Irish and US nationals require a visa for travel to Tanzania and this needs to be obtained prior to your challenge departure. If you are of different national heritage to those mentioned above, please check the Tanzania High Commission's website for visa requirements. For more information on visas please click here >
How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
There is no doubt about it, Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge and requires a high level of fitness, physical and emotional strength and stamina. We don't prescribe a particular training plan, but it is important that you are prepared. Your training should incorporate aerobic, anaerobic, strength and flexibility excercises. Most importantly, you should get in some good hill walking, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the challenge. We run weekends in Snowdonia and the Peak District, which is a great way to boost your training and trek with others. Find out more >
Will I be affected by altitude on Kilimanjaro and what is altitude sickness?
Throughout our Kilimanjaro Challenge, as we climb higher, the air gets thinner and at the summit of Kilimanjaro (5895m) there is half the amount of oxygen than there is at sea level. Altitude affects everyone differently and our bodies are required to adapt to the decreasing levels of oxygen through a process called acclimatisation. Find out more >
What vaccinations will I need for Kilimanjaro and do I need anti-malarial tablets?
All participants are required by the Tanzanian authorities to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Tanzania. Your certificate will be issued by either your GP or a travel clinic prior to travelling to Tanzania. Tanzania is also a malarias country and so it is important that you seek medical advice about taking anti-malarial medication whilst in country.
What is the camping like on Kilimanjaro and what do we eat?
Life on the mountain is very different to what you may be used to, especially if you have never been camping before. It is by no means 5* luxury and we cannot promise a gastronomic feast, but it is an experience not to be missed. To find out more about mountain life, food and living under canvas, please click here >
What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro and how cold does it really get?
There are two main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro and all of our challenges take place during these 'dry' periods. Mountain weather is very changeable and hard to predict, but for a general overveiew of what to expect in terms of temperatures and trekking conditions, please click here >
What kind of clothing and kit will I need for the challenge?
On Kilimanjaro we will be trekking through 4 different climatic zones, where both the scenery and weather conditions vary. We will need to be prepared for all weather conditions including intense sun and radiation, rain, extreme cold, wind and even snow. The higher we climb, the colder it is going to get, and it is extremely important to have the right gear. We provide a guide-line kit list and also have some great offers on kit purchase and hire through our partner retailers and service providers. Find out more >
How much luggage can I take?
The general baggage allowance on your flight will be 20kg, with an additional bag for carry on items. On the mountain, your weight limit is 15kg, but you can leave any additional belongings such as clothing for the celebration dinner, swimwear, additional clothing for the plane or onward travel etc, at the hotel in a separate holdal. We ask that participants have an 80-100 litre soft duffle bag or backpack without wheels for the transportation of mountain luggage.
Your Questions Answered
Do I need a visa for travelling to Tanzania?
The answer is yes, all UK, Irish and US nationals require a visa for travel to Tanzania and this needs to be obtained prior to your challenge departure. If you are of different national heritage to those mentioned above, please check the Tanzania High Commission's website for visa requirements. For more information on visas please click here >
How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
There is no doubt about it, Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge and requires a high level of fitness, physical and emotional strength and stamina. We don't prescribe a particular training plan, but it is important that you are prepared. Your training should incorporate aerobic, anaerobic, strength and flexibility excercises. Most importantly, you should get in some good hill walking, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the challenge. We run weekends in Snowdonia and the Peak District, which is a great way to boost your training and trek with others. Find out more >
Will I be affected by altitude on Kilimanjaro and what is altitude sickness?
Throughout our Kilimanjaro Challenge, as we climb higher, the air gets thinner and at the summit of Kilimanjaro (5895m) there is half the amount of oxygen than there is at sea level. Altitude affects everyone differently and our bodies are required to adapt to the decreasing levels of oxygen through a process called acclimatisation. Find out more >
What vaccinations will I need for Kilimanjaro and do I need anti-malarial tablets?
All participants are required by the Tanzanian authorities to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Tanzania. Your certificate will be issued by either your GP or a travel clinic prior to travelling to Tanzania. Tanzania is also a malarias country and so it is important that you seek medical advice about taking anti-malarial medication whilst in country.
What is the camping like on Kilimanjaro and what do we eat?
Life on the mountain is very different to what you may be used to, especially if you have never been camping before. It is by no means 5* luxury and we cannot promise a gastronomic feast, but it is an experience not to be missed. To find out more about mountain life, food and living under canvas, please click here >
What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro and how cold does it really get?
There are two main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro and all of our challenges take place during these 'dry' periods. Mountain weather is very changeable and hard to predict, but for a general overveiew of what to expect in terms of temperatures and trekking conditions, please click here >
What kind of clothing and kit will I need for the challenge?
On Kilimanjaro we will be trekking through 4 different climatic zones, where both the scenery and weather conditions vary. We will need to be prepared for all weather conditions including intense sun and radiation, rain, extreme cold, wind and even snow. The higher we climb, the colder it is going to get, and it is extremely important to have the right gear. We provide a guide-line kit list and also have some great offers on kit purchase and hire through our partner retailers and service providers. Find out more >
How much luggage can I take?
The general baggage allowance on your flight will be 20kg, with an additional bag for carry on items. On the mountain, your weight limit is 15kg, but you can leave any additional belongings such as clothing for the celebration dinner, swimwear, additional clothing for the plane or onward travel etc, at the hotel in a separate holdal. We ask that participants have an 80-100 litre soft duffle bag or backpack without wheels for the transportation of mountain luggage.
