FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Full details & information about what you can expect in the lead up & during the challenge.
Costs & Fundraising
The balance for your trip cost, will be due to us 10 weeks before your departure. You will be sent a reminder & an invoice 12 weeks before, giving you 2 weeks to make the payment.
80% of your fundraising target is due to be with your charity 12 weeks before the challenge, meaning that it either needs to be banked with them, or sat against a Just Giving page. We will then invoice your charity for the remaining cost of your place on the challenge, it is important you make that 80% target otherwise your charity will not pay for your place, and your trip could be cancelled.
The remaining 20% of your balance will be due to be with your charity 4 weeks after your trip ends.
Our base cost is on a twin share room basis. If you are signing up as a couple of two friends – you can tell us when you register onto the challenge, so we ensure that you will be sharing a room.
If you are signing up to the challenge as an individual, we will match you with someone of the same gender and roughly the same age.
You can choose to pay an additional supplement to have your own room (and/or tent) on the challenge.
All of our groups are an average size of approximately 20 participants. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on to our challenges, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience.
Yes, as long as we know in advance of the trip, we can cater for all dietary requirements & requests.
Signing Up to the Challenge
Once you pay your deposit & have signed up to the challenge, you will recieve a confirmation email welcoming you onto the challenge.
You will also recieve instructions of how to download our challenge app which has in it all the information you need to start preparing for your challenge – from kit lists to training guides.
We will keep you updated with regular emails & newsletters in the lead up to the challenge, as well as information on training days & weekends.
If you need to cancel your challenge, your deposit is non-refundable – therefore we recommend you speak to our team to see what alternative options you may have.
Yes, if for whatever reason you need to push your departure back to a later one, or change your trip all together you can do so for a date change fee of £175, and subject to availability.
Currently, we do not have the accounting facility to take instalments, we can only take your payment in full at least 12 weeks before your departure.
Preparation
Yes – in our challenge app, which you can download once you are fully registered onto the challenge we’ve got a host of training materials, guides & advice for you to use. We also have training weekends, and days which you can sign up to meet others & test out not just your fitness, but your mental readiness for the challenge and your all important kit!
Closer to the challenge we will set up a Facebook group, so that you can meet others online who are going to be on your trip. We also have a lively & dynamic Facebook group you can join at any time to meet other fellow challengers, ‘Action Challenge International Club.’ This includes both past & present challengers, providing the perfect opportunity to share and swap training tips, advice & stories.
You will need a specific travel insurance, which covers the duration of your trip, along with full cover for any activities you will be doing (i.e. trekking, cycling) and also to cover you up to any altitude you may be trekking to. Once you are signed up to the challenge, we will send you full details of our recommended providers of appropriate cover.
Life on the Challenge
Return flights from London
Land only option
12 day trip – 8 day trekking
UK mountain leader (Challenge Group)
UK Doctor (Challenge Group)
Experienced local Head Guides
Local Kilimanjaro support crew
Kilimanjaro Park fees & permits
All transfers
3* hotels before & after the climb
Twin share rooms
Single Supplement tent
All meals & clean water
3 course meals by our camp chef
Afternoon tea & cakes each day
Private Kilimanjaro camp areas
Camping equipment
Private toilet tents (Challenge Group)
Post climb Celebration dinner
Kilimanjaro Medal & certificate
Pre-Kilimanjaro trip briefing
Training guides, kit lists, & visa support
Kilimanjaro mobile phone App
Discounts with retailers / kit hire
2 payment options-Charity Fundraising and Self Funding
Bespoke thick air mattress!
Private showers & toilets
Deck chairs & foot bath!
Maximum group size of 12
Pre & post Challenge luxury lodge
FREE Snowdonia training weekend
Kili advisor – for all those questions
Airline fuel surcharge
Single supplement for hotel
Tanzanian visa
Travel insurance
Vaccinations
Tips for local Tanzanian crew
Optional extensions – safari & Zanzibar
Kilimanjaro Kit hire
We wake up between 06.00 – 06.30 and start the day with a hot breakfast! Hot water will be provided in bowls for washing. After filling up our own drinking water supplies, we start off trekking as a group. There are plenty of opportunities on the route to refuel, breath in the scenery and take pictures! Our trek leader sets a slow pace at the front of the group, with the supporting staff and our doctor walking amongst the group to offer support. There will be regular short breaks to rest and refuel with snacks and water from your pack and a longer stop for lunch. We are greeted with a hot drink and snack on arrival into camp in the evening, followed by a group meal in the dining tent and a briefing from
the trek leader on the following day. All our main luggage, tents and camping equipment will be carried by the supporting porters and will be already set up each evening as we arrive at camp. All main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared, cooked, and served by our supporting team.
Kilimanjaro is a trek, rather than a climb, and passes over well trodden trails & paths which have been formed all the way up to the top of the mountain. There are sections which are trickier than others, with rocks, boulders & scrubland – but it is a ‘trek’ rather than a climb. We recommend strong walking boots, which give you good ankle support & have good grip.
We are real foodies at Action Challenge and whilst we cannot promise a gastronomic feast on a Kilimanjaro climb, we do ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome. Breakfast is usually a hot drink with bread/ toast and spreads, porridge, eggs and sausage. Our Kilimanjaro cook team then hurry ahead of us to set up the mess tent and provide us with a hot lunch. This usually consists of a starter soup, followed by either a rice or pasta dish with meat and veggies.
On arrival into camp, hot drinks and snacks are usually served before we tuck into the main event, which again is usually a hot soup starter, followed by a more substantial main than lunch, perhaps a warm winter stew, or meat and fish with lots of veggies, pasta or rice followed by a
pudding or cake if it is a special occasion. We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
Whilst trekking, your luggage will be transported by our local team of porters! Each morning your main luggage will be collected, organised and taken directly to the next night’s campsite. You will carry with you a backpack (approx. 30l) with all your essentials. You will need with you for the day of trekking (water, snacks, layers, sun cream etc.)
The pace will always be slow, steady and manageable. A slow and manageable pace is a key part of good, safe acclimatisation. Your action challenge leader, UK medic and head local guide will together decide the best pace for the group. Remember there will always be time to stop and take in the views, eat a snack or change a layer.
Yes, and plenty of it!
Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.
You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of an emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus and enjoy your challenge!
We have a full support team in country with two way radio contact between the Action Challenge Head Quarters in London and local staff and satellite phone for emergencies. If, for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.
There are 2 seasons on Kilimanjaro as opposed to our typical 4. However, we should prepare for all weather as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
In the first few days, we experience hot and humid weather (approx. 25-30°C), which becomes colder as we approach the summit, decreasing by approximately 1°C every 200m we climb. Sun protection with high SPF is vital as the intensity of the sun’s rays increases with altitude – even when it feels cold through cloud cover or increased winds. Waterproofs are essential to ensure we’re prepared in the event of wet weather.
Jan – Mar is the first dry season on Kilimanjaro so the chance of rain is lower, although it’s likely to be colder than the rest of the year with higher chance of snow as we reach the summit.
Apr – May are the wettest months and not ideal for trekking. We do not operate treks during this time to ensure our team’s enjoyment and safety throughout the trek.
Jun – Oct offers the best chance of dry weather throughout the trek, which means it’s the most popular trekking season on the mountain.
Nov – Dec is a short season, rains begin mid November and snow-fall increases as we come into December.
At camp in the morning, the lunch stop and when you reach camp in the afternoon there will be toilet tents. If you need to answer the call of nature while trekking, then you will need to make use of a “mountain toilet” – otherwise known as a “bush”, “large rock” or “behind a tree”. During the day, carry toilet paper, wipes and a plastic bag, just in case you can’t wait to reach camp!
There are no power outlets on the mountain, so you will need to carry the means to charge your devices. While solar panels can be useful, if it is cloudy, then they will not offer much charge for a modern smartphone. A better option is to bring a power bank, which is relatively inexpensive and will charge a modern phone up to 4 times from empty. Do take the time to enjoy being away from screens while on the mountain, use your phone for pictures, but otherwise let family and friends know you will update them when you get back to the hotel.
Yes – you can leave a bag with extra clothes and items you don’t need on the mountain back at the hotel, where they have a secure luggage store.
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, dates & prices – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
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Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,895 total (£295 deposit & £3,600 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1600
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,695 total (£495 deposit & £4,200 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£395 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
* After booking your challenge, use the link in your confirmation email to select your free challenge.
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,995 total (£395 deposit & £3,600 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£395 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,595 total (£295 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£295 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £5,995 total (£495 deposit & £5,500 balance)
Land only = £5,395 total (£395 deposit & £4,900 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £595
With flights = £4,995 total (£595 deposit & £4,400 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,595 total (£495 deposit & £4,100 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,495 total (£395 deposit & £3,100 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,695 total (£395 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6200
Pay £1000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5700
Pay £1500 (£395 deposit + £1205 final balance) + fundraise £4700
Pay £2000(£395 deposit + £1705 final balance) + fundraise £3700
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,695 total (£295 deposit & £3,400 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6,200
Pay £1,000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5,700
Pay £1,500 (£395 deposit + £1,205 final balance) + fundraise £4,700
Pay £2,000 (£395 deposit + £1,705 final balance) + fundraise £3,700
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6,200
Pay £1,000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5,700
Pay £1,500 (£395 deposit + £1,205 final balance) + fundraise £4,700
Pay £2,000 (£395 deposit + £1,705 final balance) + fundraise £3,700
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,295 total (£295 deposit & £3,000 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £395
With flights = £3,695 total (£395 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£395 deposit & £2,400 balance)
Please note:
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,495 total (£395 deposit & £3,100 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,595 total (£495 deposit & £4,100 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £295
With flights = £3,695 total (£295 deposit & £3,400 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £295
With flights = £3,295 total (£295 deposit & £3,000 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
