Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2014 Handbook 3rd - 13th October 2014

Transcription

1 Contact Details Address Vine Trust PO Box 1348 Tring Hertfordshire HP23 9AH Telephone Website Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2014 Handbook 3rd - 13th October 2014 Patron: HRH The Princess Royal Registered Charity Number SC Connecting People to Change Lives

2 Vine Trust - Who are we? Vine Trust is an international, interdenominational charity with a vision to see communities transformed. We work to share God s love in practical ways and bring opportunity, health and hope to disadvantaged communities and marginalized people. Our work has two main focuses: vulnerable children and medical projects. We also believe in self-sustainability over charity and provide seed funding for enterprise projects. Volunteering is a key part of our strategy, sending over 300 volunteers from the UK annually on work parties and medical teams. In addition we run occasional treks, which also involve fundraising for Vine Trust and visits to our partner projects on the ground. Vulnerable Children s Project The aim of our children s project is to provide an integrated program to help orphans and street children develop like a normal child; to grow up in a safe, and trusted environment, to have food, clothes and clean drinking water; to develop self-esteem; in short to have the basics in life that we take for granted. Religion Mainland: Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35% Zanzibar: more than 99% Muslim.

3 Tanzania Facts Background Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar s semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have lead to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers claims of voting irregularities. Languages Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name of Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar) & many local languages. Note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources including Arabic & English. It has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa. While the first language of most people is still one of the local languages. Economy Overview Tanzania is in the bottom 10% of the world s economies in terms of per capita income. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more than one-forth of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force. Topography and climatic conditions however, limit cultivated crops to about 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured the processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods. The World Bank, IMF and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania s aging economic infrastructure and to alleviate poverty. Long-term growth through 2005 featured a pick-up in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of minerals led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private-sector growth and investment. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies supported a positive growth rate, despite the world recession. Religion Mainland: Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35% Zanzibar: more than 99% Muslim. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is no picnic! It will require lengthy preparation on your part with training walks at the very least. You will find the trek easier still if you have a generally high level of fitness, including a regular aerobic exercise regime. Nothing though will prepare you for the altitude. This affects most people to some degree but not in the same way every time. Kilidove Tours & Safaris Ltd are a licensed tour operator in Tanzania. See They carry oxygen for emergencies and have sufficient guides and porters to take anyone suffering from severe altitude sickness down the mountain without affecting the group s attempts on the summit. We will be using the quieter Rongai route over 6 days and 5 nights in the mountain. Approaching Kilimanjaro from a north easterly direction, the route retains a genuine sense of wilderness, especially on the first few nights. It is the easiest route in that it does not incur repeated gain and loss of altitude as some of the more southerly routes. This is an opportunity to meet and make new friends as well as undertake a major physical and mental challenge. (Do not underestimate the will power you will require to walk steadily uphill for 6 days!) Our experience to date is that the team bond will see you through and leave you with a real sense of achievement and you ll raise money for amazing projects to boot! The trip is 8 nights, 9 days, including travel, but can be extended by you if you wish to take a wildlife safari to relax after your climb.

4 Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro cont. Terms & Conditions cont. 14. All trek members are taken to give their consent for their picture to be reproduced and published and distributed within promotional material of the Trust. It is not possible to give remuneration for any image or other material that is used. 15. If a volunteer passes on their own images or written contributions to the Vine Trust we receive it on the understanding that it can be used on the same terms outlined in clause 14. When you come down the mountain, you ll meet up with a work party (albeit briefly) and connect with out work. Work party teams help to build centres to provide the most vulnerable children with a home, an education and the opportunity, ultimately, of a vocation, a hope and a future. Work parties offer the opportunity to see the children s projects first hand. Whether a skilled construction worker or an enthusiastic volunteer, anyone young or old who can hammer a nail, lay bricks or labour is welcome to apply, The important thing is enthusiasm and determination for the job at hand. 16. The Code of Conduct, the Health and Safety Guidance, and financial requirements which are all outlined in the Kilimanjaro Trek Handbook are part of the terms and conditions and must be adhered to. 17. Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by the Vine Trust in which case deposits will be refunded in full. Refunds on other costs will depend on what the Vine Trust is able to claim back. Cancellations within 6 weeks of the trip will not be eligible for any refund. 18. There will be at least one team meeting before the trip. Volunteers must make every effort to attend meetings and attendance is expected. Team meetings are an opportunity to get to know others going on the trip while also finding out what to expect whilst there. All the projects we are working with are located within 2 hours of Moshi on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Moshi itself has a population of around 150,000.

5 Terms & Conditions 1. To register for the Trek we require a non-refundable 100 deposit (see clause 17) which must be enclosed along with your application form. A further non-refundable deposit will be required within 28 days of our acceptance of your application. 2. By applying for this trek you agree to pay all your Trip Costs in full 90 days prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in cancellation. 3. You will be required to pay any additional fuel surcharges imposed by the airline or government tax which is levied. 4. To take part you must be aged between 18 and 70 at the time of the trip and fit enough to make the long trek up to 5895 metres. 5. Accommodation on the mountain is in 2/3 man tents. The hotels, in the main town of Moshi, will be basic and costs are based on sharing rooms. How to Apply To apply for the trek, you must be: Aged Physically fit enough to make the trek (check with your GP) Simply fill in and return the application forms as instructed (either online or in paper form). NB: You cannot be guaranteed a place until your medical, disclosure, reference and insurance have all been received and your place confirmed. 6. All flights, timings, itinerary and arrangements are subject to change by airlines. You will be notified of such changes. The Vine Trust will endeavour to give volunteers as must notice as possible when changes are made. 7. If you wish to extend your stay for private travel after your time on the trek. the Vine Trust will where ever possible meet such requests. However volunteers must be aware that this will result in additional costs and the request must be made in writing along with your application. 8. We are unable to alter pre-booked tickets. 9. Your passport must be valid with at least six months validity remaining at the time of your scheduled return from the event. 10. You will be responsible for providing your own personal equipment and kit in line with the recommended kit list in the Kilimanjaro Trek Handbook. 11. Travel insurance covering you for trekking above 5000m is compulsory. 12. All volunteers must complete a confidential medical questionnaire and submit it with your application. Applications cannot be processed until this is submitted. 13. The Vine Trust reserves the right to cancel the event if there are fewer than the minimum required number of participants, or if the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel. Optional Safari For an additional sum you can stay on for a couple of days and go to Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks. Day 1 - includes two game drives and a picnic lunch before an overnight stay at Havennature Safari Camp & Lodge. Day 2 - after an early breakfast takes you to Ngorongoro Crater for more game viewing followed by lunch and transport back to Moshi.

6 Costs Expedition Cost: 1395 Including Full board during your 10 day trip. Accommodation includes 2/3 man tents on the mountain and basic hotel accommodation sharing a twin room either side of your climb. Plus food throughout your stay. All fees to Kilidove, your Tanzanian (Mountain) Safari Tour Company. All internal transfers. The sum excludes International flight costs (based on 2013 costs; ). A minimum of 300 to be raised for Vine Trust s work in Tanzania - funding the cost of construction. Tips for porters and guides - est. need of US $150. You will have 3 porters per person for 6 days! Any personal equipment hire or purchase - check the kit list. Insurance for climbing over 5900 metres. Personal spending money. Required vaccinations and medication. Any fuel charges imposed by the airline. $50 visa fee. Optional 2 day Safari Trip (circa 260). Itinerary cont. DAY 6: (11 14 hours walking) You start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. You plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (18,600 ft). This gets you a silver certificate. You rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. You ve made the gold run! The descent to Kibo Hut (4700m) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshments, we continue the descend to Horombo Huts (3740m). DAY 7 (4-5 hours walking) A steady descents take us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). You then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where you will be taken back to Keys Hotel in Moshi. DAY 8 You will visit some of the Vine Trust partner projects in the region and meet up with the work teams at them. DAY 9 Fly home! Or go on optional Safari and join a work team for a few days! This amount is due in 4 instalments: 250 non-refundable deposit when you sign up. Flight costs upon booking (if not part of a 10+ group). Half the remaining balance 6 months before the trip departs. The remaining balance, 3 months before departure.

7 Itinerary (example) Please note the itinerary below is presented ONLY to give an indication of each day on the trip. The actual itinerary will vary depending on local factors. You will be entirely under the supervision/care of Kilidove Ltd whilst on the mountain trek. DAY 1 Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania. We will meet you at the airport and take you to Keys Hotel. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. DAY 2: (3-4 hours walking) You travel to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities, before heading by Land Rover to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1950m. Ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Then, you take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One (2600m). DAY 3: (5-7 hours walking) The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Your campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3600m). DAY 4: (3-4 hours walking) A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. You leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. In the afternoon you will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. DAY 5: (5-6 hours walking) You cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4700m.) At the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. Payment Options Cheque Please send any cheques (made payable to Vine Trust ) to: Vine Trust, PO Box 1348, Tring, HP23 9AH Bank Transfer Please telephone Christine John on or [email protected] for details Online Payments Again, please speak to Christine about setting up online payments. Contact details above. Fundraising It is anticipated that in the majority of cases, the costs of the trip are borne by the members attending, although it is appreciated that in the case of those with more modest incomes, fundraising may be used to cover your trip costs. It is essential however that it is made clear to sponsors and during fundraising events that you are raising funds to enable you personally to go. Anything you raise over and above the costs will directly fund Vine Trust projects. If you are considering fundraising, please speak to us and visit the fundraising area of our website where you can download our Fundraising Pack which includes tips, guidelines and ideas when it comes to fundraising. You can also set up a personal fundraising page on our website - an easy way for friends, family and other sponsors to donate online. For more information on setting up your own fundraising page, please visit:

8 Important Information Medical Advice We have included advice on the immunisations that you will require to visit Tanzania (please turn to next page). However, the obligation is on you to ensure you act on the advice of your own GP. Alcohol and Recreational Drugs You are asked to refrain from drinking alcohol while you are in the company of our partner organisations and from taking recreational drugs at all times. Smoking For the comfort of everyone, smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Health & Safety Please consult the Foreign Office website for the latest information on Tanzania -advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/tanzania Insurance Unusually we will not insure you as a group. This is because your trek may involve more rigorous medical questioning than is the norm for work parties. We will ask you to complete an application to Salt Insurance ( at the outset of your application and Salt will give you a quote based on age and any medical information required of you. You will be asked to make payment directly to Salt and supply us with the policy number. It is important your insurance policy is in place before flights are booked. Kit List cont. For sleeping... Sleeping bag: 3 or 4 season with stuff sack. Sleeping mat: A closed cell foam camping mattress is OK. An inflatable Thermal Rest type is more comfortable. For drinking... Water bottle: Two, one litre wide-mouthed plastic bottles. Water treatment: This is very important. The water in East Africa is not unhealthy although its flora content is different from what you are used to. To keep your system running normally we recommend you bring two bottles of Potable Aqua or Polar Pure crystal iodine in a bottle, to treat drinking water. Water Flavoring: Wyle s lemonade, Tang, Gatorade, etc. These mixes are hard to come by in Tanzania and make treated water taste much better. Double bag these. For carrying your gear... Frameless pack: A medium size comfortable pack is adequate to carry personal gear. The pack should fit properly and have a good waist belt. Side pockets are recommended for soft packs. Personal loads with camera gear, water for the day and warm clothes are often between 18 and 25 pounds. Pack Cover: Something waterproof to cover your pack when hiking in the rain. Otherwise bring a large plastic bag to line the inside. Rucksack/Duffle bag: Medium size with lock for mountain gear. This will go into our mountain bag that the porters will carry. Rucksack/Duffle bag: Large enough to hold your non-mountain gear. This will meet you at the hotel after the climb. Plastic Bags: Several, to double bag your sleeping bag and clothes on the mountain. It can rain any/every afternoon. For personal health and comfort... Toiletries: Bring enough for entire trip. Keep it simple and light. Few toiletries are available in Tanzania, so bring enough for all your needs. Ear plugs: To ensure peaceful rest. Torch and/or headlamp: Important on summit day and handy in the camp. Plus plenty of batteries. Pocket knife: Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Personal First Aid and drug kit small blister pack, Neurofen, Paracetomol, and on prescription: Flagyl, Diamox (for altitude sickness) and Anti-malarials. Trail munchies: Although plenty of snack food is provided, trekkers like that taste of home in their pack. Touted as an important accessory by those who have brought them in the past! Hot drink mixes: We will provide plenty of coffee, cocoa and tea, but noncaffeinated drinks are not readily available here. Bring a supply of your favourite herbal teas. Towel: For washing in camp, a small one is fine, or you can use a bandana. Wet wipes: for general hygiene. Spare Glasses: For contact wearers in dusty conditions. Umbrella: Very useful against rain and sun. Most guides use one.

9 Kit List For your head and face Pile or wool hat: Bring one that covers ears - balaclava type is ideal. Shade hat: Visor hats with good brims are essential for protection from the sun. Sunglasses: Essential. Bring a good quality pair, preferably with an IREX protection rating of 100. Attachable side shields are necessary, or glacier glasses. Sunscreen: Bring plenty of complete sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Sunscreen is difficult to find in Tanzania. Lip Balm: With SPF rating of 15 or higher. Bandanas: They are very versatile. Tied around the neck, they give good sun protection and dry very quickly. Continued... Giving Gifts You are asked not to give gifts to individual children at any of the centres. If you bring gifts, please give them to a leader at the centre and they will be distributed fairly. For the upper body... T-Shirts: Take 2. Synthetic is best. Cotton takes time to dry & is uncomfortable. Upper Body Layers: No cotton - a long underwear top, a sweater, and a pile jacket or heavy wool shirt. Rain Parka: Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on the mountain. Bring a good Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Wind proofing shirt: Optional if you have Gore-Tex rain gear. Poncho: (Optional) Handy protection for body and rucksack. Poor protection in wind and rain. Gloves or mittens: Wool or pile. One pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves. Mitten shells: One pair to go over your mittens. For the legs... Quick dry hiking shorts: 1 pair. Long underwear bottoms: One pair. Wool or synthetic. Wool, bunting or pile trousers: One pair that fit loosely and are comfortable. These are essential to be worn over the long johns when cold. Waterproof trousers: Ideally Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Wind trousers: (optional if you have Gore-Tex rain trousers.) One pair. These are used often on the mountain for protection against the wind. Leggings: Lycra types are best. These are comfortable to hike in, help prevent nettle stings, provide good warmth on cool misty days, dry fast and prevent sunburn. Underwear: Enough for the duration of the trek. For the feet... Thin socks: Two pairs of thin, synthetic socks. Thick socks: Six pairs of heavy wool or synthetic socks. Hiking boots: One pair of medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one liner sock and one heavy wool or synthetic sock. Gaiters: One pair of either high or low gaiters. Teva sandles or the like: These are to wear in camp after a day of hiking.

10 Vaccinations & Immunisations Consult your GP practice for advice on immunisations for your trip to Tanzania. Please note the following however: All UK immunisations must be up to date: Polio / Tetanus /Diptheria You must also have: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B Malaria prophylaxis. There is a considerable risk of malaria and prophylaxis is recommended. Protection against mosquito bites will also reduce the risk further. Yellow Fever Check with your GP but at the time of going to print, there was no requirement for a yellow fever certificate in Northern Tanzania You may like to consider the following vaccinations: Rabies There is a risk of rabies in Tanzania should you be bitten by a carnivorous animal such as a dog or bat. On no account approach dogs or cute puppies! Please follow the advice of your own GP / Travel clinic about the necessity of this vaccination Cholera Vaccine A new oral vaccine is available which seems to not only protect against cholera but also travellers diarrhoea. Remember to discuss all of the above with your own GP/ practice nurse.