Your questions answered...
Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.
1. How fit do I need to be? Could I make it to the summit?
You absolutely can make it to the summit! Make no mistake about it, reaching Uhuru Peak atop Mount Kilimanjaro is a gruelling and physically demanding challenge that will test all who attempt it. However, it is also truly achievable and, with the right approach, anyone can succeed.
With the exception of the long summit day, each day on the mountain will include between 4-6 hours trekking with the remainder of the day to relax, rest and socialise with the group. The biggest problem faced by those attempting Kilimanjaro is in fact, not lack of physical fitness but some degree of high altitude illness. Almost all participants will experience at least some of the symptoms associated with being at high altitude, but being aware of this in advance and responding appropriately will allow you to minimize its effect – namely, walking slowly and taking plenty of fluids and rest. You will be provided with more information about high altitude illness in your confirmation pack. Those with prior medical problems or concerns should seek advice from a doctor first.
With some advance physical preparation and mental determination you too truly can achieve this magnificent goal.
2. Who can apply to go?
Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support Compassion and our LDP students in Kenya, at the same time as trekking through and up a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. Interested participants over the age of 65 will need to provide a medical form signed by a doctor.
3. What is included in the total trip cost?
Trip costs include flights and in-country travel, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, expedition costs and National Park entrance fees. It does not include your mandatory insurance cover, transport to and from the airport of origin, visas, vaccinations, tips or other expenses of a personal nature.
You will be provided with further information outlining all of the equipment you will need for the challenge. Most notably, this includes a comfortable and worn-in pair of walking boots, appropriate clothing, and a sleeping bag. Some equipment can be hired on request and at your own cost.
4. How many places are there? What if I don't know anyone else?
There are a maximum of 29 places available on each trip and a first-come, first-served policy will determine how spaces are filled. Blood, Sweat & Compassion challenges are a fantastic team-building experience. The majority of participants won’t initially know each other but by the end you will have made a number of close new friends – all bonded by the fantastic experience that you have shared.
Whilst you may want to sign up with a friend or family member, there really is no problem if you sign up alone. There will be a 30th team member on the trip – a Compassion representative who will share in the experience with you. The guide ratio for this trip is very high with one guide for every two challenge participants, so helping to ensure your safety throughout the experience. The minimum group size for the trip to take place is 16 and, in the unlikely event that this minimum is not met, participants will be notified no later than 12 weeks prior to departure and refunded in full.
5. If I've been accepted, what information will I receive?
You will receive a comprehensive information pack providing details of the challenge and those for whom fundraising is being undertaken, how to prepare – including training, fundraising and what to take, and the itinerary with additional details about what to expect on the trip. In addition, you will be able to contact a dedicated trip manager to discuss details of the trip and your preparations, and to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns that you might have.
6. Is there a commitment following the conclusion of the trek?
No. Participants will be given the optional opportunity to remain in contact through correspondence with the LDP students on whose lives they have had such a monumental impact. However, this is optional and by no means compulsory. The challenge provides a unique opportunity to engage with us here at Compassion and be a direct part of our work. There is no commitment to maintain contact after you have returned but we hope you will want to remain in touch.
7. What food and accommodation will be provided, and how much do I have to carry?
On the challenge itself you will stay in high quality mountain tents – designed for three people but each of which will only be shared by two. Before and after the challenge you will be accommodated in a high quality local hotel – again sharing an en-suite room with one other person. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, and the quality of food on the trek itself is exceptional with a wide variety of meals and food types.
You will only need to take the clothing and equipment that you need on the trek itself as you will have an opportunity to leave other un-required items securely at the hotel whilst you’re away. During the trek, you will only carry a daypack yourself containing the items that you feel you will need between the day’s camps. Your remaining possessions (up to a maximum of 15kg) will be carried by the expert local porter team on your behalf.
8. Who is organising the trek?
Compassion’s partner for undertaking Blood, Sweat & Compassion challenges is RightFoot. RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. They have first-hand experience of the challenge and will provide you with all the information you need before, during and after the trip. RightFoot is a certified member of the Travel Trust Association (membership number U9074) in order to provide you with the guarantee of full financial protection for your booking.