Hike4Life 2011

This year's FOCUS challenge is taking place in Tanzania, East Africa.
We will be hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro so the weather will be extreme, warm during the day but very cold at night. The challenge will be tough, the scenery and views stunning and the satisfaction when you complete the challenge is indescribable.

Details on Tanzania can be found here: www.lonelyplanet.com/tanzania

More specific info on Mount Kilimanjaro can be found here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tanzania/mount-kilimanjaro

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What are we doing?

We are hiking up the Africa’s highest peak, 5,896m - Mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the highest volcanoes and freestanding mountains in the world. We will be doing this to raise money for Focus Humanitarian Assistance. To see the work of AKDN and more information on FOCUS, please click here www.akdn.org/focus

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How are we getting there and back?

We will be departing London on 25 December 2011 and flying to Kilimanjaro. We transfer to Moshi to acclimatise to our mountainous environment and begin our challenge the following day.

Our return flight leaves Kilimanjaro on 2 January 2012, arriving in London very early morning on 3 January 2012.

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What do I need in order to travel to Mount Kilimanjaro?

Participants from the UK, Europe, USA and Canada will require a visa prior to travel to Tanzania. Please contact your local Tanzanian High Commission for further information. For initial details click here.

Also, each participant will need to have an immunisation card showing a valid yellow fever vaccination. Current recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis as well as Malaria prevention medication. Please consult your GP for the most up to date advice and information.

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Do I need to be a professional athlete to complete the challenge?

Not at all, however you must be fit and be prepared to stretch yourself. As part of our training sessions, your fitness will be medically assessed to ensure you will be capable and physically able to embark on this challenge. Training for this challenge will be vital.

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How old do I need to be to participate in this challenge?

Participants need to be 18 years of age and above. If under 18, participants need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will be responsible for the fundraising, training and completion of the challenge by the underage participant.

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What is the fundraising target for this challenge?

There is a strict and enforced fundraising element to the FOCUS challenge event. This year, we have set the fundraising targets as follows:

UK/Rest of World participants:
£4,500 (includes all travel and tour costs)
£3,500 (if making your own travel arrangements to Kilimanjaro)

European participants:
€5,000 (includes all travel and tour costs)
€3,900 (if making your own travel arrangements to Kilimanjaro)

USA participants (USD $):
$4,100 (fundraising element)
$3,000 (contribution towards travel and tour costs)
$1,400 (contribution towards travel and tour costs if making your own travel arrangements to Kilimanjaro)

Canadian participants (CAN $):
$4,000 (fundraising element)
$3,000 (contribution towards travel and tour costs)
$1,400 (contribution towards travel and tour costs if making your own travel arrangements to Kilimanjaro)

The deposit (as below) is required to secure your place on the event and will be taken off the cost element as described above:
UK: £500 / Europe: €500 / USA: $800 / Canada: $800

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What is included in the cost of the trip?

The costs of the trip include:

Return Flights from London to Kilimanjaro
All transfers along the challenge route
All meals and accommodation during the event

The cost does not include visa expenses, personal expenses, additional meals in Moshi, tips, travel to or accommodation in London. Those wishing to make their own travel arrangements to Kilimanjaro are also able to do so.

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Can we raise funds online?

Online fundraising pages are a great way to raise money. It gives you the opportunity to access funds that may not otherwise be available. It is also an easy way for people all over the world to sponsor you. This year our preferred online fundraising platform in Europe is Virgin Money Giving and we would ask to use this platform only (and not Just Giving) to raise your funds.

Participants from outside Europe can use local online fundraising websites - more information on this is available once an application is approved.

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What happens if I am unable to raise the funds?

Everyone has to meet the minimum fundraising targets. Prior to departing for Kilimanjaro, 50% of your target needs to have been met. If you do not raise the funds, you will be required to contribute the balance yourself. Do not worry! We will give you lots of support and fundraising suggestions to help ensure you reach your target. However, the onus is on each participant to make the effort to fundraise.

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Do I need particular hike gear?

Yes you will need specific hike gear. On acceptance of your application, a comprehensive equipment list will be distributed.

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Will there be training sessions organised?

Yes, there will be compulsory training sessions in the run up the event, however participants will be expected to train outside these times as good fitness and ability is crucial for this event.

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Where will we be staying during the challenge?

We will be staying in a combination of a hotel and hut campsites. We will begin and end our trip with stays in a hotel, however during the hike, we will be staying in huts along the route.

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Is this challenge for me?

Sometimes in life, we need to take the plunge and seize the adventure before us. It will be an amazing experience from the first Pound/Euro/Dollar you raise to the last kilometre you hike. The feeling on completion will be beyond words!

Read the quotes, look at the pictures, talk to the FOCUS challenge team or any ex-participant if you have even the slightest doubt. Do not miss out on this true challenge of a lifetime – To the Peak of Africa!

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@focuschallenge.org

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