Dates: 21st to 29th January 2023

Are you ready for an incredible adventure to the Roof of Africa? You are invited to join our team trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trek will be in support of the charity Beyond, co-founded by Jonny Benjamin MBE, which offers invaluable assistance to young people affected by mental health issues across the UK. The trek will be organised by professional expedition leader, Oli France, Founder of Wild Edge

The Challenge:

The primary aim of this expedition will be to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, which, at 5895 metres, is the highest point in Africa. The chosen route for this trek is the Machame route which is one of the most beautiful routes to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo, while crossing through forest, moorland, alpine desert and beside icecaps.

Who can join and how fit do I need to be?:

The Kilimanjaro trek is open to all those wishing to lend invaluable support to the Beyond Charity. Kilimanjaro is not to be underestimated; however it is an achievable goal for anyone who is in good physical health and is willing to work towards a moderate degree of fitness. Reaching the summit will also require a strong dose of determination and teamwork. By the time of departure, trekkers should feel comfortable walking for 6-8 hours on hilly terrain at an easy pace while carrying a light (~5kg) daypack (or be willing to work towards such fitness). During the trek, your main rucksack will be carried by a local porter.

As part of the build-up to the expedition, fitness plans and advice will be circulated and there will be an option to join a UK-based training hike with Oli France (included - date tbc). As a general rule, the fitter you are, the more enjoyment you will find in the trek, and the greater your chances of reaching the summit. This is an extraordinary goal to work towards, and a vision of team summit-success will be a great training motivator!

How do I sign up?:

You can secure your place with a fully-refundable* £200 deposit. After paying the deposit, you will recieve a booking form to collect some basic information. The last date for signing up to the expedition is March 31^st 2022. Early sign-ups are strongly encouraged. The final balance will be due 8 weeks before departure.

*The deposit is fully refundable up until 8 weeks before departure. At this point, should there be any serious concerns that the expedition cannot take place due to Covid, your deposit will be refunded. We are however very confident that we can make the expedition happen. At 8 weeks before departure, final payments will need to be made. In the unlikely scenario in which the running of this expedition is not possible due to Covid-19, a future date will be sought, as agreed by the group, or you may choose to receive a full refund of any fees paid for the expedition. Full Covid-19 terms.

Who is leading the trek?:

The trek will be organised and led by professional expedition leader and adventurer Oli France, Founder of Wild Edge, in partnership with a highly experienced team of local guides, porters and cooks. A qualified winter mountain leader and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society with a degree in Outdoor Leadership, Oli has travelled to 70 countries, climbing mountains in half of those visited including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe and Halgurd, the highest mountain in Iraq. Oli has led teams through over 20 countries across Africa and Asia, including hostile places such as Somalia, DR Congo and Yemen, and has completed a series of challenging solo expeditions, including a 400-mile trek across the frozen length of Lake Baikal in Siberia, and a 4-month mountaineering journey across the mountainous spine of Asia, from Hong Kong to Istanbul. More about Oli here. Any questions about the trek can be forwarded to oli@wild-expeditions.com.

BEYOND Kilimanjaro Charity Trek. 21st to 29th January 2023.