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Frequently asked questions
Below you will find a long list of questions that we are regularly asked about many aspects of these treks. If you still have any questions after reading through these, please don't hesitate to contact the VSO events team.
Follow these links to jump to a particular section.
Eligibility
Who is this trek open to?
This is a trek for Accenture employees only. VSO runs an alternative trek to Kilimanjaro in January of every year, and this is open to anybody. More information is available at
www.vso.org.uk/challenge .
If I leave Accenture before the trek departs, can I still take part?
Yes. As long as you are an Accenture employee on registration we do not mind if you are no longer working for the company.
I am a contractor working for Accenture, can I take part in this?
If you are a contractor with Accenture and have an Accenture email address, you are eligible to participate in VSO challenge events. You must be contracting with Accenture for a minimum of 2 months and be contracted to Accenture at the time of signing up to an event.
Am I fit enough to do it?
You do not need to be an athlete, but if you do not lead an active lifestyle it important you allow time to reach a good level of fitness. Everyone taking part needs to commit to being as fit as they can at departure and it is important to get started early. Have a look at our detailed training guide for more advice and give us a call if you are in any doubt.
Fundraising
Can I afford it?
Yes! The more you fundraise, the cheaper the cost you pay yourself- you could go for as little as the amount you pay for your deposit! The fundraising target may seem a little daunting at first, but EVERY participant so far has managed to raise the money. There will be lots of help and advice available along the way.
How do I go about raising the money?
Fundraising can be fun and easy; the best advice is to start early and plan ahead. When you sign up to a VSO Challenge we will send you a comprehensive fundraising pack full of tips on how to raise the money, including advice from past fundraisers.
Have a look at the Fundraising section on your microsite and contact the VSO fundraisers who are on hand to support you with lots more ideas and advice.
Our first tip would be -set up an online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/vsofundraising This is really easy to do and, once you have a page, send it to everyone. You'll be amazed how generous people are and you don't have to do a thing! Anything donated via Justgiving is in British Pounds and comes directly to us.
In order to start your fundraising, please complete and return by mail the letter of authorisation, this permits you to collect money on behalf of VSO (a faxed version is not acceptable).
What happens if I can't raise the money?
If you cannot raise the money in time, we will ask you to make up the costs yourself in order to take part in the event. If this is not possible, we will offer you the opportunity to join another challenge in the future, giving you longer to keep fundraising.
Please note that cancellation charges do apply if cancelling within 8 weeks of departure date. Your travel insurance may cover cancellation costs, depending on the circumstances.
Does Gift Aid count towards my total?
No, Gift Aid is an additional bonus for the charity and is not included in your fundraising total. This policy helps us insure that VSO is abiding by Inland Revenue regulations. Any money raised through Gift Aid will still be helping VSO in their work, so you should try and claim it whenever possible.
Will people think they're paying for me to go on holiday?
VSO organises these events to increase our income and continue doing our work throughout the world, not to send people on holiday! Explain to people that you are taking part in a challenge (similar to a marathon or other sponsored challenge event) and that it will require dedication, commitment and training to a) raise the money and b) complete the trip. The more you talk about the charity, the more they will realise how important your hard work is!
How much of my fundraising will pay for the actual costs of the Challenge?
The cost of your place on the trek is £1795 (for UK participants) or £1295 (for Global participants), your deposit and your cost payment will contribute to this cost, the rest is income for VSO.
Does our deposit count towards our final fundraising total?
No, your deposit does not count as fundraising.
When does the sponsorship money need to be paid in by?
The sponsorship money needs to be paid to VSO ten weeks before the date of departure. Any outstanding costs, according to the sliding scale, need to be paid to VSO eight weeks pre-departure.
What's the best way to pay my money in?
The best way to pay in money is to bank any cash you have fundraised and then pay it in online at https://www.vso.org.uk/giving/donate or onto your justgiving page. More details on this can be found in the Money Matters section of this site.
If you have cheques for VSO, please send them to:
London
SW15 2PN
Please note: cheques in currencies other than GBP can take up to 2 months to process.
Can I raise money as part of a team?
If you would like to fundraise entirely as a team, please inform us and we will divide all fundraising received between you.
If you are running an event as a team as a one-off activity the proceeds will go against the person that pays in the money (or creates the justgiving page). This fundraising will be divided at the time of the fundraising deadline.
Do you take the 'amount raised offline' section of my justgiving page into account?
No, this is just a space for you to record other money you have raised. We only account for money as we receive it.
Will VSO provide receipts for donations?
Generally we don't provide receipts for donations. With so many people signed up from Accenture to support VSO through trekking Kilimanjaro, we cannot receipt every donation as this takes a lot of administration time and is not a cost effective way for VSO to spend the valuable funds we have. However, we do provide a receipt for corporate donations and will try and help with other required receipts.
Are there any extra 'hidden' costs?
No. All costs are detailed on the website and in the information pack. Not included in the minimum sponsorship targets are payments for insurance, items on the kit list, personal expenses, tips for the local guides and porters, payment for visas, medical forms or vaccinations (where required). Global participants are also responsible for purchasing their international flights.
Accenture
Can Accenture help with my fundraising?
Yes. Most Accenture countries have some means of supporting employee's fundraising initiatives. This may be a matching scheme, or donations from the Accenture Foundation. You should check your corporate citizenship portal to see what schemes are available to you.
I have heard that we have 'charity days' we can use? What are they and can I use them?
Some countries, notably the UK, have charity days that can be used on charitable initiatives such as VSO Challenge events. Most countries do not have such a policy so participants must use their holiday to take part. However, some countries may support this on an informal basis using 'community days' which Senior Executives/projects may use to show their support of such initiatives.
The Trip
Will I get to know other people on the challenge before departure?
We will send out a list of everyone taking part in your challenge and we recommend that you get in touch with them. Fundraising in a team can be easier and more successful so don't be shy about organising something with your colleagues.
What kind of insurance do I need?
When you talk to your insurers you need to tell them you need to be covered for a charity trek at altitude (of up to 6000 metres) and will need cover for air evacuation and medical repatriation.
The following sell suitable policies in the UK, we advise you arrange your policy over the phone:
- Preferential www.preferential.co.uk (Tel: 0870 600 7766)
- Insure and go www.insureandgo.com (Tel: 0870 901 3674)
VSO will need your policy number and 24 hour help-line number.
What visas do I need and when do I need to get them?
You must obtain a Tanzanian visa before you depart. Please see under the Essential information - Visas and Passports - for the details you will need for your application.
For UK participants:
Visa applications can be made by post or in person at the Tanzanian High Commission in London.
The cost of a Tanzanian visa is £38 (cost in 2007.) If you pay in person at the High Commission you can only pay in cash and your visa will be ready within 2-3 working days to collect.
If you are applying by post it will take approx 1-2 weeks to be returned to you.
For Global participants:
You can obtain you visa for Tanzania upon arrival (this will be payable in dollars - approx $50) however you may wish to purchase it before you leave- see the website of your local embassy for details of the application process. Usually, you can apply by post (this can take several weeks), or in person. Visas have an expiry date, so do your research and don’t apply too early.
How much money should I take with me?
We recommend taking between £150 and £200 to cover any drinks, tips and souvenir spending. US Dollars in small denominations are the best way to get your money exchanged into the local currency.
We also advice bringing a Visa or Mastercard credit card for any emergencies.
If you are travelling on after your trek it is advisable to bring your money in Traveller's Cheques.
Where are we staying when we're not on the mountain?
You will be staying in hotels when you're not camping on the mountain. This will be organised by us for the length of the trip and we will be able to provide you with more details nearer the time.
Can I bring gifts to the project visit?
Yes. We will seek advice from the project as to what gifts are appropriate and pass this information to you. The project will also take responsibility for distributing gifts.
What else do I need to arrange pre-departure?
You need to make sure you have arranged adequate travel insurance and your own visa to take part in the event. Please also visit your health clinic for any vaccinations. You must also have a VSO medical certificate from VSO signed by your doctor and returned to us as early as possible.
The Trek
What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro?
The climate varies dramatically on Kilimanjaro. It can be hot during the day and you will need good sun protection. There can be sudden rainfall, so you will trek with waterproofs in your bag. It also gets very cold on Kilimanjaro and it is absolutely essential that you prepare to camp at temperatures as low as -10C and to trek to summit at temperatures as low as -25C. Our comprehensive kit list should enable you to be fully equipped and do seek the advice of outdoor shop staff who are usually knowledgeable about this trek. If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone on the mountain?
There is mobile phone coverage on Kilimanjaro but the cost of using it is very high. The high altitude will also drain your battery much faster than usual. We advise you consider yourself out-of-touch while you're actually trekking.
Will there be an international cell phone on the trek?
One of the trek leaders will be carrying a satellite phone for any emergencies
How high is Kilimanjaro?
At 5985m/19,304ft high, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's tallest peak.
How far do we walk each day?
The amount you walk each day varies, an average day is 5 hours, but on summit night combined with the following day you can walk between 11 and 15 hours. Have a look at the itinerary for a day-to-day account.
How are VSO Challenges Worldwide organised?
VSO organises the events through a reputable (ATOL protected) tour operator in the UK, The Ultimate Travel Company (UTC), who we have been working with for around 6 years. They will arrange the details of the trip and use a local ground agent to arrange all our accommodation, meals, transfers etc. The trips are very well organised, and are organised to be on dates that are within season for trekking on Kilimanjaro. UTC is very conscious of the impact on the environment and is currently working on ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the treks, as well as providing fair wages to staff overseas. You will be well looked after, so all you have to concentrate on is the challenge ahead!
Are the Challenges safe?
Yes. The tour operator and ground agents are very experienced in organising challenges such as these and you will be accompanied by VSO staff, a tour leader, a doctor as well as English-speaking local guides and porters who are all there to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the trip. The routes we take are well established and known well by our guides, and as an international organisation VSO is aware of any rising political, health or safety issues affecting the countries we visit.
Luggage
Do I have to carry my bag?
You will not have to carry your main bag while you're trekking- our porters will do that for you. You will have to carry a day-sac containing things like your camera, your water, lunch, waterproof clothing and extra layers. It is worth training with a day-sac weighing up to 6kg.
Is there anywhere I can leave luggage that I will not need on the mountain?
Yes, the Tanzanian hotel has a facility for this that we use regularly
Health and fitness
Do you really need my medical form?
YES! You will not be able to participate if you do not submit this in good time. We ask for it six months before you depart so that the tour operator's medical consultants can identify any potential problems and these can be addressed. It is extremely rare for a person to be refused participation on medical grounds.
What vaccinations do I need?
You should ask your GP/travel clinic about this for up-to-date information. We recommend Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever and that your Tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date. Check early as you may need to go on a course of vaccinations.
What's AMS?
Altitude sickness is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. Early symptoms include headaches, tiredness, irritability and nausea. The high altitude will be the biggest challenge to us on this hike and can be felt from around 2500m upwards. If anyone experiences more serious symptoms they will be guided down. Not everyone is affected by altitude sickness, and fitness, size, age or sex does not make one more or less susceptible to it.
Do I need malaria tablets?
We advise that you have protection against malaria for the trek, but you should talk to your GP about which medication is best for you.
Kit
What kit do I need to buy? What can I borrow?
It is important that you have the right kit.
We have set up a sharepoint where trekkers can buy kit used by previous participants. This is designed to significantly lower the costs of the kit and also enable participants to sell any kit on once they have completed the trek.
We also negotiate discounts with stores (eg.20% off North Face kit). The details of these offers will be sent to you by VSO.
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