Climb for Charity

Many people climb Kilimanjaro as a fund-raising activity for their favorite charity. A fund-raising trek is an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants while serving a humanitarian or environmental cause. We can help your charity climb with group rates, by sponsoring t-shirts, and helping with your travel plans.

Upcoming charity climbs will benefit Close the Gap, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), Prostate Awareness Foundation, Woman on Top, TunaHAKI Orphanage of Moshi (Canada), and Shalom Orphanage.

These charity climbs are always looking for people to join their trek to help raise awareness and money.  They are also looking for donations and sponsorships.

CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young (August 2008)

CRY’s Vision 2008: to work with cardiologists and family doctors to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young by establishing good practice and screening facilities devoted to significantly reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death throughout the U.K.

Close the Gap (September 2008)

Charity Image It is Close the Gap’s mission to contribute closing the digital divide between the Western World and developing countries, by offering communities access to much-needed IT equipment. Since Close the Gap was founded in 2003, thousands of computers have been donated by Western companies. They have been put to work once more in developing countries where they offer a springboard for both individuals and communities to make steady progress as they bridge the digital and economic divide.

Prostate Awareness Foundation (September 2008)

Charity Image The Prostate Awareness Foundation (PAF) offers information, support, and education about the treatment options available to those with prostate cancer. PAF is different and unique in its approach to preventing and healing prostate cancer through its emphasis on a healthy life style, diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and stress reduction techniques. PAF does a charity trek every year.

Woman On Top (September 2008)

Charity Image Woman On Top is a philanthropically-inclined organization of outdoor enthusiasts who’s goal is to raise funds for qualified organizations through the achievement of amazing feats in human stamina. These climbers with a cause, feel that through a combination of their skills, determination, dedication to philanthropy, and fundraising efforts, substantial donations can be garnered that will make a difference in our world. In September of 2008, seven climbers (five women and two very brave men) will endeavor upon the Machame Route, on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Over 6 days, they will ascend over 13,000 feet to reach the summit of the highest peak on the African continent. Towering at 19,340 feet above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro is no “walk in the park.” Our fundraising goal for 2008 is $75,000 to be divided between our two benefiting non-profit organizations: Positively Kids and The Odyssey Foundation. And, they have great t-shirts!

TunaHAKI Canada (December 2008)

The TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development, located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Moshi, Tanzania, was founded in 1998. Perhaps the most dynamic and unique feature of the Centre is its focus on the performing arts, including aerials, acrobatics, gymnastics and drumming. The self-esteem, confidence, cooperation skills, and sense of family garnered from working together empower these abandoned children and give them a sense of home. The Canadian non-profit set up to support TunaHAKI is climbing Mt. Meru in December 2008.

Shalom Orphanage (June 2009)

The Shalom Orphanage is located in the village of Karatu, which is located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Started in 2004, there are currently 40 children living in the orphanage, and they currently range in age between 1 and 13 years old. There is a staff of 12 people, including teachers, cooks, cleaning help, and gardeners, who take care of and educate the children.

KILIMANJARO CHARITY CLIMBS >>

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Flights from Hell

I was recently flying from one city to another with a layover in between. After 11 hours of flight delays in our layover city, they decided to cancel the flight. After standing in line to get re-ticketed (for a flight TWO DAYS LATER) and another line to get baggage, I was finally leaving the airport after 13 HOURS.

While standing in line at the baggage counter at 2am is not a pleasant experience, it certainly is an interesting study of human behavior….

My seven-year-old son announced to me that it was the longest, most difficult travel day of his short (but well-traveled life). This made me reflect on the many difficult travel days that I have encountered over the years to properly put a rating on it.

Three Days in Minneapolis

The closest competitor is the time we were traveling to Tanzania with a stop in Minneapolis. Our flight into Minneapolis was delayed to the point that we missed our connection to Amsterdam. Upon deplaning, the airline had already re-booked everyone and had new boarding passes waiting for us. Our flight was booked for THREE DAYS LATER.

After arguing with the airline customer service manager for an hour, the best we could get was a flight into Kenya the next evening. Off we went to our hotel to spend the next 24 hours in Minneapolis. We did get on the next day’s flight — a day late and to the wrong country — but we then had to spend a night in Nairobi and get a overland transfer to Tanzania the following day.

Could be worse

I will have to say that if you are to be stranded somewhere, it’s nice to do it somewhere interesting. During canceled flights or overly long layovers, I have gotten to see the Statue of Liberty, taken a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and gone to the top of the St. Louis Arch.

Where, oh where, has my luggage gone?

My husband has a great story coming back from Beijing to Idaho. All of his bags made it to Shanghai, but the next airlines managed to spread his luggage into three cities: San Francisco, Boise, and Sun Valley.

Can you hear me now?

Then there’s the time when my cell phone had been ripped out of a plastic bag in my checked luggage. I typically keep all my expensive electronics in my carry-on baggage, but after 3 weeks of traveling, I had let my guard down. The sad part of the story is that I do not have a global phone, so whoever stole it (in Europe) was not able to use it, and it cost me $200 to replace….

Take me to the rental shop

We had one client who didn’t get one of his bags upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport. Nor did the bag arrive in time for his Kilimanjaro climb. Luckily, we were able to arrange enough warm clothing for his trek. The bag was finally found 6 months later only with the on-going help of our staff in Moshi. The bag was half empty….

Moral of the Story

I know I should have a moral to this story. Many people say you should pack your toiletries and one night of clothing in your carry-on bag. I think this is good advice, but I always have too many valuables (camera, computer, etc.) in my carry-on and don’t have room for anything else.

My personal advice would be to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses and luggage losses. Layover expenses are not covered by the airlines if the delay was due to weather. Those with travel insurance will have expenses covered (hotel, transportation, and meals).

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Adventure Travel on Facebook

Adventures Within Reach is now on Facebook! Our page has

    AWR on Facebook

    AWR on Facebook

  • our latest blog entries
  • slide shows
  • photo albums
  • YouTube videos
  • t-shirts and mugs you can buy
  • a world clock

Stop by and become a fan!

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In’s and Out’s of Getting a Tibet Permit

With all the travel to China for the Olympics, the rules have changed to get a Chinese visa, which impacts many people traveling to Tibet.  Here is everything you need to know to get your Tibet travel permit and your Chinese visa.

Tibet

All travelers going to Tibet will need a travel permit for Tibet, which must be arranged for you by a local tour operator. If you are traveling through China to get to Tibet, you will also need to get a Chinese visa ahead of time. If you are traveling through Nepal, then you do not get a Chinese visa ahead of time.

The travel permit to Tibet will be handled for you as they can only be issued in Nepal or China. The visa is $135/person for U.S. citizens and $45/person for all other countries, subject to change.

Barkhor Square with Potala Palace in the distance

Barkhor Square with Potala Palace in the distance

China

The Chinese visa must be acquired before arrival if you are flying through a Chinese city that is not Lhasa.

You either need to apply for your visa at a Chinese visa consulate in person, or you need to use a visa service (you cannot mail in for a visa).

You will need to send in the following to apply for your Chinese visa:

  1. Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip and must have at least 2 blank pages (remember you may need more blank pages if you are going to Nepal or Bhutan or elsewhere).
  2. Chinese visa application form – do not mention Tibet or Hong Kong on your application form or it will be denied. You must list your hotel and contact information.
  3. Flight itinerary – must show flight into Chengdu, no exit flight is necessary.
  4. Hotel confirmation – we will send you this for your hotel in Chengdu.
  5. One passport size photo — 2” x 2” on white background.
  6. Visa service application form
  7. Photocopies of all documents – keep on file.

Unless you are requesting rush service, allow 7 business days for processing, which does not include shipping time. We recommend that you send your visa application by FedEx or certified mail to protect your passport.

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Tour the Himalayas with scholar John Bellezza

Adventures Within Reach is offering two trips with archaeologist John Bellezza in 2009 — one to remote regions of Tibet in May and one to the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, Nepal in September.

John Vincent Bellezza is a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia where he specializes in the pre-Buddhist phase of Tibetan civilization. Bellezza, a fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies and Explorer’s Club, has spent 25 years exploring the most remote parts of the Great Western Himalaya and Tibet. No ordinary academic, John is a great story teller and entertainer, skills he developed during his long years of wandering around the Himalaya. His latest book, “Zhang Zhung: Foundations of Civilization in Tibet”, provides comprehensive treatment of the pre-Buddhist civilization he discovered single-handedly.

View of Himalayas from Pokhara

View of Himalayas from Pokhara

The Tibet Looking Glass trip is a unique opportunity to see Tibetan civilization in all its splendor with John Vincent Bellezza, one of the world’s leading authorities. From Buddhist monasteries to Eurasian animal art, this journey reveals Tibet in all her depth.

The Mustang trip gives you the opportunity to go to the places where few have been before. Most of the trek keeps to arid, high deserts inhabited mostly by people of Tibetan stock. The men folk are either traders or farmers while the women mostly tend the fields. Along with insights into the everyday lives of the people of “Lo” you will have the opportunity to witness their vibrant culture and also a chance to get a look at Lamaistic Buddhism little changed by time.

Tour the Himalayas with John Bellezza >>

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Videos from Kilimanjaro and Tanzania Safari

Great videos from Kilimanjaro and Tanzania safari in June 2008!

Welcoming to Camp Mawenzi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsmiOu7_nTo

Lake Manyara zebras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QpnVNI048A

Lake Manyara baboons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8hR6cIEK44

Lake Manyara elephant herd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUHwA0y2avk

Leopard with dinner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAVS78YRrE

Hippo pool in the rain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqkQg0gWbcQ

Lioness and cub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyBypxyrVOE

Group on safari in Tanzania

Group on safari in Tanzania

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Everything you ever wanted to know about getting to Machu Picchu

GETTING THERE

To get to Machu Picchu, you take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) to the village of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there, you take a shuttle bus 9km to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary itself. By train and shuttle is the only way to get to the ruins.

TRAINS

There are three types of trains that go to Aguas Calientes: a backpacker train, the VistaDome, and the Hiram Bingham train.

Most people take the VistaDome train which has glass windows in the roof, so you can see out and enjoy the view. The backpacker train is cheaper and makes many more stops but is still very comfortable. Both trains have multiple departures daily up and back from Cusco and from Ollantytambo. Transfer to the train station is included.

The Hiram Bingham train is very luxurious — and has a price tag to match (about $375/person one-way). This train includes a gourmet brunch served on the train, afternoon tea served at the Sanctuary Lodge overlooking the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, and a gourmet dinner on board during your return trip.

This only one departure daily excluding Sundays — morning departure from Cusco and late afternoon departure from Aguas Calientes. This train departs from the Poroy Station just outside Cusco, so you will need a transfer to the station. You can spend the night in Aguas Calientes or the Sanctuary Lodge and the take the train over two days.

The VistaDome and Hiram Bingham trains can fill up — especially in July and August. If the train you want is full, you may have to start or end in Ollantytambo and take a bus to/from there, or you will have to take the backpacker train one-way on your trip.

Train in Aguas Calientes

Train in Aguas Calientes

MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOURS

Our tours include a half-day guided tour of Machu Picchu with a local guide. The Hiram Bingham train includes a half day guided tour as well as narration on the train.

If you spend more time in the Machu Picchu area, you will be on your own to explore the ruins or the village area. You may want a guide book to make the most of your visit.

PLANNING YOUR DAY

Most people visit Machu Picchu in a day. Therefore, it is busiest from 10am until 2pm. If you want to visit the ruins when it is not so crowded (to get better pictures), you may want to spend the night so that you can visit later in the afternoon or first thing in the morning.

There are many great treks around Machu Picchu. The most popular is to Wayna Picchu, the hill you see above the ruins. There are only 500 tickets given out each day, which are free, but you will want to get one as soon as possible before they run out (your guide can help you with this).

There are other interesting hikes around Machu Picchu. Many people like to hike back towards the Inca Trail to get pictures from the Sun Gate. Many guide books describe all the different hiking trails in the area, but some are closed due to landslides. Check with a local guide for information on which trails are still open.

WHERE TO STAY

We can book any hotel in the Aguas Calientes area that you wish. The most popular are

The Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located right at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and is the most luxurious in the area.

The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a 4-star hotel centrally located in Aguas Calientes.

The Machu Picchu Inn is a high-end 3-star hotel centrally located in Aguas Calientes.

The El Presidente is a comfortable 3-star backpacker hotel centrally located in Aguas Calientes.

AGUAS CALIENTES

Aguas Calientes is a small village with a nice local crafts market and small, interesting churches. There are hot springs near by, which are open to the public for a nominal fee.

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Climbing Kilimanjaro for the Prostate Awareness Foundation

In September 2008, a group of 8 men and women will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft) to raise funding for education and outreach programs for the Prostate Awareness Foundation.

This expedition has two primary objectives: 1) raise critically needed funding for education and outreach programs, and 2) inspire men and their families with a message of hope. Prostate cancer will affect one in five families in the United States and has reached epidemic proportions.

The Prostate Awareness Foundation, the non-profit organization that sponsors these expeditions provides men and their families with information about available treatment options both conventional and alternative. It also offers guidance about preventative measures, nutritional support and stress management techniques. The object is to help men and their families take a proactive approach to good prostate health.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro is a very popular and successful way of raising money and awareness to charitable causes,” says Robin Paschall, owner of Adventures Within Reach. “We help charity climbs with group rates, promotion, travel arrangements, and ensure a safe and incredible experience.”

This is the 7th year for these “Prostate Cancer Climbs”. Prior climbs have raised over $400,000 USD for prostate cancer awareness and education programs. The expeditions started in 2001 and have included Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Yosemite, the Colorado Rockies, Mt. Blanc, and El Misti.

Ken Malik who is the operations manager for both expeditions is also the co-founder of PAF and a thirteen year veteran of prostate cancer. Ken says that “This year’s expedition will send a message to men and their families dealing with prostate cancer that there can be a rich and rewarding life after diagnosis.”

The group will be climbing Kilimanjaro on the 6-day Marangu Route. The men and women on the climb come from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho, and Florida and range in age from early 30’s to early 60’s.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located three degrees south of the equator in northeastern Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. “Kilimanjaro is our hottest destination,” says Paschall. “Of the famous ‘Seven Summits,’ this is the easiest to get to and the easiest to climb. It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.”

The Marangu Route, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. It takes a minimum of 5 days to complete, and trekkers sleep in huts with simple beds. Although the climb is not a technical climb, summit day is long, strenuous and at high elevation.

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Kilimanjaro Marathon

The 2009 Kilimanjaro Marathon has been scheduled for February 22. There is a full marathon, a half-marathon, and 5k fun run, so there is something for everyone.

The course starts and ends in the town of Moshi and goes uphill towards Mt. Kilimanjaro (from 2600 feet / 800 meters up to about 3700 feet / 1120 meters).  Racers have amazing views as they run through local villages, farms, banana and coffee plantations, and forests with lots of local villagers to cheer you on.  The race is fully supported with water/aid stations and medical support.  The finish is the Moshi Stadium with bands, spectators, and lots of prizes to welcome you back.

To round out your marathon experience, add a Kilimanjaro trek and safari.  February is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania.  The migration is typically in the southern Serengeti or northern Ngorongoro area, so it is easy to get to, and the weather is usually warm and sunny.

We have a sample Kilimanjaro Marathon itinerary with a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek, 5-day lodge safari, and extra days to prepare for and recover from your race.

  • Starting at $3420/person

Plan now and start your training!

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro

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Great Travel Tools on the Web

There are many great travel tools on the web these days! Keep this list handy when planning your next trip and visit our website for the latest tools and links.

PLANNING TOOLS

Farecast

  • Predicts trends in airfare over time in North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Also searches major airlines and airfare websites to compare prices and best times to fly.

Kayak

  • Searches over 140 websites for the best airfare, compare and sort results, and book directly from the airlines.

Points

  • Earn points for various airline frequent flier plans, trade points with other people, exchange miles between your plans, or buy more points.

Seat Guru

  • Find the best seats on an airplane based on airline and airplane type. A great stop before choosing your seat.

TripHub

  • The Evite of trip planning. Organize your group trip by creating a home page, sending invitations, and discussing plans.

TripIt

  • Creates an itinerary and maps from your booking confirmation emails including travel agencies, airlines, hotels, rental cars, trains, cruise lines, and even restaurants reservations from OpenTable. Email your confirmations and TripIt will add daily weather, local maps, driving directions, city guides and more.

Yapta

  • Track specific flights, and Yapta alerts you when airfare goes down. There is also a method for getting a refund if your flight price goes down after you buy it.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Currency Conversion

  • Just one of many currency conversion tools.

Flight Arrivals

  • Check arrival and departure information for commercial airline flights over the U.S. and Canada.

Google Mobile

  • Search for just about anything from your cell phone. Text message your search query to 466453 (‘GOOGLE’ on most devices) and Google will text message back results. Examples: “flight nw 956” returns all arrival and departure information for that flight for today, “10 usd is euro” returns the currency conversion, “weather nairobi” returns today’s weather and 3-day forecast.

Security Checkpoint Wait Times

  • See how long you can expect to wait in security at major U.S. airports.

Travel Sense

  • Travel advice and tips from travel agents for everything ranging from women traveling alone to avoiding travel scams to dealing with jet lag and lots more.

Units Conversion

  • Convert just about anything to anything.

World Electricity Guide

  • See what electrical converter you will need for any country in the world.

World Fact Book

  • Information about each country including map, background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, and transportation.

World Time Zone

  • A quick map of the world and what time it is right now.

World Time Server

  • Current local times around the world plus gadgets for your computer or website.

U.S. Embassies

  • List of U.S. embassies around the world.

TRAVEL FUN

Geocaching

  • Use your GPS to “treasure hunt”.

TRAVEL SAFETY

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Information on vaccinations, diseases, drinking water, and more for international travelers.

Travel Warnings

  • Current travel warnings issued by the U.S. government.
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