Where do the expeditions take place?

There are thirty different challenges to choose from including treks, mountain bike rides, mountain climbs, white water rafting, sailing, horse riding and skiing expeditions. They are taking place in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, and include the Inca Trail in Peru, Everest Base Camp in Nepal, the Great Wall of China, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. For a full list of departures, click here.

How much sponsorship do I have to raise?

Accepting the physical challenge is just the beginning. To participate, you will also be required to raise substantial sponsorship for the One to One Children's Fund. The level of minimum sponsorship is indicated on each of the itineraries. You will be sent fundraising ideas, a sample sponsorship letter, and sponsorship forms. All money should be sent directly to the One to One Children's Fund as and when you collect it. Unless you have covered the full cost of your expedition (Payment Option 1), at least 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be sent to the One to One Children's Fund eight weeks before departure. If you do not achieve this, you risk losing your place on the expedition. This is a Booking Condition for participating on the Charity Challenge. The balance (i.e. the remaining 20%) should be sent to the One to One Children's Fund within six weeks of returning to the UK from your expedition.

How can I find out more about the One to One Children's Fund?

The sponsorship money you raise on a One to One Children's Fund trek with Charity Challenge will help children suffering from AIDS in South Africa, post traumatic stress in Kosovo, the deprivation and degradation of life on the streets in South America and the former Soviet Union and the stigma of disability in the Middle East.

How is the expedition funded?

Your registration fee is a ‘contribution’ towards the cost of the Charity Challenge expedition. The actual cost of the expedition is greater than the registration fee and unless you are paying full cost yourself (Payment Option 1), the balance will be paid by the One to One Children's Fund from the sponsorship that you raise (Payment Option 2). For example, the registration fee is £395 and the actual cost of expedition is £1,395. The One to One Children's Fund will pay the balance of £1000 from your minimum sponsorship, which is £2,500. So in this example, 60% of the money that you raise will benefit the One to One Children's Fund projects (£1,500 out of £2,500), and 40% will pay for the balance of your expedition costs (£1000 out of £2,500).

Under Payment Option Two (the minimum sponsorship option) you should explain to sponsors that you are making a personal contribution towards the cost of the expedition and that a percentage of the money you raise will pay the balance of your costs. If you are paying the full cost, you can tell sponsors that every pound they give will go directly to the One to One Children's Fund.

What is Payment Option 1?

Payment Option 1 entails you paying the full cost of the trip (which includes a £100 donation to your chosen charity). You will also be asked to raise as much sponsorship as you can. If you are paying the full cost yourself, there is no minimum sponsorship requirement. This means £100 built into the full cost, and every penny of the sponsorship money you raise will go directly to the One to One Children's Fund. You will need to pay the registration fee when applying, and the balance of your costs (the full cost minus the registration fee) will be due eight weeks before departure.

What is Payment Option 2?

Payment Option 2 entails you making a significant contribution towards the cost of the expedition (the registration fee) and committing to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship (the minimum sponsorship) in aid of One to One Children's Fund. From this minimum sponsorship, the One to One Children's Fund pays the remainder of your expedition costs (which will not exceed 40% of the sponsorship you are asked to raise). This means One to One Children's Fund will benefit by keeping at least 60% of the minimum sponsorship you raise. You will need to pay the registration fee when applying, and then start sending sponsorship money to One to One Children's Fund as and when you manage to raise it. The One to One Children's Fund will pay the balance of your expedition costs eight weeks before your departure date directly to Charity Challenge. Sponsorship cheques should be made payable to "One to One Children's Fund".

How fit do I need to be?

The very nature of a Charity Challenge means a certain level of fitness is required. The expeditions are intended to be tough, so you will probably need to undertake some form of physical training. You do not need to be professional in your chosen sport but the more prepared you are the more you will enjoy the expedition. Only you can judge how fit you are and what you are capable of achieving so be sensible but adventurous. Don’t forget people are sponsoring you to undertake a challenge. We provide you with fitness training notes, and recommend that you train regularly (walking, running, swimming or cycling - two to three times a week).

How difficult are Charity Challenge expeditions?

Each itinerary is labelled challenging, tough or extreme. Aside from physical exertion, other factors that may affect this difficulty level include altitude, climate, facilities available, and whether or not you carry your own pack.

Do you help to support local communities?

Participants are encouraged to enter into the spirit of adventure, but to do so with respect for the places and peoples we visit. Our commitment extends to helping the local communities we visit. We employ local guides, porters, and other essential support staff, and also donate $20US per participant to a community project local to the challenge destination. This could be anything from funding an orphanage in Thailand, to supplying a Cuban children's hospital with vital medical supplies. For further information, click here.

Won't people think that they are sponsorsing me to take a subsidised holiday?

None of these challenges could be considered to be a holiday. You will be training for many months to get fit, raising thousands of pounds for charity, and then undertaking a physically demanding challenge. All three of these elements of Charity Challenge take time effort and commitment.

How difficult the challenge is, will ultimately be down to you to decide. You will be trekking or mountain biking for days on end, with very basic facilities, and sometimes at high altitude. The weather will be different to that of the UK, and may range from -20 degrees c to 30 degrees c all in the space of one day. We certainly do not consider this to be a holiday.

Finally, you have the option (Payment Option 1) to pay the full cost of the expedition yourself.

What are the facilities like?

The Charity Challenge takes place in many countries that may be less developed than the UK or Ireland. Access to these areas can be very difficult, as the infrastructure is likely to be fairly limited. Roads can be rough and facilities are often very basic. If you are looking for a five-star holiday, you should not be applying for one of our challenges.

What kind of people take part in a Charity Challenge?

Participants are aged from their late teens (18yrs plus) to their seventies. By far, the majority of people who join these expeditions do so alone. Our groups consist of 15 - 20 participants on average, and usually comprise of people from a complete mix of professions, geographical location, and background. The groups are usually equally split between men and women. Everyone is united in the fact that they have raised a great deal of sponsorship for charity, and that everyone is about to embark upon the same challenge.

How are expedition places allocated?

Places for the Charity Challenge expeditions are available on a first-come first-served basis. Each itinerary has a maximum group size. Once a departure becomes full, we will endeavor to to introduce a further departure date. Information about up-to-date expedition departure dates can be found on this web site or by calling the Charity Challenge office (020 8557 0000).

Who leads the Charity Challenge expeditions?

Charity Challenge expedition groups will be accompanied by a first aid qualified, English-speaking expedition leader as well as at least one local guide from the area we explore. The expedition leader is responsible for group’s safety and will ensure to the best of his/her ability that the planned itinerary runs smoothly. From time to time wildlife movements, weather changes, transport problems or forces of nature may cause last minute changes. In such circumstances, the expedition leader may vary the itinerary, and his/her decision will be final.

What personal equipment do I need?

Before you pack everything but the kitchen sink, remember this is an adventurous and challenging expedition - not a five star luxury cruise. Pitted against the elements, you'll soon regret bringing a bursting suitcase of evening attire. To help you decide what to take and what to leave, we've compiled a specifically tailored kit list for each itinerary. You will receive this once you register, and can also find it on each itinerary on this webiste.

We provide bikes, canoes, tents and other essential group equipment (where applicable), but ask that you bring sturdy hiking boots for trekking or a helmet and gloves for cycling. You can rent much of the expensive equipment (rucksac, sleeping bags, etc) through Trek Hire UK, but as a Charity Challenge participant you will also receive discount vouchers on kit purchased from Field and Trek, one of the UK's leading retailers of specialist outdoor clothing and equipment. Their experienced sales staff will advise you on exactly what you'll need. Field & Trek also offer an advanced footwear fitting service in their stores which is backed with their Footwear Fit Guarantee, so for peace of mind when looking for boots ensure you take a trip to one of their stores. If you cannot get to one of their 13 stores, check out www.fieldandtrek.com or call 01268 49 44 44 for a free copy of their mail order catalogue. Quote reference CC03 when requesting a brochure.

As a participant in a Charity Challenge expedition you are also automatically entitled to discount on personal kit purchased from Nomad Travellers Stores or through their mail order catalogue.

What is the food & drink like?

We know that rising to your challenge will be hungry work, so you need not worry about any shortage of food or drink. Ample drinking water will be provided each day during the challenge, and three meals a day (unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary). We can cater for vegetarians (please inform us on your registration form) and will do our best to accommodate any other specific dietary requirements. In certain destinations, the vegetarian options are very basic.

What about health & hygiene?

The highest standards of hygiene (that a wilderness environment permits) will be maintained. Washing facilities will be provided daily although this could range from mountain streams to bowls of warm water to hot showers. Toilets will vary from secluded trees, to tent-covered long-drop toilets, to permanent flushing toilets. The Q&A Sheet for your expedition will tell you more.

What is the accommodation like?

During the challenge sector of the expedition, you are going to be off the beaten track and far from the home comforts of hotels – forget air conditioning, flushing toilets and a comfy bed! Two person tents are likely to be your home for a few days, and a foam mattress (or thermarest) might aid your chances of a sleeping well. You will however be provided with more comfortable accommodation for the final part of your expedition. The Q&A Sheet for your expedition will tell you more.

What do you do about safety & first aid?

Safety of the group is of paramount importance and each team member is responsible for maintaining the highest levels of safe conduct. Anyone causing a danger to themselves or to other members of the expedition may be removed from the group. There will be a qualified first aider with the group who will carry a substantial first aid kit.

Do you give advice about visas?

You must hold a full ten-year passport, valid for at least six months from the end of your Charity Challenge expedition and with one blank page for the visa and any entry and exit stamps. Allow at least six weeks for new passport applications or renewals. We will send you any necessary visa application forms and will advise you of the costs involved.

If you have any questions, or need help obtaining your visa or renewing your passport, we recommend you contact Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) on 020 7833 2700 or visit www.visaservice.co.uk. For ZVS' special rate, just mention Charity Challenge.

Who are the organisers?

The Charity Challenge is the concept of, and will be administered by "Challenges (Un)Limited". Before launching the Charity Challenge programme of events, Challenges Unlimited spent more than twelve months researching and talking to relevant organisations such as the Civil Aviation Authority, the Expedition Advisory Service, Tourism Concern, the Campaign for Environmentally Responsible Tourism, the Institute of Fundraising , and the Charity Commission.

They have teamed up with established tour operators Gane & Marshall International Ltd, who provides all flight and accommodation arrangements. Gane and Marshall hold ATOL Licence number 3145 which is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and ensures that your money is safe before departure and provides for your safe repatriation. In the unlikely event of their insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to them for an advance booking. This protection only covers holidays that originate in the U.K.

Do I need to organise travel insurance?

It is a Condition of Booking that you purchase the Charity Challenge comprehensive travel insurance policy that has specifically been designed to cover the adventurous nature of these expeditions. This comprehensive policy is provided by Insure and Go and underwritten by Royal and Sun Alliance Travel Insurance, giving Insure and Go the flexibility to provide cover to the most adventurous of travellers. This policy provides cover for trekking, canoeing, white water rafting, road and mountain biking, horse riding, and qualified scuba diving (to 30m). This policy also protects the charity that you are raising funds for, as they may be paying a substantial amount of money towards your costs, which could be lost if you are forced to cancel. This policy is only available to British and Irish Citizens, or to people of another nationality that have been living in the UK for more than twelve months. The price quoted for this policy in the Brochure, and on the Website, is for persons 18 to 65yrs of age. If you are 66yrs or older, you will need to contact us.

Click here to Download the full policy wording

Here are the main benefits:

Emergency medical £5,000,000

Rescue & repatriation £5,000,000

Cancellation or curtailment £3,000

Holiday Abandonment £3,000

Personal accident £20,000

Baggage & possessions £1,500

Personal money £500

Personal liability £2,000,000

Legal expenses £15,000

Passport indemnity £250

Missed departure £500

Travel delay & abandonment £300

Hospital benefits £1,000

Click here to Download the full policy wording

If I take part, can I extend my flight and stay on longer?

On all Charity Challenge expeditions, we aim to secure the most cost effective package. The biggest single expense on these expeditions is the international flights, and in order to keep these costs as low as possible, we have an exclusive arrangement with several airlines. The tickets we book however, are non-transferrable, non-refundable, and non-changeable.

In certain circumstances, the airline may permit a change to the return date, but this is at the discretion of the airline. Where we are able to change your return date, there will be a flat non-refundable fee of £50, and of course, if the change of date results in a more expensive ticket, you will also be required to pay the difference. You will not be able to amend the outward date, only the return date.

You should put your request in writing by email (simon@charitychallenge.com) or by letter to Charity Challenge, 7th Floor, Northway House, 1379 High Road, London, N20 9LP and send it with a cheque for £50 made payable to "Gane & Marshall - CC". Your written confirmation should state that you have read and understood the points raised in this email. You must give a preferred return date but also two other dates, just in case the first request is not available. If you choose to request a change, and then do not wish to take the requested return flight, you WILL be charged the £50 admin fee. However, if we cannot confirm your requested change of return date, or if the resultant fare increases by £50 or more and you choose not to accept the flight, we will NOT charge you the admin fee.

Insurance: If you extend your flight, you will also need to make sure that your personal travel insurance is extended to cover you for the full duration. You should put in writing a request to Charity Challenge and we will make the necessary arrangements to do this on your behalf. If an additional premium is required, you will be notified.

Airport Changes: All Charity Challenge flights depart from the main London airports. On KLM flights ONLY, it may be possible to fly from a regional airport (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Stansted) to Amsterdam and then to connect with the main group (who will have flown from London Heathrow) onto your final destination. If you wish to request a change, as above, please put your request in writing. There is an admin fee of £30 to change the airport of departure. Please note that for winter and autumn departures, the smaller regional airports may experience problems taking off in fog and the flight may be delayed. In these circumstances, you may miss your connection onto your final destination. Any costs incurred in this instance for you to reach the main group are your responsibility.

NB: PLEASE think very carefully and decide exactly what you need / want before requesting a change of return date. Once we request a change, if the seat is available, the airline will change the details immediately. If you change your mind once the new details have been entered, you may have lost your original seat with the main group.

What Is Included in the price?

Once you have registered and raised the minimum sponsorship required, you are entitled to participate in the Charity Challenge and included in your itinerary are: international flights to and from the UK (Heathrow or Gatwick), all accommodation during the expedition + three meals a day (unless specifically stated otherwise), drinking water, National Park fees and entry into places of interest included as part of the itinerary, internal road and air transfers, all ground staff including English speaking guides, drivers, cooks, and porters, full back-up support including first aid qualified staff and first aid supplies, all activity equipment including bikes, canoes, tents, and rafts, a donation of $20US to a local community project on your behalf in the area in which you are trekking/cycling, a One to One Children's Fund T-shirt and a Charity Challenge T-shirt, and discount on personal equipment from Field & Trek, and Nomad Travellers Stores.

What Is Not Included?

You will need to pay for: transfers to and from UK airport of departure, entry visas* (if applicable), vaccinations* (if applicable), personal equipment*, tips for support team*, personal spending money*, overseas airport departure tax* (if applicable), additional activities not included in the itinerary, e.g. scuba diving. *We will provide you with advice as to the specific requirements for your expedition.

Can the One to One Children's Fund claim back Gift Aid on donations made?

Gifts of money made by tax paying individuals to the One to One Children's Fund in respect of sponsoring Charity Challenges will attract tax relief under the Gift Aid scheme. The previous £250 minimum donation has been removed so that any donation no matter how small now qualifies for relief. The result is that if someone makes a donation to the One to One Children's Fund of say £100, the charity can recover a further £28.21 from the Inland Revenue. Furthermore, if the person making the donation is a higher rate taxpayer then they in turn will recover £23 when they submit their tax return. For more information, please refer to the Inland Revenue web site.