View our 'Trek for UNICEF' video to see first-hand accounts of a UNICEF trek.
See below for the answers to some questions frequently asked about taking part in a charity trekking challenge with UNICEF:
- How much does it cost?
- What is included in the cost?
- What is not included?
- Who organises the trek?
- How will I be supported before the trek?
- How will I be supported on the trek?
- What will the trekking be like?
- What steps are taken to minimise the environmental impact?
- Could the trek be cancelled?
- Where does your money go?
- I have never fundraised before, how do I go about raising the minimum sponsorship?
- How fit do I have to be?
- What will the food and drink be like?
- Am I required to inform you of any medical conditions and are there any that would stop me from taking part?
- Is there a minimum or maximum age?
- Can I stay on after my challenge?
- How do I contact you for more information?
How much does it cost?
To take part you must raise a minimum sponsorship amount in addition to a non-refundable registration fee. Both of which vary depending on the location of the trek. For example, for our Trek for the Children of Morocco, the registration fee was £295 and minimum sponsorship was £2,600.
Of the registration fee, approximately half will be used to cover our initial administration costs, and half will be paid to Across the Divide Ltd in respect of your trip.
What is included in the cost?
- Return economy flights to and from the UK
- Accommodation, based on twin share (all hotels will be broadly equivalent to mid-range European standard)
- Transport within the country of the trek
- All meals on the majority of trekking days, varies depending on trek location
- A fully trained trek leader and local guides
- English-speaking doctor
What is not included?
- Flight taxes – costs vary depending on destination of trek
- Visas if required
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips to local staff (recommended)
- AlcoholPersonal equipment – full kit list will be provided
- Vaccinations
- Personal spending money
Who organises the trek?
The logistics of the trek and preparation before is organised by both UNICEF and an event management company, called Across the Divide. Across the Divide have been specialising in providing unique personal and group experiences for over 10 years and have been working with us since our first trek in 2008.
How will I be supported before the trek?
You will be sent regular fundraising updates, a full kit list and training programme, as well as all the information you need about UNICEF to help with your fundraising. You will have dedicated members of staff who can advise on how to reach your minimum sponsorship and beyond. The secret of success is starting as soon as you are accepted onto the trek and holding events as well as asking for sponsorship. UNICEF will organise a pre-trek briefing day and a training weekend.
How will I be supported on the trek?
A UK expedition leader from Across the Divide, an English-speaking doctor and a UNICEF representative, will accompany you on the trek.
What will the trekking be like?
The terrain which you will be walking on varies depending on the location of the trek however each day will consist of up to 8 hours of trekking over consecutive days. You should expect to train for up to 6 months before the trek to ensure you are as prepared as possible for the challenge. The trek is designed to be achievable yet challenging.
What steps are taken to minimise the environmental impact?
Across the Divide try at every opportunity to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the normal trekking route and limit environmental impact. They work with local agents and guides whose communities greatly benefit from the income they make from these treks, and who have lived in harmony with the land for generations. You will be encouraged to adopt the “take only photographs, leave only footprints” ethos. Your flight will be included in the carbon footprint of UNICEF UK, which will be mitigated via UNICEF programme initiatives.
Could the trek be cancelled?
It is possible the trek could be cancelled either if there were insufficient participants or if the UK Foreign Office advised against travel. We would keep you fully informed and you would have the option of transferring to another Across the Divide trek.
Where does your money go?
After your expedition costs are paid, the money you raise will go towards UNICEF’s work with children in the country where your trek takes place.
Following the trek we will keep you updated on how the money you raise is being spent.
I have never fundraised before, how do I go about raising the minimum sponsorship?
It may seem like a daunting task to raise the minimum sponsorship, but don’t forget that we will be here to help you every step of the way. Raising the sponsorship is all part of the experience and will make the end result seem all the more fulfilling. The key to success is to start your fundraising as early as possible. There are also some tried and tested fundraising ideas which you could use to help raise the money:
- Sponsorship through an online site £1,000
- Quiz night with raffle £550
- Cake bake at work £150
- 'Come Dine With Me' style meal £300
- Party themed on destination of trek £600
Trek participants receive the support of a member of UNICEF’s fundraising team who will be happy to offer advice and tips on reaching your total.
How fit do I have to be?
You certainly don’t have to be superhuman to take part, the treks are geared for everyone but the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the adventure.
We walk approximately 12-18km (6-8 hours) per day on a variety of terrains and conditions depending on the trek destination of the trek.
What will the food and drink be like?
All the water on the trek is iodised so that it’s safe to drink. We cater for all tastes and the food is great and always varied.
It is advised to that you let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements.
Am I required to inform you of any medical conditions and are there any medical conditions that would stop me from taking part?
A medical questionnaire will be included in the registration pack which you will be required to complete and return to us. We endeavour to allow everyone who registers to take part in the trek, but if you have a medical condition it’s very important you let us know. However, Its it’s highly unlikely we would refuse anyone on medical grounds.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
You must be over 18 on the day of the departure for of the trek, however there is no maximum age.
Can I stay on after my challenge?
Most airlines that we work with allow 10% of the participants on the trek to stay on after. Further details will be sent on after registering for the trek.
How do I contact you for more information?
Fill out our online enquiry form or contact us at on 0844 801 2414 or on at helpdesk@unicef.org.uk, informing us of the trek that you are interested in taking part in, and we will send you a brochure and application form.
