Victoria Cycle Challenge - Information Pack www.coco.org.uk
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Victoria Cycle Challenge
Information Pack
www.coco.org.uk
Welcome! Thank you for choosing to take on the Lake Victoria Cycle challenge in aid of COCO. I’m sure you will all have a wonderful time in Kenya and experience some of the unique culture that East Africa has to offer – along with physically challenging yourself along the way! This will prove to be an experience you will never forget and once you reach the shores of Lake Victoria, all of the hard work will have been worth it and you will have some great stories to tell. The challenge is organised and run by Willetts Safari’s, who have led this trip in the past and will make sure you have a fantastic time. This booklet is designed to give you all the information you will need for the challenge, but if you have any additional queries don’t hesitate to get in touch with the COCO staff who can help to answer your questions. Best of luck. Steve Cram CBE COCO Co-Founder Contents Welcome..................................................,..........1 Safari Extension...................................................8 The challenge......................................................2 What to Pack .................................................9-10 Fundraising.........................................................3 Insurance, Visas and Other Considerations......11 Important Notes.................................................4 COCOs Projects............................................12-13 Itinerary...........................................................5-7 1
The challenge...
The Victoria Cycle challenge is a completely unique opportunitiy to cycle through rural Kenya to the
shores of the magnificent Lake Victoria.
The ride is 284km long with a total elevation of 3,640m and travels through diverse landscapes. Early in
the cycle, you will travel through areas rich in wildlife where you are likely to see antelope, zebra, giraffe,
buffalo and elephants. If you’re lucky you may even spot lions. In the latter stages, you will move from
Maasailand into Luoland where the area is more heavily farmed. As the name suggests, the trek finishes
on the shore of Lake Victoria; Africa’s largest lake.
This will be a tough challenge. There is a lot of riding across tough terrain in a very rural part of Kenya.
Be prepared to be without phone reception, to have routes altered by erosion and to have aching legs
at times!
What fitness level do I need?
You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist to take part in the event. However, we strongly suggest
getting out on your bike to prepare for the challenge. The challenge will be much more enjoyable for you
and your team as a result! It is 284 km’s of cycling so you need to be prepared for aching legs!
Weather
We try to organise events at the best time of year for minimal rain but climate change means the weather
systems in this area have become unpredictable in recent years. Come rain or shine the ride will be a
proper challenge and one to remember.
2
Fundraising
The funds you have pledged to raise for COCO will cover the majority of costs associated with your trip,
the rest of your fundraising will support our Schools for Life programme, providing quality education
to poor, marginalised communities in East Africa. You will see directly the impact that your fundraising
has had when you visit Mercy Primary!
The fundraising target is £2,950 plus a £250 non-refundable
deposit to secure your place.
Fundraising Target Deadlines:
To make fundraising a little easier, we have split up the full target into smaller, more manageable
targets:
31st December - £250 (deposit) 31st May - £500 fundraising (total £1,750)
31st January - £500 fundraising (total £750) 31st July - £750 fundraising (total £2,500)
31st March - £500 fundraising (total £1,250) 31st August - £700 fundraising (total £3,200)
One of the best ways to fundraise is to set up an online donations page. We request that you use
Wonderful (www.wonderful.org). You can also transfer money directly to the COCO bank account using
the payment details below. Remember to put your name and event as the payment reference, so that we
can make sure your funds are added to your fundraising total, for example JohnSmithCycle.
If at any point you are struggling with your fundraising and would like some help or advice then please
let us know!
There are plenty of ideas in your fundraising pack and we are always on hand to help.
Lloyds Sort Code: 30-93-71
102 Grey Street Account number: 37499860
Newcastle Account name: COCO
NE1 6AG
We also accept cheques payable to COCO.
We suggest that all participants put 3,000 Kenyan Shillings (just over £20) into the pot for tips. We’re
sure that you will appreciate the efforts of the camp staff, cooks and guides. Local currency helps as
foreign currency is not widely accepted.
*There may be small additional costs if you require single occupancy or if you choose to fly back to
Nairobi from Mbita rather than travel by road.
3
Important Notes
You will be cycling through very remote areas.
There will be times where you will need to find a bush to go to the toilet, particularly during the day!
There is no mobile phone reception along the majority of the route, be prepared for no communication.
There is no running water, as a group you will be pumping your own drinking water!
There is no electricity, pack a spare battery, a solar gorilla or a power bank, or prepare to do without!
The weather is unpredictable, there are contingencies in place for poor weather but please be patient if
itineraries change at short notice.
It can be extremely hot, pack plenty of sun cream and wear something under your helmet as there are
plenty of holes for the sun to get in!
Golden Rules
Don’t bring too much stuff! (You will be able to leave a change of clothes in Nairobi).
Listen to the guides, it will rain when the Maasai say it will rain!
Be patient and flexible.
Don’t give children money!
Go at your own pace, though remember you’re a team and not in competition with each other!
4
Itinerary This route is only possible because of Willetts Safaris and their close links with the communities we visit along the way. As a result the route has never been mapped. This is part of the attraction of the challenge – you are taking part in an event which very few people will ever experience! We will start in Narok; a growing town, which is often referred to as the capital of Maasailand. The early parts of the trek will travel through Maasai communities before we cross into Luoland. Kenya is famously a very tribal society and you will enjoy seeing the differences between different tribal regions. The challenge finishes in Mbita, on the shore of Lake Victoria. Day 1 - Saturday 26th September All you have to worry about is getting yourself to Nairobi, ready for departure to the challenge’s start point the following day. Depending on your flight time you may have some time to relax before the challenge which is why we are staying at Wildebeest Eco Camp, a peaceful and tranquil place outside of the chaos of the city. Details of the camp can be found here: www.wildebeestecocamp.com Make sure you have given us your flight details so that we can have someone waiting at the airport to take you to Wildebeest. Day 2 - Sunday 27th September After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, we will leave Wildebeest and head to Narok for an overnight stay. Narok is a reasonably sized town, so there will be opportunity to pick up any last minute bits and pieces ahead of the challenge starting the following day. 5
Day 3 - Monday 28th September
The first day of cycling opens with a rolling ride through large wheat farms, before entering the hills of
Lemek. The route then works its way down to the edge of the Aitong Planes.
The night will be spent at a fly camp not far from Aitong, in 170 acres of private land close to a number of
private game conservancies. It’s likely that we’ll see hyena, warthog and vervet monkeys.
Day 4 - Tuesday 29th September
An exciting day as we cross the plains through the Mara North Conservancy, where there are masses of
animals to be seen on the way to the Mara River, before climbing the Oloololo Escarpment to reach the
second night’s camp, ‘Above where Vultures Fly’. It is only possible to stay here due to an agreement with
the local community, which means few people will ever experience the stunning surroundings. Around camp
there are constant herds of zebra, giraffe and impala, as well as the potential to see elephants and there’s a
resident leopard that has been regularly seen at night.
Day 5 - Wednesday 30th September
Today we cross the Lolgorien Plateau from Maasailand into Luoland. This is a long day in terms of distance,
although there are few big climbs to contend with. The transition between Maasailand and Luoland is distinct,
with everything changing through the day – the landscape, the vegetation, the climate, the population and
the presence of plantations.
The day finishes in the bustling town of Migori where the narrow main street, linking Kenya with Northern
Tanzania, makes it seem even busier and more chaotic. We spend the night in a local hotel that has a lovely
swimming pool, which is a welcome relief as we have moved down to much hotter and more humid conditions.
6
Itinerary Day 6 - Thursday 1st October We move deep into the heart of Luoland. The route rolls through the hills and we spend the day negotiating a series of tracks through areas of subsistence farming, interspersed with larger sugar cane plantations and barren areas of black soil. The day ends in the growing centre of Ndhiwa in the beautiful Nyanza region of western Kenya. We will spend the night in Karibuni Eco -Cottages, a community-based initiative supporting responsible and ethical tourism. Day 7 - Friday 2nd October The final day of cycling completes the journey to the shore of Lake Victoria. Some of this day is spent on tarmac,which will be a welcome relief from the bumpy tracks of previous days. We will arrive in to one of COCO’s schools for life - Mercy Primary School. After our visit to Mercy Primary, we will be transported to our accommodation on Lake Victoria. Dinner and drinks by the shore will be the perfect reward for the exertion of the past few days. Day 8 - Saturday 3rd October We return to Nairobi to fly home that evening, or spend an extra night at Wildebeest Camp (for an additional cost). Unless you plan to extend your trip with a safari, in which case you will head straight off on your next adventure! 7
Safari Extension
After you have completed the cycle ride, there is the option of extending your trip with a safari.
Make the most of your time in Kenya with a visit to Maasai Mara, where the wildlife is legendary and has
been featured in many documentaries over the years, including the BBC’s “Big Cat Diary” and “The Hunt”.
Taking a few days off to visit the Mara, and perhaps combining it with a stay on the tranquil shores of Lake
Naivasha, is the perfect way to relax after a tiring few days on the bike before heading home. Willetts
Safaris can tailor a safari for you from one to several days.
If you are interested in adding this on at the end of the trip then all you need to do is to email
willetts.safaris@btinternet.com and take it from there.
“Whilst the cycle challenge through the beautiful Rift Valley gives plenty of chance to spot zebras, wildebeest,
monkeys and antelope, there is a great opportunity to round off the trip to Kenya with bespoke safari
through the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. A few days here, making the most of local knowledge will ensure
that you can truly relax and see so much more; the added excitement of getting close to elephants, hippos,
buffalo, hyenas and especially the ‘big cats’ will provide a lasting memory to a truly unique experience.”
Chris Green - 2016 Maasai Cycle Challenge Participant.
8
What to Pack:
Essentials
It doesn’t matter how much training you’ve done if you forget your passport!
• Passport, travel tickets
• Money, credit card, travel insurance
• Copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance, vaccination certificates)
• Waterproof folder for all important documents and money
Bikes
Bikes are provided in the country. If you would like to take yours with you it is important that you ask the
airline what additional charges will be made and that you let us know so we can have transport for it in
Kenya and to help with planning which bikes we will need in country.
Generally bikes are allowed, although size and weight restrictions usually apply and an extra cost may
be incurred. The bike will need to be packed in a protective case or bag with the handlebars turned
lengthwise, pedals removed or fixed inwards, and tyres deflated. You may also have to reserve bicycle
transport in advance. Please check with your airline for exact requirements.
Cyclists have previously managed to take a bike on as normal luggage without incurring any extra costs,
by taking it apart and wrapping it up in bubble wrap and a plastic sheet instead of putting the bike in a
box.
9Equipment Guidance:
The list of equipment that is highlighted below is what we recommend you need to bring.
Personal equipment:
→→ Helmet (this is compulsory for all cyclists)
→→ Lightweight sleeping bag (it does get cold at night so make sure it’s warm enough) and sleeping bag
liner
→→ Sun cream (high factor)
→→ Bright head torch (essential)
→→ Water bottle and a camel back ( we recommend one of each, with a total of 3litres capacity)
→→ Waterproof and breathable jacket with full hood* and over trousers
→→ Towel
→→ Washbag
→→ Camera, phone etc.
→→ Insect repellent
→→ Solar gorilla - to charge cameras etc. when there’s no electricity
→→ Hydration salts and gels might also be advisable as they keep your energy levels up
→→ Eyewear – Sunglasses with high UVA/UVB rating (Wrap around type glasses around are superb)
→→ First aid kit
→→ Favourite sweets/treats to keep you going. Bring more than you think you will need and keep them
in a tupperware box to keep them edible!
The following items are optional:
→→ Alcohol hand gel and wet wipes
→→ Compeed
→→ Memory cards
→→ Go Pro
→→ Toilet roll/tissue
→→ Entertainment (books, cards), journal (and pens)
→→ Pocket knife
→→ Gaffa tape
→→ If you have dodgy knees/ankles/whatever else, it is a good idea to have a brace just in case of any
flare up
→→ It might be worth buying a Maasai blanket in Kenya as they keep you warm when you are sitting by
the fire on a chilly night
General Advice:
If you have any dietary requirements please let Willetts Safaris know so they can plan meals accordingly.
Whatever you cycle in normally will be fine but keep in mind that it will be hot and you should definitely
cover your head underneath the helmet. The temperature is likely to be low to mid 30’s. We will have
vehicle support at all times.
Willets Safaris have recommended that the ladies have a ‘kikoi’ or some kind of wrap around skirt to
cover their knees when visiting the communities.
Puncture repair kits, food, bikes, mattresses and pillows will be provided by Willet Safaris.
The terrain will vary from rocky to dusty. If it has been raining it may be muddy in places. If it rains you
will get wet.
10Insurance, Visa and Other Considerations
Insurance
Travel insurance is a really important part of organising your journey and is definitely worth shopping
around for. Whilst it is very unlikely that anything will go wrong during your trip, it is important to have
the right insurance policy as it can be very expensive if problems occur. COCO and Willets Safari also
need a copy of your travel insurance once it is bought, so that we can register you for flying doctors’
assistance. As well as the challenge please consider any other activities you may be taking part in (e.g. a
safari or additional travel).
Vaccinations
Vaccinations may need to be planned well in advance (as some of them require a course of more than
one injection).
Anti-malarials - please discuss these with a medical professional.
Visa
A visa is not needed in advance, however Kenya has changed its policy at short notice in the past and
getting once in advance will save time at the airport. You will need a single entry visa, which you can
apply for online here: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
For the visa application, you will need: (subject to change)
- Your Passport
- A passport sized photo (different to that in your passport)
- Your travel itinerary
- A scan or photo of the bio page in your passport
- Debit/Credit card payment of $52 (including card handling and admin fees)
- Use the following details in your application:
Wildebeest Eco Camp, Mokoyeti Road West, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya
email: info@wildebeesttravels.com
Telephone: +254 729 999 539
Airport: Jomo Kenyatta Airport
11COCO’s Projects
COCO’s vision is a world where every child has access to quality education. We believe that quality
education provides children with the best possible opportunity of breaking the cycle of poverty. We
work towards this by partnering with communities in East Africa to develop Schools for Life.
Schools for Life
Graduates from Hoja Secondary School in Southern Tanzania have achieved the best results in their
region since 2013 and the school is now able to cover its own running costs. COCO is now working to
replicate this success across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, from nursery through to college level.
COCO’s Schools for Life programme incorporates six key elements, which ensure that students graduate
with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
Power
Shelter Solar energy to power lights
and computer labs.
Quality classrooms and Water and
safe accommodation for
students. Sanitation
Clean water and toilet
facilities.
Food
Sustainable agriculture
Entrepreneurship
for healthy food and Confidence and leadership
income generation. in the job market.
Sport and Recreation
Activities for healthy living, friendship and
motivation.
Sustainable Futures
COCO works with the whole community to ensure that every child has access to education and to
empower parents and caregivers to be able to provide for their families. Small loans and business
support give aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to set up a small business. Sustainable agriculture
training uses affordable, environmentally friendly methods of farming to increase crop yields and in turn,
increase household income and improve food security.
12Meet Shirleen Shirleen is 7 years old and is in class 2 at Mercy Primary School. She lives with her mum, who is a teacher, and has 2 younger sisters who live with her father. Her parents’ jobs mean that they have to live apart. Shirleen’s favourite thing to do is read and she is enjoying the new books at her school. Her favourite subject is English and she dreams of becoming a pilot when she’s older. Shirleen would like new classrooms in the school. Mercy Primary School is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in a village called Luanda, not far from Mbita town. The school was set up by the community to provide quality education for their children, as the local primary school was over crowded, under resourced and unsafe. Since COCO partnered with Mercy Primary School, children like Shirleen are able to learn and play in a safe environment. The school now boasts a food forest, playground and composting toilets which benefits 196 children. COCO is currently fundraising to provide six new classrooms to replace the dilapidated temporary shelters currently housing half of the children. By taking on the Victoria Cycle Challenge to fundraise for COCO, you will be helping to provide a brighter future for Shirleen and thousands of other children living in remote parts of East Africa.
Victoria Cycle Challenge
Information Pack
This pack should contain most of the information you need ahead of your trip.
If you require any additional information, please contact the COCO office.
COCO, 3rd Floor, 14 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HZ
0191 261 742 matt@coco.org.uk www.coco.org.uk
Comrades of Children Overseas (COCO) is a registered UK Charity, number SC030428.
Registered office address 21 Ravelrig Park, Balerno, Midlothian, EH14 7DLYou can also read
