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Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2013-Sleeping bags recommendation?

Replies: 4 - Last Post: Sep 24, 2012 3:04 AM Last Post By: cupofcoffee

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Boricuaza

Boricuaza avatar

Aug 31, 2012 9:38 AM
Posts:  1

Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2013-Sleeping bags recommendation?

Hello,

We are going to climb (OK fine, we are going to attempt to climb) Kilimanjaro in July 2013 and need to find a good sleeping bag (0-10F). Does anyone has any recommendation?

Also, we booked with Zara Tours, and the tour includes 7 days of climbing, 4 day Safari & 4 days in Zanzibar. Any recommendations on things to do/see?

orion_mike

orion_mike avatar

Aug 31, 2012 3:49 PM
Posts:  1,177

1

OK - 1] Zara are one of the most experienced Kilimanjaro trekking companies and whilst I have no personal experience with them they have had reviews ranging from great to average on these pages. I agree with your choice of a 7 day trek - you don't say which route but its probably Macheme (my choice - most scenic). As for which sleeping bag - well it is really a personal choice - one that goes down to minus 10 F will be very comfortable (I would also include a silk liner - just for extra comfort). As for which brand - again personal choice - sex (male or female) and how much you are going to use it after your Kili trek. If you do or aim to do a lot of trekking then one that costs around $500 US (do your local currency conversions) should meet your requirement. Do a search via google for reports/reviews on 3-4 season sleeping bags. One other recommendation - get a copy of Henry Stedman's book - The Guide to Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro - its the bible for people who are interested in the mountain.

Four days on Zanzibar is about as short as I would recommend to try to get the feel or experience the Islands. How are you getting to Zanzibar - flying is quicker (85 mins) and makes more sense - the bus is an all day event and will involve an overnight stay in Dar as you will not be able to meet the last ferry (it departs at 4.30 pm and your bus/coach will not arrive before 6.00 pm - if you take the daylight ones - I would strongly recommend against the overnight ones). So you will arrive around mid day and can spend that afternoon on a walking tour of Stone Town (well worth it - lots of history, slaves etc and some good tourist shopping); next day you can take the half day spice tour. Then its off the coast (north or east - depending on if you want quiet relaxing go east - if you want partying, dancing and drinking then its north to Kendwa & Nungwi). Both areas have a full range of accommodation from about $15 US per night up to whatever your budget can stand. Also remember than Zanzibar is 92% Islamic and in July you will most probably run up against Ramadan (in mid July onwards for 30 days) - it will have a limited affect on your day time eating. Do a of research.

Well this should give you a good idea of what you can do. If you have more questions come back here or send me a PM. Good luck.

hajis

hajis avatar

Sep 1, 2012 3:58 AM
Posts:  76

2

My thought is that a big company like Zara Tours will put sleeping bags which is convenient on trekking in a package so that you don't need to be worried. Other middle class Company which have using them before like Lasi Tours, World Tours And Safaris, Sunny Safaris, Sunny Adventure are fully equipped why not Zara Tours. If you bring your own sleeping bag look the one from Barebags Company. These are special for climbing in all higher altitude. The 4 days Overland Safari is fine but I think the days in Zanzibar is too short.

orion_mike

orion_mike avatar

Sep 1, 2012 4:40 AM
Posts:  1,177

3

As I said earlier I have not used Zara on my three Kili treks, but as for any of the trekking companies providing 3-4 sleeping bags - information provided here suggests otherwise. At best they put one bag inside another to attempt to achieve the necessary degree of warmth and comfort - not an ideal solution . Thus I recommend obtaining your own or hiring from your home country.

cupofcoffee

cupofcoffee avatar

Sep 24, 2012 3:04 AM
Posts:  26

4

Zara tours rents out all the equipment you will need for your Kilimanjaro climb. Its is all top notch high-quality stuff, not recycled junk or leftovers dumped by trekkers. I'm speaking from personal experience.
No point in lumbering a heavy load of Arctic gear through tropical East Africa. Use the extra luggage allowance for souvenirs and gifts.

https://www.zaratours.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=116&Itemid=128
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