The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Route that approaches the mountain from the northern slope, close to the Kenyan border. It possesses one of the most remote and wild trails on the entire mountain.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is considered one of the less scenic routes up the mountain. Still, because the northern side of Kilimanjaro receives less rainfall, you’ll get to enjoy clear and unclouded views of the mountaintop. Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route takes 6-7 days to climb. Though, we highly recommend our 7-day itinerary, Above the African Plains as it gives you an extra day to acclimatize. Because of the route’s remote nature, it’s among the least frequented trails on Kilimanjaro. Those who pick this route will experience a peaceful climb and have the path to themselves for hours or even days at a time. The Rongai Route Success Rate ranges from medium to high. An important fact to remember is that the route doesn’t offer many climb-high and sleep-low opportunities.
The Best Time to Climb Rongai Route is throughout the course of the year. This is the case during the rainy season as well. Most of the rainstorms stay on the southern side of Kilimanjaro. Thus, this allows climbers on this trail to stay drier and warmer than those on the other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. If you want a Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience completely devoid of crowds and a trail that has a profusion of untouched beauty, then the Kili Rongai Route is for you.
Advantages
Disadvantage
The following is a representation of the camps that are located along the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route and their locations (at different elevations):
| CAMP NAME | ELEVATION (in metres) | ELEVATION (in Feet) |
| Simba Camp | 2,615 | 8,579 |
| Kikelelwa Camp | 3,600 | 11,811 |
| Mawenzi Tarn | 4,330 | 14,206 |
| Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 |
Discover the untrodden path to Kilimanjaro's summit – explore the Rongai Route today!
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Here’s an estimated Rongai Route Cost for both the 6 and 7-day itineraries:
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a unique and less crowded approach to the summit of Kilimanjaro. With its gradual ascent and remote trail a rewarding experience on Kilimanjaro is almost guaranteed. And, when you opt for our specialized 7 Days Rongai Route Itinerary, you can maximize the chances of making it to the top.
From the lush rainforest to the barren alpine desert, the Rongai Route provides a remarkable journey that culminates in standing atop Uhuru Peak, an achievement that will fill climbers with amazement!
Begin your climb up the mountain on the Rongai Route filled with untouched wilderness.
Master Rongai RouteMost Beautiful Route On Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)
Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,400ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft)
Elevation Gain: 675m/2,210ft
This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering, begin your hike through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.
Overnight Simba Camp
Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 975m/3,190ft
Day two takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude. Explore the first cave before resting over lunch close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler, contouring across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. Trekking time approximately 6-8 hours.
Overnight Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ft
Today you will hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon, to help you acclimatize. The trail is relatively short but steep, and you are rewarded with superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. The campsite lies below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Overnight Mawenzi Tarn
Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation Gain: 650m/2,130ft
Today you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatization walk. Dependent upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest.
Overnight Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,410ft)
Elevation Gain: 370m/1,210ft
The saddle crossing between Kibo and Mawenzi feels lunar and offers spectacular views, but is exposed and can be windy. Kibo Huts Camp sits directly below the summit cone, looking down over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch and a full summit briefing, rest in preparation for your summit attempt.
Overnight Kibo Huts Camp
Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,410ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,930ft
Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend to Kibo Huts to eat, before continuing down to Horombo Huts to camp. Total trekking time is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.
Overnight Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,840m/6,040ft)to Moshi
Elevation Gain:1,880m/6,160ft
Finish your trek with a descent to the Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the cloud forest. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred to Moshi.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
The Rongai Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, depending upon the chosen itinerary.
The Kili Rongai Route has a moderate difficulty level and is suitable for climbers with a good fitness level.
The Rongai Route Success Rate is relatively high, averaging around 85% to 90%.
Fairly, the Rongai Route is not as scenic in comparison to other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. Though what it does lack in beauty, it makes up for in offering clear views of the mountaintop along the trail.
The average daily trekking distance of the 7 Days Rongai Route Itinerary is around 6 to 12 kilometres. Though, this depends upon the itinerary and the campsite locations.
Rongai Route Kilimanjaro is generally less crowded compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Routes like the Machame and Marangu. This results in a more serene and secluded experience.
While prior trekking experience is advantageous, specific training is not mandatory for climbing the Rongai Route. Though it is recommended that you engage in cardio and endurance training for the physical demands of the trek.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is in the dry seasons (from January to March and June to October). Though, you can also trek the mountain in the rainy season as the route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, which receives less rainfall.
The Rongai Route typically has four camp stays including Simba Camp, Kikelelwa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, and Kibo Hut.
Some attractions of the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro include the unique perspective of Kilimanjaro’s northern side, opportunities to spot primates in the rainforest section, and diverse landscapes ranging from rainforest to alpine desert, etc.
What is the best route up Mount Kilimanjaro?
Machame route is one of the most popular paths among all 7 Kilimanjaro Climbing routes.
It is the longest Kilimanjaro Climbing Route. Hence, you get to Climb Kilimanjaro via the crowd-free
Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Climbing Route approaching from the northern side of the mountain
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Jan - 2021
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Our experience going on Safari in Tanzania with African Scenic Safaris was an absolutely incomparable dream! Shelley did an awesome job arranging our honeymoon...more
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This has without a doubt been the most amazing experience in my life for three main reasons! The people I was lucky enough to tackle this challenge with...more
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We love Kilimanjaro but we don’t have that young energy to climb to the summit. Twelve of us want to have day trekking to touch the magic mountain...more
