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The Rongai Route is the easiest path up Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, especially suited for those with less backpacking experience. In fact, the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Success Rate is impressive, given that it’s one of the calmer paths with consistently good weather conditions.
This Rongai Route Kilimanjaro stands out because it’s the sole route that ascends the mountain from its northern side. Originating near the boundary with Kenya, the Rongai Route weaves through the untamed wilderness before eventually merging with the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp, situated at the foot of the summit.
Climbers then descend via the Marangu Route, offering a unique north-to-south crossing of the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience.
When planning a trek up Kilimanjaro, it is crucial to understand the easier path up to the mountain. This is because the easier the path, the higher the chance of reaching the summit.
At Tanzania Tribe Safaris, we offer climb via six Kilimanjaro Routes to summit Uhuru Peak. These are the Machame Route, Marangu Route, Rongai Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route, and Umbwe Route. Each route has a unique set of attractions, obstacles, and easiness.
When it comes to ease, Rongai Route Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly the route that offers the easiest climb. Here we draw a comparison table to understand four popular Routes Up Kilimanjaro.
Feature/ Route | Rongai Route | Marangu Route | Machame Route | Lemosho Route |
Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Challenging | Moderate |
Duration | 6-7 Days | 5-6 Days | 6-7 Days | 7-8 Days |
Scenic Variety | Medium | Low | High | High |
Traffic | Low | High | Very High | Medium |
Accommodations | Camps | Huts | Camps | Camps |
Acclimatization | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Success Rate | High | Medium | High | High |
Ascent/Descent Route | Different | Same | Different | Different |
Cost | Medium-High | Medium | Medium | High |
Best Suited For | For first-timers with less backpacking and trekking expertise. | Those who prefer hut accommodations and slightly more manageable terrain. | Experienced trekkers, those looking for scenic variety | Those seeking scenic beauty and longer acclimatization. |
This comparison table shows that Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is a comparatively more manageable path to Africa’s highest peak.
Let’s explore the details of some other features of the Rongai Route that make it an ideal route for climbers.
Though there is less scenic variation than in Machame and Lemosho Routes, Rongai Route still promises quieter and has some beautiful, untouched spots. You’ll spend more time in forests and open lands, and it’s drier, so there’s less chance of rain.
Being on the northern side, the Rongai Route benefits from being in the rain shadow, making it a more favourable choice during the rainy season.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Success Rate is considerably high, thanks to its gradual ascent and extended acclimatization periods. Though there are no official statistics, the average success rate for a seven-day Rongai trek is around 80%.
With this route, trekkers experience the luxury of ascending from one side and descending from another, providing views of both sides of the mountain.
The recommended duration for Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek is 6-7 days for a reasonable summit success rate. However, Rongai Route 8 Days add an extra day for acclimatisation. This will increase the summit success rate, which means you can enjoy the summit day without any problems.
Worthy to Note: At Tanzania Tribe Safaris, we stand out as one of the select trekking providers offering an 8-Day Rongai Route package. This package is among our top Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages, drawing climbers from all over.
Want a detailed plan for your trek? Explore our specialised Mount Kilimanjaro Packages!
We offer an 8-Day Rongai Route trek at Tanzania Tribe Safaris. Climbers stop at Rongai Second Cave at 3450 meters on Day three before heading onto Kikelewa Cave.
These stops help the climbers to adjust to the harsh climatic conditions en route to Uhuru Peak. This is one primary reason for the high Rongai Route Success Rate, making it one of the most accessible routes to climb Kilimanjaro.
The below table represents Rongai Route Kilimanjaro itinerary for an 8-day trek in a concise manner.
DAY | START | ALTITUDE (m) | FINISH | ALTITUDE (m) | TIME (hrs) | DISTANCE (km) |
DAY 1- Arrival Day | ||||||
2 | Rongai Gate | 1950 | First Caves Camp | 2600 | 5 hours | 8 km |
3 | First Caves Camp | 2600 m | Kikelewa Cave | 3600 | 6-7 hours | 12 km |
4 | Kikelewa Cave | 3600 m | Mawenzi Tarn Camp | 4300 m | 3-4 hours | 12-15 km |
5 | Mawenzi Tarn Camp | 4300 m | Kibo Hut | 4700 m | 4-5 hours | 15-18 km |
6 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak | 4700 m to 5895 m | Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut | 5895 to 3720 m | 8 hours | 21 km |
DAY 8 – Departure Day |
For all the package details, browse our page 8-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro.
For those seeking a more leisurely route up Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route stands out as a top contender. Its high Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Success Rate and mesmerising landscapes make it a favourite among many.
However, regardless of your chosen path, remember that every journey up Kilimanjaro is unique, and filled with challenges, rewards, and memories that last a lifetime.
Are you all set to Climb Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai Route? Join us, and let’s make that dream a reality!
Mar 29, 2024
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