Rongai Route

The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, Rongai Route, despite its recent popularity among climbers, still experiences low crowds. If you are looking for a remote hiking possibility, then the Rongai Route has to be your preferred pick.

Those who don’t have much backpacking and trekking experience will also get to benefit from Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. Below we will do a deep dive into various features of the Rongai Route, including the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro, key highlights, acclimatization profile, and an itinerary overview.

Rongai Route At A Glance

• Total Distance – 73 km/45 miles
• Difficulty   –Low
• Duration – 6-7 Days
• Success Rate - Medium
• Height – The Rongai route climbs up to Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak, reaching a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
• Location   – The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north of the mountain

Highlights And Considerations

Best Time To Climb The Rongai Route

The Rongai Route Kilimanjaro begins from the Kenyan side of the mountain, which borders the Amboseli National Park. This means the route receives very little precipitation throughout the year compared to other Routes Up Kilimanjaro.

This is why you can Climb Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route throughout the year. Being the driest Routes Up Kilimanjaro, the route is used for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions in the rainy months of March to early June. Therefore, it is often said that the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route is throughout the year.

The Rongai Route Itinerary

The Rongai Route Kilimanjaro itinerary typically takes 6-8 days to complete. It starts at the Rongai gate and passes through the beautiful Rongai forest, where trekkers can witness various wildlife and exotic plants.

After two days of hiking, the Rongai Route connects with the Marangu Route, another popular trail. From here, trekkers will continue towards Kibo Huts, the base for the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The route's gradual ascent and longer duration make it a preferred choice for trekkers who want to acclimatize well and have a better chance of reaching the summit. The following is a breakdown of the 8 Days Rongai Route itinerary:

All About Rongai Route

The Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping route; it has the attraction of being a lower traffic and easier route compared to others. Find out all about Rongai Route in below.

Sceneries Along The Way

The Rongai route may not be widely regarded as one of the most picturesque Kilimanjaro Routes, but it has its unique charm. Due to the mountain's northern side receiving less rainfall, climbers often enjoy clear, unobstructed vistas of the peak during their journey. It's a perk that adds a special touch to the adventure!

How Crowded Is The Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route is generally considered one of the least frequented Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro Routes. Climbers don’t go for this route because they believe it’s not as scenic as others. But it’s a fact that this is one of the most scenic Kilimanjaro Routes.

Plus, if you want a peaceful and quieter climbing experience, this is one of the best choices.

Note – Despite the point that the Rongai Route is one of the least frequented Routes up Kilimanjaro, in recent years, it has gained in popularity among climbers. Remember that you may experience some crowds if you climb in the peak season or start a climb on a group departure date (commonly on a Sunday).

Accommodations On The Rongai Route

There are primarily two types of accommodation choices along the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route. These are high-quality living tents and dining or mess tents.

Living tents are typically more spacious and have space stations for a more comfortable experience. These are large enough that they can even support a camp cot. Each tent accommodates two climbers, but you can go for a single supplement tent if you prefer more privacy.

The dining tents accommodate small crews of up to 12 people and often use ample space station-styled tents for this exact purpose. Larger groups can also use rectangular-styled dining tents throughout their Kilimanjaro Climb.

Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Cost

Tanzania Tribe Safaris presents the Rongai route as an eight-day expedition for both groups and individual climbers. Our Rongai Route Cost for the eight-day package stands at $2,695 per individual.

This rate covers eight captivating days on the mountain, accompanied by a day's stay at our stunning partner lodge in Moshi. The pricing is calculated for double occupancy, indicating that you'll collaborate with a fellow adventurer for tent and room sharing.

Dive deeper into the package specifics on our 8 Days Rongai Route, including what's covered and what's extra.

Rongai Route Success Rate

The Rongai Route is one of the seven Kilimanjaro Climb Routes and is considered one of the most accessible routes. This is due to the gradual ascent and a high success rate. The route takes six to seven days to complete, and it approaches the summit from the mountain's north side.

According to the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, the Rongai Route Success Rate is around 85%. This success rate is higher than other routes, such as the Marangu Route, which has a success rate of about 65%.

Although, it is essential to note that the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Success Rate varies depending on factors such as the fitness level of the climbers, weather conditions, and the level of experience of the guides. Hence, it is recommended that you choose a reputable tour company and follow the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and rewarding Kilimanjaro Climb.

Final Impressions On Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

If you want a relatively tranquil Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience, then picking the Rongai Route is your best bet. The route’s gentle incline and rather long trek, combined with some spectacular views along the way, make the path a complete package for climbers across the planet.

Thus, all you have to do is pick from our Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages range and go for the Rongai Route to experience a peaceful trek up the mountain.