Rongai Route Overview
Learn more about the Rongai route in Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route, ascending Mount Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side along the Tanzania-Kenya border, maintains an untamed wilderness essence, distinguishing it from other trails.
Being the sole route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, the Rongai route stands as one of the most remote and unspoiled trails on the mountain. Despite its seclusion, this route offers numerous advantages, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive experience on Africa’s highest peak.

Owing to its remote nature, the Rongai Route sees relatively fewer visitors compared to other Kilimanjaro trails. Trekkers often relish peace and tranquility during much of the hike, encountering few climbers until reaching Kibo Camp, where the trail converges with the Marangu Route for the final ascent to the summit.
Before this juncture, travelers often have the trail to themselves for hours or even days, making it ideal for those desiring solitude in a unique wilderness setting.
The Rongai route employs a gradual ascent, allowing hikers to acclimatize steadily. This not only makes it one of the easier routes up the mountain but also significantly boosts the success rate.
With minimal major obstacles along this trail, the day preceding the summit climb is short, affording trekkers time to rest, recover, and prepare for the ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Starting from the mountain’s north side, close to the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route stands as the driest path on Kilimanjaro. This makes it suitable for trekking year-round, especially during April and May’s rainy season when most storms tend to concentrate on the southern side, ensuring Rongai hikers remain drier and warmer than those on other popular trails.
Other merits of the Rongai Route include the potential wildlife sightings, such as Colobus Monkeys, during the initial days of the climb. Well-spaced campsites across the route ensure a consistent daily trek duration. Moreover, as the trail ascends the north side and descends the south side, travelers gain diverse perspectives of Kilimanjaro’s appearance.
Though the Rongai Route might receive criticism for potentially being less scenic than other trails up Mt. Kilimanjaro, it still offers plenty to marvel at. Despite less varied and dramatic scenery, the route provides ample beauty. Moreover, encountering fewer people allows for a more immersive experience.
Golden Kit Tours and Safaris offers the Rongai Route as a 7-day, 6-day, or 7-day private climb. The six-day variation excludes an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
Rongai Route 7 Days Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp:
Embark on an adventure driving through villages to Nale Moru’s wooden village on the mountain’s northeast side. Begin trekking through rainforest transitioning into the drier north side, reaching Simba Camp at around 9,300 feet altitude.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,300 feet
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave:
Commence the day with a gradual climb to Second Cave. Traverse heathland marked by heather, wildflowers, and stony paths. Revel in views of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers. After lunch, follow a narrower path towards Mawenzi’s peaks and reach Second Cave nestled in a valley near Kikelewa Caves.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~11,300 feet
Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave:
Designated for acclimatization, spend the morning at leisure. By midday, trek across the heath toward Mawenzi and Third Cave, situated at an altitude of around 11,811 feet.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~11,811 feet
Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut:
Journey to Mawenzi Tarn Hut involves a short yet steep climb through grassy mountainsides, offering panoramic views. Traverse rocky highlands scattered with volcanic boulders, reaching the spectacularly located Mawenzi Tarn Hut nestled in a valley.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,160 feet
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts:
Cross ‘The Saddle,’ a lunar landscape linking Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Huts, situated at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Prepare equipment and warm clothes for the impending trek. Rest and recharge for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430 feet
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts:
Commence the ascent around midnight with a light meal. Navigate challenging terrain towards Gilman’s Point at dawn, continuing to Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Kibo. After reaching the peak, savor the accomplishment and capture memories before descending to Kibo Huts for lunch. Proceed to Horombo Huts for a well-deserved rest.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205 feet
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha:
Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, enjoy lunch, bid farewell to the mountain crew, and depart Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Return to Arusha for a refreshing shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~1,843 feet
Rongai Route Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Rongai Route the easiest route up Kilimanjaro?
The Rongai route is considered one of the easiest trails up Mount Kilimanjaro due to its gradual and steady ascent. However, it lacks a significant climb high-sleep low profile, potentially making it more challenging than the Machame or Lemosho routes. Opting for the 7-day trek is highly recommended for better acclimatization. While no technical climbing is necessary, a good level of fitness is essential.
What is the distance of the Rongai Route and how many days does it take?
The Rongai Route spans approximately 79km or 49 miles. The shortest duration required is 6 days, but with additional arrival and departure days, it typically extends to 9 or 10 days. Opting for a 7-day trek is advisable to enhance the chances of success, considering it’s regarded as the easiest route on the mountain.
What is the Rongai Route Summit Success Rate?
While official statistics are unavailable, the average success rate across all operators is approximately 80% for the 7-day trek and 65% for the 6-day trek. However, certain operators boast a higher success rate, reaching up to 95% for both Rongai route treks.
What is the Scenery like on the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route, being the sole approach from the north near the Kenyan border, offers lower crowds and traverses through remote wilderness areas. Wildlife sightings are possible in the initial days, progressing from rainforest to moorlands and into the high alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone.
When is the best time to Trek Rongai Route?
July to September is ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro due to stable weather and minimal rainfall. Avoid April and May, the rainy season. However, the Rongai Route’s northern location, shielded from rain, makes May and November viable trekking periods.