The Rongai Route is unique as the only Kilimanjaro trail approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. This route offers one of the most secluded and wild paths on the mountain. Its northern position means less rainfall, ensuring clearer views of the summit.
Typically, the climb takes 6-7 days, but our 7-day itinerary, "Above the African Plains," is recommended for better acclimatization. The Rongai Route's remoteness makes it one of the least crowded trails on Kilimanjaro, providing climbers with a peaceful, solitary experience.
For those seeking a crowd-free Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience and a journey through pristine natural beauty, including the Rongai Route in your climbing package is an excellent choice.
What Are the Benefits of The Rongai Route?
One of the primary benefits of the Rongai Route is its lower crowd levels compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes.
This means climbers can enjoy a quieter and more serene trekking experience, with fewer fellow trekkers on the trail.
Some of the other major advantages of picking this route for Mount Kilimanjaro Tours include:
Scenic Variation
Expect diverse scenery when choosing the Rongai Route Itinerary – from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren lunar landscapes.
Gentle Ascent
This gentler gradient allows for easier acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses, making it an ideal choice for climbers looking for a more comfortable climb.
Climb High and Sleep Low
The Rongai Route 7 Days follows the principle of ‘climb high, sleep low,’ with strategic elevation gains and descents to aid acclimatization.
Northern Approach
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a different perspective of the mountain compared to other Mt Kilimanjaro Routes that start from the south. This unique vantage point provides climbers with new and exciting views.
For the best experience, choose our Best Kilimanjaro Guides to lead your journey on this remarkable route.
Camps On the Rongai Route
The following is a representation of the camps that are located along the Rongai Route and their locations (at different Mt Kilimanjaro Elevation):
Simba Camp
2,615
8,579
Kikelelwa Camp
3,600
11,811
Mawenzi Tarn
4,330
14,206
Kibo Hut
4,703
15,430
Visit these diverse Kilimanjaro Campsites along the Rongai Route, each offering unique elevations and breathtaking views from Simba Camp to Kibo Hut. Perfect for acclimatizing and experiencing Kilimanjaro's beauty.
What Is the Difficulty Level of The Rongai Route?
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a challenging prospect and it’s essential to note that no route is easy. Although, in comparison with other routes, the Rongai Route is considered to be one of the easier options.
The reason for this is because of the gentle incline throughout the trek which allows climbers to maintain a steady pace and conserve energy during their ascension.
In contrast to this, the Rongai Route features fewer opportunities for climbers to climb high during the day and then descend to lower altitudes for the night.
Nevertheless, with the right preparation, training, and mindset, anyone can tackle the challenge of a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Rongai Route.
How Is the Crowd Level on The Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route is known as one of the least frequented routes of the Kilimanjaro Best Routes. It offers climbers a quieter and more relaxed ascent compared to some of the more popular routes. This is mainly because the Rongai Route is the only route to approach the summit from the northern side of the mountain, attracting fewer climbers than routes starting from the southern side.
The Rongai Route offers climbers picturesque views of the northern slopes and the Kenyan plains, making it a prime choice for those seeking breathtaking Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
What Are the Associated Costs of The Rongai Route?
Protea Kilimanjaro offers the Rongai Route as a seven-day group or private climb, providing climbers with our comprehensive Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost for the Rongai Route starts at $2,220 per person (based on 2 people sharing a tent) and includes seven days on the mountain, as well as one day pre trek and one day post trek hotel accommodation.
How Do African Scenic Safaris Evaluate the Rongai Route?
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route comes highly recommended by us at Protea Kilimanjaro for all those seeking a quiet trail.
Another feature to consider is that the 7-day Rongai Route Itinerary gives you an additional acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. This will allow for gradual altitude adjustment and reduce the risk of Kilimanjaro Altitude sickness.