Rongai Route

Explore Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

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Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the one and only route that approaches from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, along the Kenya – Tanzania border. The Rongai route is a moderately challenging trail that offers a gentle approach towards Uhuru Peak, which is the main summit. We strongly recommend the Rongai route as one of the routes for climbers who are first-timers or with less trekking, hiking, and backpacking experience.

Best route when it is raining

Even though we recommend the 8 days Lemosho route as the best overall route, each route is unique on Mount Kilimanjaro in its own unique way. As fo Rongai Route, it is the best route when it is raining because the route runs along the leeward side of Mount Kilimanjaro. This area near the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, Loitokitok to be precise receives very little rain through out the year as compared to all the other routes, making it ideal for the rainy season climbs.

N.B: Rongai trail follows a gentler and flatter slope than the other routes on Mount Kilimanjaro but does not offer climbers the experience of climbing high and sleeping low.

Altitude sickness affects climbers more here on the Rongai Route as compared to the other routes and an additional day or extra time for acclimatization is recommended and required.

Rongai is a low-traffic route and the only one that begins from the Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro which borders the Amboseli national park, meaning you will be lucky enough to see some wildlife ( elephants, antelope, zebra, buffalo. Apart from Amboseli’s wildlife, you will as well encounter different vegetation zones of Mount Kilimanjaro like the Rainforest on the way down to Marangu Gate, heath, and moorland including the saddles’ desert-like surroundings on your way up.

Plan your climb on the Rongai route

Distance: The Rongai route trail is 72 kilometres (44 miles) long
Location: The Rongai route runs from the northeastern side towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenya – Tanzania border.
Height: The accent to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak summit reaches a staggering 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) in height.
Trail conditions: Rongai Route’s location on the northeast of Mount Kilimanjaro gets receives less humidity and rain as compared to the southern slopes. Climbers will less likely experience fewer rain conditions.

Rongai route success rate

The highest success rate of reaching the Uhuru peak summit via the Rongai Route is the 7 days Rongai route itinerary that includes an extra day for acclimatization with a success rate of around 80%. The 6 days itinerary that excludes that extra acclimatization day has a lower summit success rate of 65%.

Rongai Route Map & Location

Map and Location

The northeastern side of the mountain receives much less precipitation than the southern slopes, reducing the likelihood of rain for hikers. Trekkers are also more likely to see the peak in bright, unobstructed light.

These factors make the Rongai route, the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.

Rongai Trek Tips

Do not expect to shower for a week, and make sure you carry a lot of wet wipes.
Stay strong and mentally fit even when you encounter challenges on your way up the mountain.
You can select your favorite or inspiring songs to keep you company while climbing; especially during the summit night.
You will experience altitude sickness, one way or the other no matter how experienced you are. Just be prepared mentally.
Consider adding an extra day for acclimatization to minimize the effects of altitude sickness.
Also, consider trying out different camping experiences before your Rongai Route climb to get familiar with camping environments.
To avoid blisters that might limit your summiting success, try out your boots and add extra insoles for more comfort while walking on the mountain.
Take it slow on the mountain and conserve your energy on the mountain. Slow but sure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Most climbers are required to pay Mount Kilimanjaro fees, which are usually used to maintain the Kilimanjaro national park and the mountain. All the fees are included in our itineraries as all Tranquil Kilimanjaro are all-inclusive Kilimanjaro tours.

Tranquil Kilimanjaro crew and driver will pick you up at the airport to your recommended hotel before and after your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour. Travellers flying into Tanzania from the UK, the US, Australia or Canada and various parts of the world can find sources for best flight options to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Make sure you cross-check to make sure you have packed the correct climbing gear which may include various compulsory items like waterproof gear, headlamps, hiking boots, non-disposable water bottles and more items which can be found here.

Even though you can climb the Rongai Route all year round, the best months are during the months of January–March and June–October while the less favourable months of climbing the Rongai Route are the wet and cold months of April, May and November. During these wet months, make sure your packing list contains waterproof gear. Check out our Mount Kilimanjaro gear list

Remember, the more you are fit, the better, any physical training you partake will come in handy, to make your climb enjoyable and somehow easier. If your goal is to summit by reaching Uhuru Peak, you will have to train harder.

The Rongai Route scenery has less traffic hence is one of the unexplored wilderness. Since the route lies along the northern side of Kilimanjaro it is located near the Kenya – Tanzania border where the Amboseli National Park is located, the Rongai Route scenery brings along the fascinating wildlife views of the Amboseli. You have a higher chance of seeing wildlife on the Rongai Route than any other route. You also enjoy eye-catching sceneries as you pass the different vegetation and climatic zones of the Kilimanjaro, which include, moorlands, high alpine zones and eventually the glacial zone.

The average Rongai Route success rate is 80% but only if you choose the 7-day trek which includes an extra day for acclimatization. The 6 day Rongai Route itinerary excludes the extra acclimatization day has a success rate of 65%.

The whole Rongai Route distance from the beginning of the trail from the gate to the summit is 72km or 44 miles.

Rongai Route

Rongai Route

Best route when it is raining