We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was considered sensitive. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.
We have laid out the day-by-day itinerary under the "itinerary tab". If you have any questions to us, please contact us. We can assure you that this will be an experience of a lifetime.
Trek type: Small- Medium group size, Youth and Family, High altitudes. Summit Success Rates: Gilman’s Point (96%). Uhuru Peak (97%)
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut, Guest House, Sleeping Hut
It was an amazing experience, the route was the right amount of time to help us acclimatise ahead of summit night and see all the stunning sites around the Kilimanjaro National Park. Our guides and G Fighters were brilliant - a big shout out to our guides James, Innocent, and Gade, along with our (more than a waiter) Elisha who?s humour was wonderful, and Chef Chewa who?s food was spectacular!
Trekking and HikingExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The 6-day Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching the famous mountain from the north. Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident to hike steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike.
The Rongai route’s premier advantage is that it is one of the quietest routes on the mountain, although it becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. The route also descends along the Marangu route, however, on this trip, the intrepid climber will retain a sense of wilderness and adventure by sleeping in tents and not using the A-frame huts of the Marangu route.
Scenically, Rongai is extraordinarily beautiful as it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area, although it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.
Certainly, the best agency to take you on this great adventure on the top of Kilimanjaro! The guides and staff were really professional, answering all the questions and constantly paying attention to your needs, so that you just have to focus on the summit 🏔️
Thanks to the team again, we all made it to the top and had a lot of good time with our group and the entire crew.
I would definitely recommend anyone to take this agency!
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
12-69 yrs
Operated in
english, tanzanian
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Mount
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelelwa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, School Hut Campsite, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate
The Rongai route is the only trail that starts from the northern, or Kenyan, side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location, this route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience whereby climbers can see large wildlife like antelopes, elephants and buffalos. Additionally, since the northeastern side of the mountain receives significantly less moisture than the southern slopes, climbers are less likely to encounter rain and there is a high chance of enjoying clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
Join us on this seven-day, guided journey to the top of Africa through the route less taken. We will pick you up on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to your hotel in Moshi. Your journey starts on the second day with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Park Gate.
The trek starts in earnest from the Rongai trailhead. Ascend to the top via Simba Camp, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp and Kibo Hut. Although the Rongai route is flatter than other Mount Kilimanjaro routes, the push to the summit from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by those using the Marangu route. Once you have summited the mountain, the descent is made through the Marangu route.
Please note that the tour price also includes two night's accommodation in Moshi, one night each before and after the climb. For more details, please scroll down.
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
7-79 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilima
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut