This local travel specialist organized the perfect Kilimanjaro Adventure in Tanzania. The four of us had fun and enjoyed the hiking experience because Rongai is a beautiful route and the team of guides and porters was amazing.
We were treated well by the crew, taking care of our needs (food, health and safety) and also encouraged us not to give up but push for the summit.
We summitted successfully and owe it all to the excellent support from the agency.
Fantastic guides, porters, team. Great value for what you pay. Without this fanatastic team my father and I would not have made it to Uhuru peak. Great communication and service by Noel and his staff. We also did a 3-day safari with a professional and very knowledgeable guide/driver. Tiloma lodge was beautiful and great quality service/food.
The Rongai route begins at the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. We will be hiking through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak then cross a barren desert before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall. The Rongai route is a more slow ascent and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened Kilimanjaro climbers.
During the climb you will have 5 nights of full-service camping, with a private toilet tent. There is a large communal tent, which is used for dining and at other times in the event of inclement weather. Limited single accommodation is also available and includes a single tent as well as the hotel nights.
We can arrange extra accommodation before or after the trip if needed.
We climbed the Kilimajaro by the Rongai Route. It was an amazing experience. 6 days there, walking, talking, eating, sharing... Es una ruta asequible, con un último dia de ascensión de dificultad media debido a la altitud y el frío. Hay que tomárselo con calma, disfrutar "pole pole", para saborear en las mejores condiciones la conquista de la cima.
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%)
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!
We used local travel specialists and service was outstanding. We had good nutrition and a competent guide, which is all that is needed. We took a guided town tour of Moshi before our climb, which was a great cultural experience. We totally recommend Rongai route for Kilimanjaro Hiking.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the North side receives less precipitation).
The Rongai route is one of the easiest route up to Kilimanjaro summit and it joins the Marangu route at Kibo hut. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. We have designed the trip for 7 days as that will allow for proper acclimatization on the mountain.
Wildlife can be seen on the lower slopes such as buffalo's, Elephants, Baboons and monkeys together with different species of birds.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, the Rongai route makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. On the way down this route goes together with the Marangu route.
The Rongai route as such is a moderately difficult route and relatively easier than other routes up Kilimanjaro. It is therefore highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience, as the probability of reaching the summit will be higher.
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!
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelelwa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, School Hut Campsite, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate
Rongai is the only route that approaches from the north. Due to its remote starting location, which requires a little extra effort to get to, it is one of the least frequented trails on Kilimanjaro, which is perfect for those looking for a more ‘wilderness’ experience. Technically speaking, ‘Rongai’ is not its true name, but is the one that it is best known by. The trail used to start right on the Kenyan border at Rongai Village, but now begins in the small town of Loitokitok, which is the official name of the trail. Rongai is by no means an ‘easier’ route, but it takes a slower pace, usually over 7 days, and has more of a gradual ascent than other routes. The route follows a trail through farmland and then up to a smaller forest section before continuing in the shadow of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano, where trekkers have the chance experience arguably the most picturesque camp on the mountain at Mawenzi Tarn. From here the route crosses 'The Saddle' through desert terrain up to Kibo camp, and from here joins the Marangu Route on its approach to the summit via Gillman’s and Stella point.
The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route).
The Rongai route uses the summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descend via the Marangu route.
Rongai route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern section of the mountain, not far from the Kenyan border. It is considered quite remote but has seen a surge in trekkers in recent years. On this route, the drive to the trailhead at Nale Moru is long but the road is tarmac most of the way. With a starting point in Arusha, the routes on the souther or western side are more popular because of accessibility. On this route, we camp at the base of Mawenzi Peak before walking across the Saddle to perch ourselves in the the busy camp of Kibo in readiness for the summit assault.
This route over 7 days allows for an extra night at Mawenzi Tarn with acclimatisation walks during the spare day. Doing this will increase the chance of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro.
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.
