Rongai Route - Mount Kilimanjaro

The Rongai route is one of the less travelled trekking routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The route starts from the village of Naremoru near the Kenya border, and ascends the drier north side of Kilimanjaro.

You can start this route from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, but all park fees and arrangements must be made at the Marangu gate.

The route may only be used for ascend and the Marangu Route must be used for descend. There are several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters for overnight stay for the first two nights.

Kilimanjaro climbers typically choose the Rongai route over other trekking routes (such as Machame Route and Marangu Route) because of its less busy lower sections, and a better chance of clear weather during the rainy seasons.

In its lower sections, the Rongai route ascends through lush farmland and pine and cypress forests, followed by the rainforest, then the higher moorland zone where climbers have views over the Kenyan plains.

The final ascent passes Hans Meyer Cave and reaches the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (meeting up with the Marangu Route), then follows the path along the crater rim to Uhuru summit.

The Rongai route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.