The Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai's ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro's easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Marangu - kilimanjaro trekking
Start Marangu and transfer on dirt road using 4×4 wheel drive vehicle to the Rongai starting point(1600m).Overnight at the campsite outside the gate.
Day 2 Rongai Forest - kilimanjaro trekking
Register at the gate and organize the equipment and luggage. Begin ascent of Kilimanjaro through Rongai Forest (2600m).Trek up to the first cave for night at the designated campsite. Your crew shall have prepared the camp long before your arrival.
Day 3 Kikelewa Moorland - kilimanjaro trekking
After breakfast start a leisurely climb to Kikelewa moorland (3600m).Overnight at the camp.
Day 4 Mawenzi - kilimanjaro trekking
Steady ascent beneath jagged peaks of Mawenzi (4330m).Here you will see the famous school hut.
Day 5 Kibo - kilimanjaro trekking
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to Kibo, at the bottom of the crater wall (4750m)
Day 6 Gillman’s Point - kilimanjaro trekking
Early start to reach Gillman’s Point in time for sunrise over the crater rim: on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5895m) Descend to Horombo (3720m).
Day 7 Descent - kilimanjaro trekking
Continue descent to the forest at Mandara and on to Marangu gate where you collect your certificates and maybe have a farewell beer with your crew. Transfer back to your hotel.