Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
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 unspoilt
wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the
north. Rongai 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).
A drawback is that to get to the other side of Kilimanjaro you have to drive for
a couple of hours, and that costs extra. So Rongai is more expensive than a six day trail on
Machame or Marangu. The other drawback is that the Rongai route has a reputation as being
less scenic than other routes. However, that applies mostly to day one, when you will
be trekking through fairly open country instead of the dense rainforest. But you'll
see the rainforest on your descent! You are not missing out on anything. The route can be done in 6 days going directly to
Kibo Hut from where the final ascent is made or a more
beautiful alternative is to do it in 7 days going to
Kibo Hut via Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
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