The Rongai Route offers one of the more out of control understanding on Kilimanjaro in contrast with different routes. It is viewed as an increasingly remote route and is known for a wild encounter that right up ’til today remains.
The following are a few facts about Rongai route:
- Distance: The Rongai route is 72 kilometers of length.
- Area: The route begins from the northeaster side of Kilimanjaro, along the Tanzania and Kenya fringe.
- Stature: The Rongai course comes to at the summit of Kilimanjaro at the Uhuru top, coming to at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
- Trail conditions: The north-eastern side of the mountain gets by and large less muggy than the southern inclines which infers that trekkers will encounter less precipitation.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, the Rongai route still experiences low traffic. 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).
8 Days Rongai Route Itinerary
Overnight at AMEG Lodge (Bed & breakfast)
Transfer from hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains of Tsavo and Amboseli. Overnight at Simba Camp
Today the morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, you leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi to arrive at 3rd cave. Overnight KIKELEWA CAMP
Continue to ascend to Kibo hut. You cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite. At the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! Overnight KIBO CAMP.
