Rongai Route
More mountain. Fewer people.
Rongai is the only main route that climbs Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It sees fewer climbers than the southern routes and the northern side is generally drier, which makes it a sensible choice in the wetter months. You descend on the Marangu side.
What is the adventure?
A quieter way up. Rongai is less about dramatic set pieces than about space and wilderness: a gentle northern approach that feels remote, then a descent through the south-east that shows you a different side of the mountain.
How is the Rongai route different?
A northern approach, lower traffic and a generally drier side of the mountain. It also avoids the Barranco Wall.
How high does the Rongai Route go?
| Day | Place | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Rongai Start Point | 1996 |
| 2 | Simba camp | 2626 |
| 3 | Kikelewa Camp | 3679 |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn camp | 4303 |
| 5 | Kibo hut | 4730 |
| 7 | Horombo hut | 3705 |
| 7 | Marangu Gate | 1860 |
Where you sleep on the Rongai Route
Camp by camp on our 7 Days Rongai Route.
- StartRongai Gate
Is this route right for you?
Best suited to
- Private travellers and couples
- People who dislike crowded trails
- Climbs in the wetter months
- Travellers who would rather avoid the Barranco Wall
Not quite right?
Consider another route
Highlights
On the Rongai
The only northern approach
Quieter trails
Mawenzi Tarn
Descent through the Marangu side
Choose your expedition
Rongai expeditions
Private climbs on your own dates, with scheduled group departures where they run.
Upcoming group departures
- 7 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 20267 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
- 9 Jan 2027 - 15 Jan 20277 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
- 6 Mar 2027 - 12 Mar 20277 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
- 12 Jun 2027 - 18 Jun 20277 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
- 7 Aug 2027 - 13 Aug 20277 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
- 9 Oct 2027 - 15 Oct 20277 Days Rongai RouteUSD 1,990 ppView dates
Questions
Rongai Route FAQs
Yes. Rongai climbs from the north, near the Kenyan border, and descends on the Marangu side in the south-east, so it never crosses the Barranco Wall.
The northern side of Kilimanjaro is generally drier than the south, which makes Rongai a sensible choice in the wetter months.
It sees far fewer climbers than the southern routes, so the trails and camps are usually quieter.
Other ways up Kilimanjaro
Compare the routes
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Plan your
Rongai Route
A quieter northern approach to Africa's highest summit.
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