The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route, Success Rate & Map
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route, Success Rate & Map.
Rongai trail ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the peak, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of pristine wildness.
The sole northern approach to Kilimanjaro is via the Rongai route. Among all the mountain’s paths, the Rongai route is among the most secluded and untamed. Regardless, there are many benefits to this route for trekkers, making it a great choice for individuals seeking a one-of-a-kind experience on Africa’s highest peak.
Among Mount Kilimanjaro’s pathways, the Rongai Route sees comparatively few visitors due to its secluded location. Those who opt for this route will mostly be alone on their ascent; there aren’t many other climbers along this section of the trail until they reach Kibo Camp, where the Marangu Route meets it for the last ascent to the peak.
This is a great option for people seeking solitude in a one-of-a-kind wilderness setting because, before that happens, hikers will frequently have the trail all to themselves for several hours or days.
Rongai route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro with a moderate, steady climb, providing hikers an opportunity to acclimatize at a steady rate. This not only makes it one of the simplest routes up the mountain, it also boosts the success rate dramatically.
There are few big challenges to conquer along this trail and the last day before summit day is a short one, giving trekkers a chance to relax, heal, and prepare for their ascent to the top of Uhuru Peak.
The Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is the driest Kilimanjaro route because it begins on the mountain’s northern side, close to the Kenyan border.
Because of this, it is an excellent option for a hike throughout the year, but particularly in April and May, when it rains a lot. Hikers on the Rongai route are more likely to experience dry, mild weather than those on other, more popular routes because most rainstorms stay on the mountain’s southern side.
The possibility of seeing Colobus monkeys and other animals in the early days of the ascent is another perk of going the Rongai Route. Hikers will spend about the same amount of time each day on the path because the campsites are evenly spaced out along the way. Because the trail winds its way both north and south of Kilimanjaro, hikers can see the mountain from all angles.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route
Rongai Route Map
The Rongai Route has been criticized for maybe lacking the scenic beauty of other routes up Kilimanjaro. There is still a lot to see and enjoy along this trail, even though the scenery isn’t as stunning or varied as some of the others. Plus, there won’t be a lot of people around, so you can really take it all in.
Choose between a 7-day Rongai climb or a 6- or 7-day private climb with Climbing Kilimanjaro. Day four at Mawenzi Tarn is not an acclimatization day in the six-day variation.
Rongai Route Frequently Asked Questions
The Rongai route is the exclusive focus of the following questions and their responses.
Is Rongai Route the easiest route up Kilimanjaro
According to many, climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai path is the least difficult option. The ascent and descent are both slow and steady. While the Machame and Lemosho routes are easier, the Rongai Route is perhaps more challenging because to its lack of a fantastic ascent, sleep, and low profile. If you want to give yourself the best chance of acclimatization, go with the 7-day journey. You don’t need any climbing experience, but you should be in good physical shape. For more information on how to train for the climb of Kilimanjaro, as well as our Kilimanjaro training program, visit our website.
What is the distance of the Rongai Route and how many days does it take
The precise amount of kilometers covered on foot along the Rongai Route is 79, or 49 miles. The Rongai Route takes at least six days, but nine or ten days if you include in arrival and departure days. The easiest way to climb the mountain is actually best accomplished over the course of seven days, since that is when your chances of success are at their highest.
What is the Rongai Route Route Summit Success Rate
Choosing the lengthier journey option significantly increases the summit success rates for the Rongai Route. Although official figures are unavailable, it is worth noting that the 7-day trek has an average success rate of 80% and the 6-day climb of 65% across all operators. Both of our Rongai route hikes have a 95% success rate reaching the peak, though. If you want to know why we suggest lengthier journeys, read up on how many days it takes to climb Kilimanjaro.
What is the Scenery like on the Rongai Route Route
From its northernmost point close to the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route is the sole way to reach Mount Kilimanjaro. The Rongai route is less crowded and goes through wilderness regions that are far from civilization.
In the first several days, it’s often the only way to view wildlife. The trail begins in the rainforest and continues through the moors, high alpine zones, and finally the glacier zone.
When is the best time to Trek Rongai Route Route Route
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, the best time to do it is between July and September, when the weather is usually nice and dry. However, you may climb the peak year-round due to its proximity to the equator.
Stay away from the rain in April and May if you can help it. May and November are also excellent times to attempt the trek along the Rongai Route because it is located in a rain shadow on the northern side of Kilimanjaro.