Rongai Route

 

The Quiet Side of Kilimanjaro Escape the crowds. Embrace the summit.

Experience Kilimanjaro from the path less traveled.

The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s best-kept secret. Starting on the remote northern slope near the Kenyan border it winds through a peaceful pine forest, across highland meadows, and past the haunting, jagged peak of Mawenzi. Unlike the busy southern routes, you won’t be sharing this trail with crowds. This is where you go if you want space, silence, and deep connection with the mountain.

Each day on Rongai gives you something different. One morning you’ll wake beside sunrise-lit Mawenzi, another you’ll gaze at the endless horizon stretching into Kenya. Look for rare wildlife like the shy Bearded Vulture and the Giant Groundsels alien-like plants found nowhere else on earth. This is your private path to Africa’s rooftop.

Why Rongai?

• Low traffic, high beauty - You’ll see far fewer hikers and enjoy stunning views the whole way up.
• Unique landscapes - Pine forest, lunar deserts, Mawenzi spires, and southern rainforest on the descent.
• Secluded adventure - The ideal route for those seeking serenity without sacrificing comfort.

Expert Advice: Rongai is offered in two versions: 6 days or 7 days. While both are beautiful, we strongly recommend the 7-day itinerary for first-time climbers or anyone without prior altitude experience. Why? Because the 7-day plan includes better acclimatization. That means a more comfortable journey and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

The 6-day itinerary is best suited for experienced trekkers with strong physical fitness or those already acclimatized. It’s shorter, yes but that comes with more altitude gain in less time.

Real Success Rates Based on Real Data We’ve led thousands of Rongai treks. Here’s what our numbers show:

• 6-Day Itinerary: Crater Rim - 91.0%, Uhuru Peak - 86.0%
• 7-Day Itinerary: Crater Rim - 93.9%, Uhuru Peak - 86.8%

With EXG Safaris, you’re not just booking a hike you’re joining a professional expedition led by the region’s top guides. Our safety protocols are the best in the industry:

• Twice-daily medical checks on all climbers
• The largest oxygen supply inventory on Kilimanjaro
• Full Wilderness First Responder certified guide teams
• Custom-designed first-aid kits with over 40 medications

Our guides are chosen not just for their mountain knowledge but for their heart, storytelling, and leadership. They’ll carry you through the tough moments and celebrate every step of your climb.

• You’ll hear your breath more than voices.
• Sleep in silence under Mawenzi’s shadow.
• This is the route where the mountain feels personal.

Whether you're climbing solo, with friends, or with family Rongai is where unforgettable memories are made far from the crowds.

Ready to go your own way? Let’s get you to the top together.