The Rongai route is one of Kilimanjaro’s less-traveled paths, offering a more peaceful trek with minimal crowds. Its flatter terrain does not follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which means it’s important to allow extra days for acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Beginning at the Rongai Gate, the route takes you through a variety of climate zones, each providing its own unique scenery. The more remote nature of the Rongai route allows for a more pristine wilderness experience, and there’s a good chance of encountering wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and antelope. On day two, you’ll reach Kikelewa Caves, where the views of the Amboseli Plains in Kenya unfold. The path leads you up to Mawenzi Peak, before crossing the barren Saddle, a vast plain connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The final summit ascent rewards you with breathtaking views from both the southern and northern sides of the mountain as you descend via the more popular Marangu route.

The Rongai route is ideal during the rainy season, as it sits in Kilimanjaro’s rain shadow, meaning it generally experiences much less rain than the southern routes, making it an excellent choice for those hoping to avoid wet conditions while trekking.

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola” route due to the availability of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original and most established route to climb Kilimanjaro. While it is often advertised as one of the easier options, it has the lowest success rate (42%) according to KINAPA, mainly due to many climbers attempting the trek in just five days without proper acclimatization.

The Marangu route approaches the mountain from the southeast, using the same ascent and descent path, making it less scenic compared to other routes. For those not keen on camping, Marangu is the only route offering dormitory-style hut accommodation. These huts come with a communal dining area, simple washrooms, and toilets. Lower down the mountain, toilets are flushable, but they turn into “long drop” loos as you ascend. While some climbers appreciate the comfort of staying in huts instead of tents, it is essential to note that you will be sharing the dormitories with other climbers, which can be quite crowded.

Additionally, the Marangu route is an ideal option for trekking during the rainy season due to its hut-based accommodation. For those with less high-altitude trekking experience, the six-day hike provides a good opportunity for acclimatization, offering a higher success rate. Experienced climbers and those already acclimatized may choose to challenge themselves with the more demanding 5-day ascent.

The Rongai route is one of the least frequented routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, offering a more secluded experience with fewer climbers and stunning, untouched wilderness. While the route is flatter than some others, it does not provide the “climb high, sleep low” option, so it’s important to plan for additional days to acclimatize properly.

Starting from the Rongai Gate, the trek takes you through a variety of diverse climate zones, each offering unique views and experiences. This route is perfect for those seeking a more remote adventure, with the opportunity to spot large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo. On the second day, as you make your way to Kikelewa Caves, you’ll be treated to stunning views, including the Amboseli Plains of Kenya stretching out in the distance.

The route continues up to the second summit of Mawenzi, then crosses the Saddle, a barren plain that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. Once you reach the summit, you will descend via the more frequently used Marangu route, offering a unique perspective of Mount Kilimanjaro from both sides.

Because the Rongai route lies in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro, it tends to experience less rain than the southern routes, making it one of the best options for those looking to climb during the rainy season.

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route because you can purchase a bottle of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. While it is frequently considered one of the easier walking routes, it has the lowest success rate (42%) according to KINAPA, mainly because many climbers attempt it in only 5 days, which leads to insufficient acclimatization.

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the Marangu Route uses the same ascent and descent paths, which makes it less scenic compared to other routes.

For climbers who prefer not to camp, the Marangu Route is the only option offering dormitory-style hut accommodation. The huts include a communal dining area, simple washrooms, and toilets. At lower elevations, toilets are flushable, but higher up, they are “long-drop” toilets. Although some climbers prefer the comfort of staying in huts rather than camping, it’s important to note that the huts are shared with many other climbers in open dormitory settings. The availability of hut accommodation makes the Marangu Route one of the best choices for attempting Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.

The Marangu Route is a solid six-day hike, ideal for those who have not trekked at high altitudes, with an extra day for acclimatization that increases the chances of success. More experienced climbers or those already acclimatized may choose the more challenging 5-day ascent on the Marangu Route.