The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is one of the quieter routes on the mountain and offers a different perspective from the more popular southern approaches. The trail passes through pine forest before reaching open moorland, and the views north towards Kenya are expansive.
The route typically takes six to seven days and is considered one of the easier options, with a gradual ascent that helps with acclimatisation. It joins the Marangu Route for the descent. Because it approaches from the drier north side, it can be a good choice during the rainy season when the southern routes are wetter.