The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.
Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, the Rongai route still experiences low traffic.
Rongai is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
| Day | Start | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Finish | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | TIme | Distance | Distance |
| 1 | Rongai Gate | 1,950 | 6,398 | Rongai Cave | 2,830 | 9,300 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
| 2 | Rongai Cave | 2,830 | 9,300 | 2nd Cave | 3,450 | 11,300 | 3-4 | 6 | 4 |
| 2nd Cave | 3,450 | 11,300 | Kielewa Cave | 3,600 | 11,811 | 3-4 | 3 | 2 | |
| 3 | Kielewa Cave | 3,600 | 11,811 | Mawenzi Tam | 4,315 | 14,160 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| 5 | Mawenzi Tam | 4,315 | 14,160 | Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 | 2-3 | 4 | 2 |
| Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 | Mawenzi Tam | 4,315 | 14,160 | 1-2 | 4 | 2 | |
| 5 | Mawenzi Tam | 4,315 | 4,160 | Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 | 5-6 | 9 | 6 |
| 6 | Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 | Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | 6-8 | 6 | 4 |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | Horomobo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | 4-5 | 16 | 10 | |
| 7 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | Marangu Gate | 1,843 | 6,046 | 5-7 | 20 | 12 |
| Total | 81 | 50 |