The Rongai route is one of the least crowded on Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the north-eastern side of the mountain, only meeting up with the other routes near the summit. The Rongai route is generally drier than the other routes, so it is recommended as a climbing route during the rainy seasons. Rongai route treks typically descend the Marangu route.
A disadvantage of the remoteness of the Rongai route is that it requires a long drive from the towns of Moshi or Arusha. This makes the Rongai route a little more expensive than other route options for a similar number of climbing days.