Rongai Route given boost by upgrading of road

Monday 17th September 2007

Work being carried out to improve the road leading to the remote Rongai Gate is progressing well, according to sources. The gate, the entrance to the least popular path on Kilimanjaro, stands close to the Kenyan border on the northern side of the mountain.

One of the reasons the Rongai Route has remained the least popular route up to the summit of Kilimanjaro is the length of time it takes to get to the start of the trail. For in other respects the Rongai Route is amongst the very finest trails, offering the greatest chance of seeing wildlife - and the tranquility that comes with being on the most remote and quietest trail on the mountain. But up until now trekkers have been forced to endure a three- to four-hour journey on a bumpy track to get to the start of their trail, which not only left them exhausted before they even began their climb but also put up the cost of the expedition significantly, with trekking companies having to charge extra to cover the cost of the petrol and possible wear and tear on their vehicles.

With the upgrading of the road continuing apace, however, the route may in time grow in popularity. According to sources, about a third of the road between Marangu Gate – the headquarters of the mountain, where you’ll find the national park offices – and Rongai gate is now complete, with the rest due to be metalled over the next few months.

This should ensure that the journey to the start of the Rongai Route is no longer so arduous – though hopefully won’t lead to a sudden influx of trekkers on what is the most interesting and tranquil route up the mountain.

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