This route starts from the eastern part of Mount Kilimanjaro close to the Kenyan border. It is a camping route and easier compared with other camping routes and it boasts success rate for reaching the summit. It is also one of the less frequently used routes and thus less crowded, therefore a quieter way to ascend the mountain.

The reason why the route is less climbed is because of the long drive required to reach the gate on the first day of the climb. Because the northern side of the mountain tends to be drier than other areas, the ascent on the first day is not wet and muddy like on other routes. This first day is a very gentle climb through fields, a beautiful forest, and on day two enters moorland terrain. Day three takes you through the alpine desert zone, where you will sleep directly underneath the grand Mawenzi Peak, the only route to afford you such a view of Kilimanjaro's 2nd highest peak. From here there is ample time set aside for acclimatization and resting in preparation for the final ascent to the summit.

This route meets up with the Marangu Route upon descent, allowing climbers a different view of the mountain on the way down. Although Rongai climbers do not experience the rain forest on day one, they are given the chance on the final day before reaching the Marangu Gate where the climb concludes. It takes a minimum of 5 days to climb through this route but extending more days is worthwhile to allow altitude acclimatization.