Altitude: 1950 m.a.m.s.l.
One of the many entry points into
mount Kilimanjaro national park, situated in the north-eastern foothills of the mountain and close to the Kenya -
Tanzania border.
It also exclusively serves as the starting point for the Rongai trekking route to the mountain's summit,
Uhuru peak.
The compound onsite also has a waiting area, toilets and a small but not long term parking area.
There are a few offices onsite belonging to the park authorities - TANAPA that serve as an administrative checkpoint for all tourists intending to get into the park.
Normally, every prospective trekker would be required to complete the necessary documentation and inspections, including:
- Verification of passport and/or visa
- Proof of an itinerary for every day spent on the mountain
- Proof of use of a registered tour guide
- Proof of resources to support their stay on the mountain such as porters, tents and food
Location of Rongai gateRongai gate sits in a remote area near the border between Kenya and Tanzania, which also is the north eastern foothills of mount Kilimanjaro.
Much of this area has plantations, filled with trees of different ages.
Their sole purpose is the continued afforestation of the park's northern side.
There is a small town nearby and another north of it, though in another country — Kenya.
The area near the gate has several rivers, which originate from further up the mountain.
One of these runs close to the gate and is crossed on your way up the mountain.
The pathway to the first campsite —
Simba camp goes through plantations on either side of the route.
The rain forest only occupies a short length of the hike there, before reaching the heather region of the mountain, which holds several big game animals.
Rongai gate is seldom used because of its location, far from any major tourist cities such as Moshi (2 hours drive) or Arusha (3 hours drive).
Due to this, it is small in size, although much of the roads that lead up to it are tarmac paved, except for the final 500 or so metres, which is a well maintained gravel road.
The drive to the place goes though the eastern foothills of the mountain, offering beautiful scenery
There are several places you could visit on your way there from Moshi, such as Lake Chala.
How to get thereBy vehicle, whether private or rental.
Abbreviationsm.a.m.s.l. - metres above mean sea level
TANAPA - Tanzania National Parks
