Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is no less interesting.
The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or "tourist" route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds.
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate, which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route.