Welcome To Moshi Town, Friendly city in the north of Tanzania

Moshi is a small and lively Tanzanian market town. It is the capital of the Kilimanjaro region. What makes Moshi so unique is the fact that it is hidden behind one of the world’s most beautiful scenery, the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. No matter where you wander around in Moshi, the mountain is always within reach. The town is located at an altitude of 890m above sea level. Moshi is the kind of place where you can relax in a friendly atmosphere and it’s easy to get in contact with the locals. Spend a few days in Moshi and see what it has to offer.

Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the coffee-producing center of the country. All around the town and on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, there are vast plantations of coffee blanket covering the area.

About Moshi Town

At the foot of the Kilimanjaro

Moshi is a small market town in Northern Tanzania, located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit. The word “Moshi” means “smoke” in Swahili, the national language of Tanzania, and refers to the circle of mist that emanates from Mount Kilimanjaro

The town of Moshi is the second-largest tourism hub of Tanzania, the capital of the Kilimanjaro region, and the place from where most Kilimanjaro adventures begin. Built-in the early 19th century by the German colonists, it has a rich and turbulent history worth knowing about.

Though Moshi is seldom viewed as a travel destination in itself, those who are interested in knowing more about Swahili culture should definitely consider visiting. Numerous local cafes are just right for getting a glimpse into Tanzanian cuisine, while Moshi curio art shops are among the best places in the region to buy memorable souvenirs with symbols of the country.

Nightlife in Moshi is always bustling – bars, restaurants, and clubs won’t let you get bored, and you’ll always find a place to chill out after a Kilimanjaro hike or safari.

Moshi is also the place where most Kilimanjaro day hikes start. So no matter who you are – a nature enthusiast or a culture aficionado, Moshi is certainly the best spot to start exploring Tanzania.

Historically, Moshi gained prominence during German colonial rule, when it was initially set up as a military encampment at the end of the nineteenth century. With the extension of the railway line in 1912, Moshi became an important trading post for the highly prized coffee grown on the volcanic plains surrounding the town. In the years that followed, and following the transfer of colonial rule from Germany to Great Britain after the first world war, the town attracted a migrant Indian population who helped to develop new businesses and small industries, creating a bustling marketplace of goods. Moshi has formally designated a town in 1956.Following independence in 1963, Moshi continued to grow and its population is estimated to exceed 100,000. Whilst the coffee trade has now collapsed, other important industries have come to dominate such as TPC Limited, an 8,000-hectre sugar plantation, Serengeti Breweries, a leading alcoholic brand and Bonite Bottlers, which manufactures Coca Cola products.Tourism is also an important industry for the town, which attracts thousands of thrill seekers and adventurers each year for trekking or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The town also has a growing student population. Moshi is home to Moshi Co-Operative University and Mwenge Catholic University as well as countless private vocational colleges.As capital of Kilimanjaro Region, Moshi attracts significant local migration, which includes a sizeable population of child labourers in search of work, as well as destitute families from surrounding areas and villages.

Outdoor Activities in Moshi, Tanzania

CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Lets get the obvious ones out of the way first! Between 35,000 and 50,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year. If you’re looking for a challenge it doesn’t come bigger than this. There are multiple routes to choose from varying in degrees of difficulty, scenery and number of days required. If you don’t fancy climbing all the way to the top, you can do a day trek. This gives you a taste of the mountain. Plus you can tell people you’ve ‘climbed Kilimanjaro’ ????

Kikuletwa hot springs, farm and village walk

Your tour will include the visit to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, an oasis surrounded by sprawling fig trees in the middle of this semi-arid landscape. You have a chance to swim in crystal clear water, bubbling from underground caves so don’t forget your swimming costume! Enjoy and relax with a picnic lunch amidst the greenery and cool breeze. Your trip will end with a late afternoon drive back to Moshi.

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Village Walk

Materuni is the home of the Chagga tribe and is still an authentic tribal village. This charming place is just 15km away from Moshi Town and is the last village before the Kilimanjaro National Park. Explore the rich history & culture of the Chagga, village life, their way of lunch and lose yourself in the surrounding fauna and flora. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is an inviting place for a refreshing swim so don‘t forget your swimwear! Next the coffee experience awaits you. Here you will learn how coffee is cultivated, dried, roasted and further processed. Before you say goodbye and return in the afternoon to Moshi, you can savour the coffee you made and appreciate the views of the surrounding rainforest.

60 Minute Epic Kilimanjaro helicopter cruise

A 45 minute sensational ride in a helicopter over the roof of Africa, a true definition of a perfect adventure! From appreciating the beautiful natural surroundings of Africa’s highest mountain, to the captivating beauty of wildlife. What’s more fascinating is the awe-inspiring view of the three volcanic cones born over thousands of years; Shira peak, stubborn Mawenzi and the white hatted Kibo peak all standing strong over the centuries. This overwhelming picturesque scenery gives a complete grasp of the legendary mountain that not even a hiker gets to experience

Lake Chala

From lush lake shore forest to stunning volcanic savannah; from river beds marvelously carved through ancient rock, to thick bush or open ‘mbuga’. Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in colour from deep blue to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 metres high crater rim. At the far end you can see Kenya and if you’re lucky you can go kayaking as well

Olpopongi Maasai Village cultural tribe visit

Spend the day in an authentic Maasai village ‘Olpopongi’ and share the Maasai life with a traditional lunch. Your day can include museum and village tour / walking safari in the Maasai territory / learning Maasai hunting techniques & learning about Maasai medicine and having traditional chai (tea) with the oldest lady in the village. Your trip will end with a late afternoon drive back to Moshi.

Guided Moshi Town Tour

Your day tour could include options as below: a visit to the main street (double road) / local vegetable and fish market / post office / bus station / Moshi airport / Moshi train stop / Supermarket / Widest tree in Moshi / Experience the oldest elevator in Tanzania and Moshi view point / Makonde Arts (local artists) / Leather factory / Shirikisha handicraft workshop by deafmute individuals. Your lunch today can be at any number of local restaurants or coffee shops around Moshi town. There is also an option to go for a cycling tour depending on your preference.

Marangu culture & waterfalls village walk

Your day will start with a scenic drive from Moshi to marangu. Visit the beautiful banana farms and get lost in the chagga cave museum along with their traditional lunch (or optional picnic lunch box). You also will have the opportunity to taste our local banana beer (Mbege) definitely not to be missed! If you’re lucky, a visit to the local market (Monday and Thursdays) is an experience in itself. Amongst the many Waterfalls (Kiasiya or Moonjo or Kunukamori or Ndoro), experience the cool wind as it blows into your hair as the water is nice and cold. On clear days you can go upto the Kilimanjaro view point.