Located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, this calm Tanzanian town is a center for coffee production and mountain expeditions. Local markets sell handwoven baskets and Chagga crafts.
Moshi sits at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, where mist often covers the mountain’s lower slopes. This Tanzanian city is the main starting point for climbs up Kilimanjaro, but it also invites exploration beyond the trails. Walk through markets piled with coffee from nearby farms, swim in the clear blue waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs, or follow paths to the 80-meter Materuni Waterfall. Each March, the Kilimanjaro Marathon brings runners from across the globe, and a 90-minute drive takes you to Arusha National Park to see elephants and volcanic craters. Moshi’s busy streets and quiet villages make it a practical place to stay while discovering northern Tanzania’s forests, wildlife, and waterfalls.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Most travelers arrive in Moshi to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, a five- to eight-day journey that demands gradual altitude adjustment. Routes such as Machame and Marangu pass through rainforests, rocky slopes, and icy stretches before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Guides stress the importance of moving slowly to avoid altitude sickness, with nights spent in tents or basic mountain shelters. On clear days, the mountain’s snowy top is visible from Moshi’s roads, a silent prompt of the climb ahead. After descending, groups often gather at cafes such as the Old Railway Station, where cold drinks and views of Kilimanjaro mark the end of the adventure.
Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Farms
A short drive from Moshi brings you to Materuni Village, where a two-hour hike through coffee fields leads to an 80-meter waterfall. Cool off in the pool beneath the falls, then share a meal of banana stew and roasted maize with villagers. Local farmers demonstrate how they dry, roast, and grind coffee beans, letting you taste the final product. Tours here directly benefit village cooperatives and explain how coffee farming sustains the region. The experience mixes a moderate hike with learning about daily life in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Warm springs emerge in a dry, rocky area about 90 minutes from Moshi. Fig trees surround Kikuletwa’s clear pools, which stay around 25°C year-round. Look for small fish in the water or monkeys jumping in the trees above. Skip visits during April and May, when heavy rains can attract crocodiles to the area. Reaching the springs requires a 4x4 vehicle, which most tour companies in Moshi can arrange.
Markets and Street Life
Mbuyuni Market in central Moshi displays stacks of colorful fabrics, carved wooden bowls, and fresh produce like mangoes and avocados. Nearby, butchers cut goat meat on wooden tables, and tailors sew clothes on vintage machines. For fewer crowds, head to Soweto Memorial Market, where artisans make beaded jewelry and leather goods. After sunset, bars such as Indo Italo fill with music from local bands playing Tanzanian hip-hop. Keep valuables secure in busy areas, as petty theft can occur.
Kilimanjaro Marathon and KiliFair
The Kilimanjaro Marathon in March includes a 5 km race, half marathon, and full marathon through farmland and villages near Moshi. Runners from dozens of countries participate, with routes offering views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. The KiliFair, held alongside the marathon, highlights Tanzanian crafts, food stalls, and dance groups. Both events draw attention to Moshi’s growing role in regional tourism. Registration opens six months in advance, with fees varying by race distance.
Visiting Nearby Parks and Lakes
Arusha National Park, 90 minutes from Moshi, provides shorter game drives to spot giraffes, zebras, and pink flamingos at Momela Lakes. For less common species, Mkomazi National Park shelters black rhinos and wild dogs in open grasslands. Lake Chala, a deep crater lake on the Kenyan border, has trails along its rim with views of Kilimanjaro. Swimming is discouraged due to strong currents and occasional crocodile sightings. Guided day trips from Moshi include transport and park fees.
Planning Your Visit
The best times to visit Moshi are January to February and June to September, when rainfall is rare and trails are dry. Kilimanjaro International Airport, 40 km west, offers flights to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Use daladala minibuses for cheap rides within the city, but opt for taxis at night. Dress in clothing that covers shoulders and knees when entering villages or markets. While credit cards work with major tour companies, keep cash for small vendors and tips.
