Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the capital of the Kilimanjaro Region and the starting point of most climbs. But this relaxed, green town deserves much more than a quick stop: waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs, crater lakes and Chagga villages are all within easy reach.
Our agency is based in Moshi, so this is our home. Here are the best things to do in Moshi, Tanzania, with our local tips for each one.
Things to do in Moshi, in short
The top things to do in Moshi are: see Kilimanjaro at sunrise, do a Kilimanjaro day hike, visit the Materuni waterfalls and a coffee farm, swim in the Kikuletwa hot springs, explore Lake Chala, meet the Chagga people in Marangu, wander the town market, take a day safari and taste local food. Two to three days are ideal.
See Kilimanjaro at sunrise
In town
Moshi sits on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 m and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The summit often hides behind clouds by midday, so get up early: at dawn, the snow-capped peak glows pink and gold above the town. Rooftop terraces and the edge of town offer the clearest views.
- Best time
- Dawn, dry season
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
Hike Kilimanjaro for a day
Adventure
No time for the full climb? A day hike from Marangu Gate takes you through the montane rainforest, with a chance to spot colobus monkeys. The park headquarters at Marangu is about 44 km from Moshi. Park fees apply, and a licensed guide is mandatory.
- Best time
- June to October, January to March
- Duration
- Full day
- Level
- Moderate
Visit Materuni waterfalls and a coffee farm
Nature and culture
In the Chagga village of Materuni, on the slopes above Moshi, a walk through banana and coffee plantations leads to a tall waterfall with a refreshing pool. Many visits combine it with a hands-on coffee experience: picking, roasting and grinding beans the traditional way, then tasting the result.
- Best time
- Year-round
- Duration
- Half day
- Level
- Easy to moderate
Discover Moshi's coffee heritage
Culture
Arabica coffee was brought to the Moshi region in 1893, and the Kilimanjaro Native Co-operative Union was founded in 1929, as Wikipedia recalls. Coffee remains part of daily life here: try a cup of local Kilimanjaro coffee in town, or visit a smallholder farm to meet the growers.
- Best time
- Harvest from roughly July to December
- Duration
- 2 to 4 hours
- Level
- Easy
Swim in the Kikuletwa hot springs
Nature
An oasis in the dry plains south of Moshi: crystal-clear, naturally warm water surrounded by fig trees. A perfect place to relax after a safari or a climb. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes.
- Best time
- Year-round
- Duration
- Half day
- Level
- Easy
Explore Lake Chala
Nature
A stunning turquoise crater lake straddling the border with Kenya, about an hour and a half from Moshi. Hike around the rim, enjoy the views and look for birds and monkeys. Ask your guide about current conditions before any water activity.
- Best time
- Dry season
- Duration
- Full day
- Level
- Moderate
Meet the Chagga people in Marangu
Culture
The Chagga are the people of Kilimanjaro's slopes. In Marangu, local guides show you the underground caves once used for protection during tribal conflicts, traditional homes, waterfalls, and mbege, the local banana beer.
- Best time
- Year-round
- Duration
- Half to full day
- Level
- Easy
Wander Moshi town and its market
In town
Moshi, whose name means "smoke" in Swahili, is known for being relaxed and walkable. Stroll through the central market among fruit, spices and fabrics, stop in local cafés, and watch daily life unfold at the foot of the mountain.
- Best time
- Morning
- Duration
- 2 to 3 hours
- Cost
- Free
Take a day safari from Moshi
Wildlife
Moshi is an excellent base for safaris. Arusha National Park, with giraffes, colobus monkeys and walking safaris, is within reach for a day trip, and the northern circuit parks, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, are ideal for a multi-day safari. See when to go in our Great Migration guide.
- Best time
- June to October
- Duration
- 1 day or more
- Level
- Easy
Taste local food
Food
Nyama choma (grilled meat), chipsi mayai (a chips omelette), ndizi (plantains) and fresh tropical fruit: Moshi's local eateries serve simple, generous food at small prices. Discover more in our guide to 10 Tanzanian dishes you must try.
- Best time
- Any time
- Duration
- 1 to 2 hours
- Cost
- Budget-friendly
Bonus: a walk in the Rau Forest
Just outside town, the Rau Forest is a small, shaded forest reserve, perfect for a peaceful walk among tall trees, with birdsong and, if you are lucky, monkeys in the canopy. An easy and refreshing half-day outing, especially on a hot afternoon.
When to visit Moshi
- June to OctoberLong dry seasonCool mornings, great safari and climbing conditions
- January to MarchShort dry seasonWarm days and clear mountain views
- November and DecemberShort rainsGreen landscapes, fewer visitors
- April and MayLong rainsMuddy trails and cloudy summit
Suggested 3-day plan in Moshi
- Day 1: town and cultureMoshi
Kilimanjaro at sunrise, the central market, local lunch and a coffee tasting in town.
- Day 2: waterfalls and coffeeMateruni
Hike to the waterfalls, then a traditional coffee experience with a local family.
- Day 3: hot springs or Chagga cavesKikuletwa or Marangu
Relax in the hot springs, or discover the Chagga caves and waterfalls of Marangu.
Practical tips for your stay
Getting there
Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 45 minutes away; Arusha is about 1.5 hours by road.
Visa
Apply online on the official Tanzania e-visa portal before you travel.
Staying safe
Moshi is calm, but avoid walking alone at night and follow your operator's advice. Check your government's official travel advice before departure.
Local phrases
« Jambo » (hello), « asante sana » (thank you very much) and « pole pole » (slowly) go a long way.
What to pack
Layers: mornings are cool at the foot of the mountain, and afternoons can be hot.
Money
Carry some Tanzanian shillings for markets and small eateries; US dollars are widely used for tours.
Explore Moshi with a local team
Africa Bucket List is based in Moshi, a few kilometres from Kilimanjaro. We organise private safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, day trips and Zanzibar holidays, all tailor-made. Read what our travellers say on TripAdvisor.
Get your free quoteUseful official links
Trusted references to plan your visit.
Frequently asked questions about Moshi
What is Moshi known for?
Moshi is the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, and the capital of the Kilimanjaro Region. It is also known for its coffee heritage, its Chagga culture and its relaxed, walkable town centre.
How many days should I spend in Moshi?
Two to three days are enough to see Kilimanjaro at sunrise, visit the Materuni waterfalls, relax at the hot springs and explore the town. Add a week if you plan to climb Kilimanjaro.
Is Moshi safe for tourists?
Moshi is generally calm and welcoming. As anywhere, avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables discreet and follow the advice of your tour operator. Check your government's official travel advice before you travel.
How far is Moshi from Kilimanjaro Airport?
Kilimanjaro International Airport is roughly a 45-minute drive from Moshi, making the town an easy first stop after landing.
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Moshi?
Yes, on clear days. The best chance is early in the morning, especially in the dry season, before clouds cover the summit.
Is Moshi or Arusha better as a base?
Moshi is quieter and closer to Kilimanjaro, ideal for climbers and travellers who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Arusha is larger and slightly closer to the safari parks. Both work well for a northern Tanzania trip.
