Moshi is renowned among travelers visiting Tanzania to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. While in most parts of Moshi, you will be greeted by stunning views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The town is situated just 31 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro.
Moshi is located in the Kilimanjaro region of northeastern Tanzania. It was designated as a town in 1956 and upgraded to a municipality in 2014, making it the smallest municipality in Tanzania. In 1893, Germany established a military camp in Moshi, and the northern line railway reached Moshi in 1912. The German colonialists established large plantations around Moshi on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The inhabitants of Moshi are mainly the Chagga, who are also the largest tribe in Tanzania. Although the Chagga dominate Moshi, the Pare and the Maasai people also occupy some parts of the town.
Despite being a travel destination and the starting and ending point for most travelers to Kilimanjaro, Moshi also has a rich history dating back to British and German colonial rule.
Moshi experiences good weather throughout the year, with altitudes ranging from 70 meters above sea level in the south to 950 meters above sea level in the north. This means that the town can be visited year-round, but if you plan to combine your visit with hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring other national parks in Tanzania, it’s better to visit during the dry season from June to September and December to February.
Moshi is among the leading coffee-growing towns in Tanzania, thanks to the rich volcanic fertile soils on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
There are plenty of activities to engage in while in Moshi town, some of which are listed below:
- Explore Moshi Town: One of the best ways to explore the town is by walking, using public transport, or biking. You can check out souvenir shops, visit historical places, explore local markets, try different restaurants, and more.
- Hike Pare Mountains: The Pare Mountains rise to an elevation of 2,463 meters above sea level and are named after the Pare people who live around the mountain. The hike to the peak is rewarding as you pass through beautiful countryside with local villages. You can visit one of the villages to learn more about their way of life. While hiking, you may come across primates and several bird species, including the Pare South White-eye, which is endemic to the area. Pare Mountains are located 150 kilometers from Moshi.
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Most tourists in Moshi come to trek the highest mountain in Africa. The town is located just 31 kilometers from Kilimanjaro, making it an ideal place to lodge before and after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit takes between 5 to 9 days, depending on the route chosen.
- Plantation Tour: If you’re a coffee and banana lover, you have a reason to visit plantations on the outskirts of Moshi town. Tourists can visit plantation farms and learn how coffee is planted, grown, and roasted. You can even enjoy your coffee at the village farms while enjoying outstanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Visit Chemka/Kikuletwa Hotspring: The beautiful Chemka underground hot springs are one of the natural hot springs found in Tanzania. Take a guided walk to the springs, boil an egg to enjoy with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. These hot springs are located between Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport. Besides boiling and enjoying eggs, you can swim, take a nature walk around the hot spring, or do some birdwatching.
- Visit the Local People: Tanzania has several ethnic groups with intriguing cultures beyond wildlife. While in Moshi, you can visit local communities to learn about their day-to-day lives. Enjoy traditional African music and dance in one of the villages on the outskirts of Moshi.
- Explore Materuni Waterfalls: You can organize a day tour from Moshi town to visit the scenic Materuni waterfalls. The hike is quite demanding but worth it once you reach the falls. You will walk through plantations and forests where you can spot birds and primates before reaching the falls.
Moshi is located 82 kilometers from Arusha, 551 kilometers from Dar es Salaam, and 42 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport. While Moshi town can be visited year-round, it’s advisable to plan your visit during the dry season if you intend to combine it with other tourism-related activities.
