Things To Do
in Moshi
Moshi is a vibrant town located in northern Tanzania, nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate, Moshi serves as a popular base for travelers embarking on treks to Kilimanjaro. The town features a bustling market, where visitors can find locally-made crafts and fresh produce.
Moshi also offers cultural experiences, with opportunities to interact with the friendly local Chagga community.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Nzuri sana" - Very good
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a breakfast that includes local fruits and coffee. After that, embark on a guided tour of the scenic Kilimanjaro National Park.
Lunch at a local restaurant will fuel you for the afternoon hike. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park.
Relax at a cozy cafe with a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy some local dishes and share stories with fellow travelers.
Visit a nearby village to experience the culture and daily life of the Chaga people. Participate in a coffee tour and learn about the coffee-making process.
Savor a traditional lunch with your host family. Spend the afternoon in local markets, shopping for handcrafted goods and souvenirs.
Join a cultural dance performance to immerse yourself in local traditions. Evening meals can be enjoyed at restaurants featuring live music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse communities.
- Access to various national parks for wildlife watching.
- A growing tourism sector with various accommodations and activities.
- A vibrant local market scene for handicrafts and fresh produce.
- Limited infrastructure and public transportation options.
- Inconsistent healthcare facilities and services.
- Potential for language barriers for non-Swahili speakers.
- Economic disparities may affect local services.
- Seasonal weather variations can impact travel plans.
Best Activities in Moshi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the highest peak in Africa through various trekking routes.
Experience the wildlife and beautiful landscapes in one of Africa's most famous national parks.
Immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the Maasai people through guided tours and interactions.
Visit Materuni Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.
Discover the lush surroundings of Moshi through biking or hiking trails, including trips to coffee plantations and local villages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Moshi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Moshi
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a great spot for photography.
Provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular location for photo opportunities.
Features beautiful waterfalls and scenic views that are perfect for photography.
Food in Moshi
Moshi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali, a maize-based staple, is often served with Nyama Choma, succulent grilled meat. This dish can be savored at local eateries like Sunset Bar and Grill or Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge.
Must-Try!
Pilau, a fragrant rice dish with spices and meat, is a must-try. You can find authentic Pilau at Mama Ntilie's or at the Moshi Kitchen.
Mandazi, delicious deep-fried dough, is a popular snack available at most local bakeries and street food vendors.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Moshi better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Moshi Central Market is a bustling hub offering fresh produce, spices, and street food like Mishkaki (grilled skewered meat) and Samosas. It's an excellent spot to experience local food culture.
Soko la Kati, the main marketplace, brims with a variety of street vendors selling everything from grilled corn to coconut-infused dishes, providing an authentic taste of the region's cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Moshi, Tanzania, it is important to greet people with respect, using the local greetings such as 'Jambo' or 'Habari yako.' It is polite to shake hands when greeting someone, and it is customary to inquire about the other person's well-being and family.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Tanzanian culture, including in Moshi. It is important to address older individuals with respect, using appropriate titles and showing deference in speech and actions.
It is important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home, and being aware of any cultural taboos or rituals that should be respected in the community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Moshi with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Moshi
Ensure a smooth experience
In Moshi, Tanzania, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, especially if the service was satisfactory. Additionally, tipping hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers is also appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service.
Cash is the primary mode of payment in Moshi, Tanzania. While some larger businesses may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash for most transactions. This includes payments for accommodations, meals, transportation, and local goods and services. It is also important to note that bargaining is common in local markets, especially when making cash payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Moshi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro and ideal conditions for trekking and safaris. Expect cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
Expect higher temperatures, more rainfall, and lush green landscapes. This time can be great for birdwatching and seeing the waterfalls at their peak, but trekking and wildlife viewing may be more challenging.
Moshi at Night
Hiking in Moshi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Home to the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro offers various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels, including the Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho routes.
Located in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is a stunning hiking destination known for its lush forests, wildlife, and breathtaking views from the summit.
A short hike leads you to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation and coffee plantations, making it a scenic spot for both hiking and relaxation.
An exceptional route to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Trail offers spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems, ideal for more experienced hikers.
A less popular route on Kilimanjaro that allows hikers to start at a high elevation, providing expansive views of the mountain landscape and surrounding area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Moshi through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Moshi by plane.
The main airport serving Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region, located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center.
Located approximately 60 kilometers from Moshi, this airport primarily serves domestic flights and connects to various tourist destinations in Tanzania.
Located about 500 kilometers from Moshi, this is the largest and busiest airport in Tanzania, serving numerous international flights.
Approximately 600 kilometers away, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, connecting to various locations across the globe.
Located about 800 kilometers from Moshi, this airport serves the northwestern region of Tanzania, with both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Moshi, historically known for their agriculture, particularly coffee cultivation, and their unique cultural practices.
Another significant ethnic group in the Moshi region, known for their distinct language and cultural traditions.
A minority group found in the Moshi area, recognized for their traditions and agricultural practices.
An ethnic group residing in and around Moshi, known for their pastoral lifestyle and crafts.
A small but prominent community in Moshi, often involved in trade and business due to their historical ties with coastal trade routes.
A diverse group that includes various ethnicities, all communicating through the Swahili language, which serves as a lingua franca.
Includes various immigrant communities and ethnic minorities who reside in Moshi, contributing to the multicultural environment.
The Soul of Moshi
Discover the essence of Moshi through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer, also known as football, is the most popular sport in Moshi, with many local teams and a strong community following.
Due to the mountainous terrain, running is a popular sport, with many locals participating in marathons and fun runs.
Basketball is gaining popularity among the youth in Moshi, with various local teams and events held throughout the year.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and community centers, often enjoyed both recreationally and competitively.
Athletics, encompassing various track and field events, is popular in schools and among sports clubs, with local competitions organized frequently.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moshi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local restaurants and cafes, such as Indoitaliano Restaurant, provide a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including flavorful curries and fresh salads.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities can enjoy gluten-free pastries and other options at Kili Cafe and some other eateries in Moshi.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Moshi with these cultural adventures.
