Moshi: cosy town at the foot of Kilimanjaro
A charming little town right at the foot of Kilimanjaro, in northern Tanzania. All hikes to the summit of Kilimanjaro start from Moshi!

How do you get to Moshi?
Even if you’re not planning to climb the mountain, we highly recommend a visit to Moshi. It’s the perfect place to get a fun and accessible introduction to Tanzanian city life. The town is busy and lively but nowhere near as chaotic or overwhelming as Dar es Salaam. Moshi is fertile and green, which also explains why this region is relatively densely populated.
Most travellers land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and from there it is an hour's drive to Moshi. No car? From Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi, you can also just take a taxi or airport transfer. Coming from Arusha? Then a bus or private transfer will get you to the city in about two hours. And if you're travelling towards the coast via the Usambara Mountains, you'll probably pass Moshi anyway. A perfect place to refuel!

What to do in Moshi?
Moshi is not just a base for climbers and safari adventurers, but a real destination in its own right. Located right at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, it offers countless authentic experiences in Moshi, from markets and street food to hidden natural gems.
Good vibes at the foot of the Kili
This cosy little town lies right at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, from almost every point in Moshi you can see this giant looming, unless it is just hiding behind the curtain of clouds.
This is the place where climbers gather, do their final shopping, swap stories and mentally prepare for the arduous trek to Uhuru Peak. But if you wake up thinking you don't feel like a six-day gruelling hike to Africa's highest mountain after all, there is still plenty to do in and around Moshi.
Moshi is pre-eminently the place to get acquainted with Tanzanian life in a very fun and accessible way. The town is busy and lively, but not nearly as chaotic or overwhelming as Dar es Salaam. Moshi is fertile and green; which also immediately explains why this region is fairly densely populated. This town also has a nice variety of pubs, bars, barbecue joints and clubs. Beer costs around €0.80 in the average bar in Tanzania, but if you try your best you can certainly find it even cheaper. Dance to amapiano music and connect with the locals, this is the fun side of Moshi.



Moshi Hotsprings
Moshi is the perfect base for a day trip to the Rundugai Hot Springs. Half of the journey treats you to an ‘African massage’ as you drive through the arid and dry landscape, passing the occasional remote village. After about half an hour of adventurous off-road driving, a mysterious patch of jungle suddenly appears, standing in stark contrast to the dry plains.
Rundugai Hot Springs is also known as Maji Moto, which literally means ‘hot water’ in Swahili. A pretty logical name for a hot spring, although the water isn’t actually that warm. The water of this hidden gem almost seems to glow in an azure blue hue, and when you float on your back and look up at the leaves of the tropical trees above, it’s hard to believe you’re in an otherwise quite dry environment.
Tiny, cute fish nibble at your toes as you swim through the crystal-clear water with its lovely temperature—you’ll never want to get out! Well, maybe only to launch yourself into the water like a true Tarzan using the swing rope. Or are you brave enough to climb up to the highest branch and leap from 15 metres straight back into the spring?
Coffee tour in Moshi
The fertile slopes around Moshi produce some of Tanzania's best coffee beans. Therefore, a not-to-be-missed activity is a coffee tour in Moshi, which takes you to local farmers, where you learn how coffee is processed from bean to cup, and of course you taste the fresh, home-roasted coffee. This is a bit different from your standard coffee from Tesco, the bitter aroma of fresh coffee beans straight from the surrounding area gives an unprecedented authentic taste. A true valhalla for the coffee lovers among us (and don't forget to bring some coffee beans to show off at home when the family comes over).
Materuni Waterfall
Another piece of stunning nature just outside Moshi: the Materuni Waterfall. Tanzania is home to hundreds of beautiful waterfalls—and Materuni is certainly one of them! Imagine a magical rainforest, where you make your way up along challenging paths. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a waterfall about a hundred metres high, with fresh Kilimanjaro water cascading down. Here, you can relax in a cosy spot or take a dip in the refreshing water. What more could you want?

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
Everything in Moshi screams Kilimanjaro. If you are indeed up for the challenge, this is almost certainly where you will start your Kili adventure. There are a total of seven main routes you can take if you decide to take on this African giant. Each route has its own pros and cons; such as one that is stunning, but where you acclimatise less well. Also, some routes demand more from you physically than others. We can advise you on this, so don't hesitate to contact us, you can find more info on the Kili here. But what is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? The dry seasons (January-March and June-October) offer the best chance of clear weather and successful climbs. Still don't dare but want a perfect view of the Kili? The best view of Kilimanjaro is from Mount Meru!
The best time to travel in Moshi
When is the best time to travel to Moshi? That depends on your plans. For climbers and safari enthusiasts, the dry months of January to March and June to October are the most suitable periods. In the rainy seasons, the area transforms into a lush green paradise, but trails can be muddy and climbs more difficult.

Moshi: The stop you don't want to miss
Wherever your adventure takes you, almost everyone who traverses Tanzania passes through here. Whether you are about to climb Kilimanjaro, have a safari behind you or are on your way to the coast, Moshi is the place where all adventure comes together.
So have a beer, enjoy the view of Kilimanjaro and make Moshi not a stopover, but a highlight!

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