Moshi Travel Guide (Northeast Tanzania/Tanzania/East Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Moshi

Moshi is tucked away in Northeast Tanzania, Africa, situated at the base of the colossal and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its lush green vegetation, scenic views, and tropical fruit plantations, Moshi offers an unforgettable experience to adventurous travelers around the world. In this guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the cultural and natural attractions of Moshi, reveal the best outdoor adventures, recommend a week-long itinerary, showcase the delicious local cuisine, and provide useful tips on transportation, safety, and health.

List of Places to Visit in Moshi

Moshi is a melting pot of cultural and natural attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the must-visit places in Moshi:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Moshi Museum: Located in the heart of Moshi town, Moshi Museum houses a vast collection of cultural artifacts, including ancient ceramics, tools, and art, dating back to the Chagga tribes that inhabit the area.
Marangu Cultural Tour: A tour of the Marangu village takes you on a cultural journey of the Chagga tribe. You will learn about the tribe’s traditional way of life, coffee cultivation and processing, and the famous Chagga ceremonial dance known as the Chagga ‘Ngoma’.

Natural Attractions of Moshi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Kilimanjaro: The world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro is a top attraction in Moshi, Tanzania. Whether you want to climb the mountain or just appreciate its majestic view, the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park offers a wide range of activities to suit all preferences.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs: Located northwest of Moshi, Kikuletwa Hot Springs offer a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The natural hot springs, surrounded by lush green vegetation, provide a serene environment for a relaxing dip.
Lake Chala: This stunning blue-green crater lake, located south of Moshi, is nestled in a lush valley on the borders of Tanzania and Kenya. It offers a picturesque and peaceful environment for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Moshi

Moshi is a hiker’s paradise, with many scenic trails that cater to all skill levels. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Moshi:

Materuni Waterfalls: This half-day hike through the lush coffee plantations of Materuni village rewards you with the breathtaking view of the 80m high waterfalls. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for all levels of fitness.
Mount Kilimanjaro: A hike up Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any adventurous traveler. There are various routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, ranging from 5 to 10 days, depending on the trekker’s preference and fitness level.
Moshi Bike Ride: A bike ride around Moshi town and its environs is an excellent way to explore the city’s hidden gems without the hassle of traffic. The trail commences from Moshi town, meandering through the lush greenery of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Moshi: Activities and Tours

Moshi is famous for its outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and unique cuisine. Here are some of the best things to do in Moshi:

Safari: A guided safari tour through the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, among others, is an excellent way to experience Tanzania’s rich wildlife.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience that challenges both physically and mentally. A guided climb to the summit is recommended for safety and convenience.
Coffee Tour: A tour of the coffee plantations around Moshi town is a unique cultural experience that exposes one to the traditional coffee cultivation and processing techniques of the Chagga tribe.
Paragliding: Paragliding over Moshi town and the surrounding countryside gives a bird’s eye view of Mount Kilimanjaro and the scenic landscape below.

Week-Long Itinerary for Moshi

A week-long itinerary gives travelers enough time to explore Moshi’s cultural and natural attractions. Here is a comprehensive itinerary for Moshi that showcases the best of Moshi:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrival in Moshi and check-in at Hotel
Day 2	Marangu cultural tour and Moshi Museum
Day 3	Waterfall hike and hot springs visit
Day 4	Mount Kilimanjaro climb (optional) or Moshi city tour
Day 5	Safari to Serengeti National Park
Day 6	Visit Lake Chala and bike ride around Moshi town and its environs
Day 7	Paragliding and departure from Moshi

Food and Drink Scene of Moshi

Moshi offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Ugali and Nyama Choma: Ugali is a traditional Tanzanian staple made from maize flour, served with grilled meat known as Nyama Choma.
Pilau Rice: Spiced rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Chips Mayai: A popular street food dish of fried egg and chips served with kachumbari.

Local Beverages

Kahawa Chungu: A traditional Tanzanian coffee made from locally grown coffee beans and pronounced “Ka-ha-wa choon-gu”.
Mbege: A traditional Tanzanian beer made from bananas and millet.

Where to Stay in Moshi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Moshi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge
Keys Hotel
Zara Springlands Hotel
Mountain Inn
K’s Lodge

What to Buy in Moshi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Moshi is known for its unique handicrafts and artwork, making it an excellent place to buy souvenirs and local products. Here are some items that travelers can purchase:

Maasai Beaded Jewelry: The Maasai tribe is known for their unique beadwork, and Moshi offers a wide range of Maasai-inspired beaded jewelry.
Kanga and Kitenge Clothing: Kanga and Kitenge are bright and colorful African fabrics used for making traditional clothing such as dresses, shirts, and headwraps.
Coffee and Tea: Moshi is famous for its coffee and tea products. Travelers can buy locally grown and processed coffee and tea products to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Moshi

Moshi is predominantly occupied by the Chagga tribe, who have lived in the area for centuries. Respect for their customs and culture is essential when visiting Moshi. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Greeting: A customary greeting in Moshi, as in most African societies, is a handshake followed by a “Habari” (hello). It’s polite to address people by their titles whenever possible.
Dress Code: Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting cultural and religious sites.
Religion: Religion plays a significant role in Moshi’s society, with Christianity and Islam being the most dominant. It’s always respectful to seek permission before taking photos of religious sites and buildings.

Best Time to Visit Moshi

The best time to visit Moshi is from January to March when the skies are clear, and the weather is mild. This period offers excellent conditions for hiking, safaris, and outdoor activities. Moshi experiences two rainy seasons, from April to June and from October to November. Travelers should avoid visiting Moshi during these months as the trails and roads can be muddy and difficult to navigate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Moshi

When visiting Moshi, it’s essential to observe the local customs and respect the environment. Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Moshi:

Do:

Observe Wildlife from a Distance: Tanzania has a rich wildlife population, and it’s advisable to observe wildlife from a safe distance to avoid injuries or accidents.
Ask Permission Before Taking Photos: It’s respectful to ask permission before taking photos of individuals or cultural artifacts.
Carry Cash: Most transactions in Moshi are done in cash, and it’s advisable to carry enough cash when going on tours or shopping.

Don’t:

Litter: Moshi has a pristine environment, and it’s advisable not to litter to maintain the area’s cleanliness and beauty.
Touch Artifacts: Some cultural artifacts are delicate and can easily be damaged to avoid touching or handling them without permission.
Wear Revealing Clothing: Wearing revealing clothing can be interpreted as disrespectful by the locals and attract unwanted attention.

Safety and Health

When traveling to Moshi, safety and health are essential. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip:

Safety in Moshi

Travel with a Guide: When going on tours, hikes, or safaris, always travel with a certified guide who knows the area well.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Like in most areas, walking alone at night can be risky. It’s advisable to take a taxi or be accompanied by a trusted person.
Protect Personal Belongings: Always keep your personal belongings, such as wallets, phones, and cameras, safe to avoid theft.

Health in Moshi

Vaccinations: Travelers should ensure they are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, such as measles, chickenpox, and influenza. It’s also advisable to get vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria.
Drink Bottled Water: To avoid waterborne illnesses, it’s advisable to drink bottled water or boiled and filtered water.
Wear Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Moshi can get hot and humid, and travelers should protect themselves from mosquito bites and harmful UV rays by wearing insect repellent and sunscreen.

Getting to Moshi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Moshi is well-connected to nearby airports, bus stations, and other major cities. Here are some transportation options when traveling to Moshi:

Airports Near Moshi

Kilimanjaro International Airport: Located approximately 40km from Moshi town, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest international airport to Moshi.

Bus Stations Near Moshi

Moshi Bus Station: This bus station is situated in the center of Moshi town and offers transport to various destinations within Tanzania.

Other Options

Taxi or Car Rental: Taxis and car rentals are a convenient way to navigate Moshi and its environs.

How to Get Around in Moshi

Moshi is a small town that is easy to navigate. Here are some ways to get around Moshi:

Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Moshi and are the most convenient way to travel around the town.
Boda-Boda: A Boda-Boda is a motorbike commonly used for short journeys within Moshi.
Walking: Moshi is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot.

Where to Go Next from Moshi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Moshi is an excellent base for day trip excursions to nearby destinations such as Arusha, Lake Manyara, and Mount Meru. Here are some recommended excursions from Moshi:

Arusha National Park: A day trip to Arusha National Park, approximately two hours from Moshi, offers an opportunity to experience Tanzania’s diverse flora and fauna, including flamingos, giraffes, and zebras.
Lake Manyara: Located approximately three hours from Moshi, Lake Manyara offers an opportunity to explore its national park’s lush surroundings and diverse wildlife.
Mount Meru: Located approximately 70km from Moshi, Mount Meru is an excellent hiking destination that offers picturesque views of Moshi and the surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

Moshi is a hidden gem in Tanzania, offering unforgettable experiences to adventurous travelers. From hiking Tanzania’s highest peak to exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the town, Moshi has something for everyone. Armed with this comprehensive guide, travelers can confidently explore Moshi’s unique culture and stunning natural beauty in comfort and safety.