Moshi
At the foot of Kilimanjaro — where every great climb begins
Moshi is one of Tanzania's most pleasant towns — small enough to feel personal, large enough to have good restaurants, fast WiFi, and a functioning ATM. It sits at 800 metres altitude on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, and on clear mornings the snow-capped summit is visible from the town centre. Most visitors come for one reason: Kilimanjaro. But Moshi deserves more than a one-night stop.
Why Visit Moshi?
Moshi is the authentic Tanzania that Arusha's tourism industry has largely glossed over. The Chagga people — the indigenous community of Kilimanjaro's slopes — run farms, coffee plantations, and small guesthouses here. The market is genuine, not a tourist trap. The coffee grown on the mountain's fertile volcanic slopes is some of the best in Africa, and you can visit the farms where it's grown and processed. If you're climbing Kilimanjaro, you'll arrive here. Stay an extra day — it's worth it.
Things to Do in Moshi
The Moshi Local Market is the starting point — a sprawling daily market where locals shop for produce, fabrics, and hardware. Walk through it slowly. The Chagga cultural tours take you into local homesteads on the mountain slopes, where families still farm using traditional methods alongside modern coffee farming. The Materuni Waterfalls hike (2–3 hours from Moshi) passes through coffee farms and ends at a stunning 30-metre waterfall — one of the best short hikes in the region. KCMC Coffee Tour at the local Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) shows you the entire coffee journey from cherry to cup.
Where to Stay in Moshi
Budget ($15–40/night): Kindoroko Hotel is a Moshi institution — clean, central, good breakfast. Ameg Lodge has comfortable rooms with Kilimanjaro views. Mid-range ($50–120/night): Springlands Hotel is the most popular pre-climb choice — the operator Zara Tanzania runs from here and the facilities are excellent. Keys Hotel has a good pool and restaurant popular with climbers. Upscale ($120–200/night): Kibo Palace Hotel is the most comfortable property in Moshi town, with reliable hot water and good in-house restaurant.
Getting to Moshi
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is 45 minutes from Moshi by road. Most hotels offer airport transfers ($20–40). Shared shuttle buses connect Moshi with Arusha (2 hours, $10–15) and Dar es Salaam (8 hours by bus, or fly to JRO). If coming from Nairobi, several operators run direct shuttles (5–6 hours, $30–50). Buses and shared taxis depart from Moshi Bus Station near the central market.
What to Eat in Moshi
Indoitaliano Restaurant serves the best pasta and pizza in northern Tanzania — a legacy of Italian missionaries. El Rancho is the local favourite for nyama choma (grilled meat) and cold Kilimanjaro beer. The Coffee Shop on Kilimanjaro Street serves proper espresso made from locally grown beans. For street food, the area around the central market has excellent ugali, beans, and fried plantain from 500 Tanzanian shillings (less than $0.25) per plate.
Moshi as a Safari Base
Moshi is 90 minutes from Arusha and 2.5 hours from the Serengeti gate — close enough to do Northern Circuit safaris from here, though most operators base out of Arusha. The advantage of Moshi: cheaper accommodation, fewer tourists, and a more authentic experience between safari legs. Lake Manyara National Park is a 2-hour drive, Tarangire is 2.5 hours, and Arusha National Park (underrated) is just 1 hour.
Quick Tips
- Arrive a day before your Kilimanjaro climb — altitude pre-acclimatization at 800m helps
- Visit the Materuni Waterfall hike even if not climbing — it's the best short walk near Moshi
- Buy Kilimanjaro Coffee at the KNCU shop before leaving — it's the genuine article at farm prices
- Use M-Pesa or cash for local restaurants — most don't take cards
- The rooftop at Kindoroko Hotel has the best Kilimanjaro sunset view in town
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moshi safe for tourists?
Yes. Moshi is one of the safer towns in Tanzania for visitors. The tourist infrastructure is well-developed due to Kilimanjaro traffic, and the local population is accustomed to international visitors. Standard precautions apply: don't walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables secured, and use licensed taxis or ride-shares.
How far is Moshi from Kilimanjaro Airport?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 45 kilometres from Moshi town — about 45 minutes by road. Most hotels offer airport pick-up for $20–40. Shared taxis (dala-dala) also run the route for much less.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD and can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or in advance via the Tanzania e-visa portal at eservices.immigration.go.tz. East African Community nationals (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) can enter without a visa.
What currency is used in Moshi?
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted at tourist establishments and most tour operators quote in USD. ATMs in Moshi town (NMB, CRDB, Stanbic) accept international Visa and Mastercard. Bring some cash as connectivity can be unreliable.
Official Resources
Related Destinations
Book This Experience
Compare and book through verified platforms
Browse all tours and activities in Moshi
Guided walks, cultural tours, coffee farm visits, and Kilimanjaro day hikes
Booking powered by GetYourGuide · Verified operators · Free cancellation on most tours