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Moshi Town
Moshi town - the capital of Kilimanjaro region
Enjoy the vibes of the town that fascinates with its legacy, history and mix of cultures. A great place to chill out before and after your Kilimanjaro or safari adventure.
The town of Moshi is the second-largest tourism hub of Tanzania, the capital of Kilimanjaro region and the place from where most Kilimanjaro adventures begin. Built in the early 19th century by the German colonists in Africa, it has a rich and turbulent history worth knowing about.
Though Moshi is seldom viewed as a travel destination in itself, those who are interested in knowing more about Swahili culture should definitely consider visiting. Numerous local cafes are just right for getting a glimpse into the Tanzanian cuisine, while Moshi curio art shops are among the best places in the region to buy memorable souvenirs with symbols of the country.
Night life in Moshi is always bustling - bars, restaurants and clubs won’t let you get bored, and you’ll always find a place to chill out after a KIlimanjaro hike or safari.
The city of Moshi in Tanzania is also the place from where most Kilimanjaro day hikes start. So no matter who you are - a nature enthusiast or a culture aficionado, Moshi is certainly the best spot to start exploring the country.
Recommended Hotels in Moshi, Tanzania
Aishi Machame
Aishi Machame Hotel is one of the most popular and beautiful places to stay in Kilimanjaro region. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, just a 20-min ride from Moshi city, the hotel is enveloped in lush green. You can spot wild African animals and birds from the restaurant terrace, so nature enthusiasts will especially enjoy this place. Helicopter pad is available for the “fast-track” trips from Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge. There are few hotels in the region that offer a panoramic view of Mount Kilimanjaro. In this hotel you’ll be able to enjoy a clear and unobstructed vista of the iconic mountain and take some epic shots. However, check your travel dates carefully - the peak is often clouded during the rainy season.
Brubru Lodge
Though placed in one of the quietest areas of Moshi, Brubru Lodge is always a good choice for those who prefer to stay near the city life. The city center is just a 15-min walk from here. Whether you come to explore the natural wonders of Tanzania or have a business trip in Kilimanjaro, Brubru Lodge will always offer everything you need to feel like home.
Excellent experience. We recommend booking Brubru Lodge in advance - this place is very popular with the visitors to Kilimanjaro region.
Both Brubru Lodge and Aishi Machame Hotel have everything necessary for your stay - comfy rooms are regularly cleaned and ventilated, swimming pools with clean azure water are open the whole year round, and professional staff are on duty to help you with anything.
Restaurant menu offers a wide variety of meals catering for different tastes. Local Swahili, Indian continental and American cuisine is available. The hotels also have vegetarian, gluten-free and halal meals.
What’s more, busy travellers love Aishi Machame and Brubru Lodge because of the fastest and most reliable internet connection in town.
Good taxi service is available at both hotels to perform two-way transfers to the cities of Moshi and Arusha as well as to Kilimanjaro International Airport (40 km from both hotels) at affordable rates.
Weather in Moshi, Tanzania
Dry season
From late June until late October and from early January through early March the streets of Moshi are bustling with the happy tourists from all corners of the world. Brisk and joyful atmosphere makes this time perfect for socializing, finding new friends and adventures.
Rainy Season
The rainy season in Tanzania has two parts: from early March till late June and from late October till early January. Although it is cloudy and damp, this time is nevertheless recommended for those seeking a more reclusive cultural and traveling experience.
Old Moshi
Old Moshi is where everything began. After its founding, the German colonial authorities had to rebuild the town closer to the railroad to make goods transportation easier. However, they failed to suppress the booming of the local culture.
Old Moshi is the cradle of Chagga civilization: here you will see the Swahili world at its rawest, with its bustling markets, street vendors, chatting locals and authentic barbeque cafes. It is a must visit place in the bucket list of each and every culture vulture.
Indelible traces of history are everywhere here, and the conservative colonial past mixes with the dynamic present - Tanzanian women in their traditional attires are walking alongside the Rasta youth with dreadlocks, businessmen in suits and missionary priests in robes, all with colonial architecture, modern buildings and lush verdure in the background. It is an extraordinary spot for culture photographers.
The map of Moshi, Tanzania
The capital of Kilimanjaro region, Moshi is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. According to the 2017 census, over 200,000 people live there. Despite its sizeable population, the area takes up only about 60 km2, making it the smallest by size in Tanzania. Administratively, Moshi is divided into 21 wards.
All major shops, travel companies, cafes, bars and businesses are centered along Arusha and Mawenzi roads in Old Moshi. These areas are always bustling with street vendors touting their goods, auto rickshaws and the motley crowd. Here you’ll find the bus station for those departing to Dar es Salaam, Arusha or other cities in Tanzania by land. It’s the place where you are likely to find lots of “fly-catchers” trying to sell you a climbing or safari package at a knockdown price. Though the offer might be appealing, there is always a risk of numerous hidden costs or an outright scam. Better book in advance with licensed operators.
Westwards you will find a much quieter neighborhood known as Shanty Town. The best hotels of Moshi are located there, and the area is ideal to unwind before or after the wildlife adventures in the National Parks.
Tours starting from Moshi
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure. Together with the natural sanctuaries of the country, this is the primary reason why Tanzania is one of the most popular destinations in East Africa. Memorable encounters with the wildlife, breathtaking panoramic vistas, and a feeling of achievement on the way to Peak Uhuru (5895 m/ 19,341 f) are guaranteed!
Wildlife safaris
According to CNN Travel, it is the unmatched wildlife riches that make Tanzania the best destination for an African safari. The Northern Safari Circuit, featuring two UNESCO World Sites - Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area - are especially popular among the visitors.
Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Plantation
A day-trip to Materuni waterfalls is an excellent way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Moshi. After a brief hike to the pristine waterfalls amid the rainforest, you will have a chance to visit the local coffee plantations and explore the local method of coffee grinding and making.
What time is it now in Moshi?
UTC +3
Moshi is in East African time zone, which is seven hours ahead of New York, two hours ahead of London and five hours behind Shanghai. Dubai is one hour ahead of Moshi.
Moshi Airport
The airport of Moshi should not be confused with Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated 40 km westwards from the town of Moshi and serves as the main tourist gateway to Tanzania.
Moshi Airport is conveniently placed in the western part of the town and is mainly used for domestic flights across Tanzania. It takes just 10 minutes to get there from Brubru Lodge and about half an hour from Aishi Machame Hotel.
From there you can fly to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga, Mwanza and other local destinations. Also, the only Mt Kilimanjaro helicopter rescue & transportation service is based there. In case you decide to get down from the summit camps of the mountain by helicopter, the airport of Moshi will be the place you arrive at.
Our Reviews
Everything was just perfect. Thanks to Irina, our itinerary was very well organised, every detail was taken care of. Upon arrival, we were given very nice welcome gifts, and we stayed in contact through the whole trip. We had a chance to have the great safari guide, Hussein. Professional, full of knowledge of animals, passionate of his work. He gave us the best possible sighting and unforgettable memories, tracking the rarest of the animals. We were able to enjoy leopard chilling in the tree in Ngorongoro crater, lions feeding and playing with their cubs, a cheetah trying to avoid a group of lions, and incredible wildebeests' river crossing in Serengeti. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime. We will definitely recommend Altezza Travel and please, ask for Hussein! He is the best safari guide ever.
From before we even took off for Tanzania to the time we left for Zanzibar, Altezza was incredible. First, before we even solidified our booking, Altezza (Rita) was incredibly helpful and flexible in crafting a travel plan that best suited our needs. Even after changing from a Kilimanjaro/Safari to a sole safari trip, we felt the same level of care the whole time.
When we landed, we were greeted by a kind and professional driver who was there for us at 2AM, ready to transport us to our first stay (Ngare Sero). Ngare Sero was an excellent stay, offering plenty of amenities and things to do on their large property. We were able to enjoy the pool, their great food, and small lake with a ton of birds and wildlife to see.
The Arusha Coffee Lodge and plantation tour on our second day was a blast. It wasn’t too long, and we felt like we’d learned a lot about the coffee making process. The hands on portion and the lunch were a great way to wrap it up. Our driver Pascal was fun and informative, teaching us any Swahili we requested along the way.
Then, the next day, we met Issac our Safari guide. Isaac was a fundamental piece of what made our trip to Tanzania so amazing. He was one of the hardest working and nicest people I’ve ever met, not to mention he was very knowledgeable about everything we came across - from the local tribes and the different characteristics of each park, down to the precise behavior of each animal we saw.
Isaac was patient with us and read us well. While other drivers would rush towards an animal, Isaac was calm and would slowly but surely get us there, keeping it a calm and very enjoyable experience. Not once did we miss an animal or sight we wanted to see. Through each park for 6 days straight, Isaac never made us feel rushed or as if we were too excited over an animal we’d seen a dozen times before. He treated each sighting as if it were his first too, despite having seen them hundreds of times over his years of experience as a guide.
Isaac worked hard from the start to the end of the day. He was so personable and maintained a lot of energy and a positive attitude start to finish. Saying goodbye to Isaac at the airport before leaving was one of the hardest moments because of how great of a time we had with him. He took our Safari experience to the next level. His expertise, thoughtfulness, and hard work set him apart from any other guide we had along the trip, which reflects upon not only Isaac but Altezza too.
Altezza was incredibly attentive each day too. They checked in with us, the drivers, and were very thoughtful given it was our honeymoon and wife’s birthday. Altezza arranged for a custom “Just Married” tire cover, and a birthday surprise at Nyikani Camp - the staff sang a song and made a cake. At Sopa Lodge, the staff left a fun surprise! Marera Mountain View Lodge was our stay in between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, which was also a lovely accommodation. At every stay Altezza arranged, the staff, food, rooms, and amenities were all top notch. Staying in the lodges felt like a premium, but staying at Nyikani Camp in the Serengeti felt like staying with family. The staff were welcoming and made a personal connection with guests. We wish we could’ve stayed longer!
We look forward to traveling with Altezza again in the future, knowing we can relax and enjoy the trip due to Altezza handling all of the planning and any stressful parts of an international journey. Thank you Rita, Isaac, and everyone else at Altezza who made this trip the honeymoon only one could dream of!
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