Things to do in Moshi : “While Moshi is the most practical starting point for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the entrance to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit”
The northern Tanzanian cities of Arusha and Moshi are likely to come up at some point during your vacation preparation. Additionally, you might be attempting to decide whether to base yourself in one location or both. Most Northern Circuit safaris (to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Arusha and Lake Manyara national park) often begin in Arusha, and then most Kilimanjaro expeditions typically begin in Moshi. They are both fantastic places to visit on their own and are roughly the same distance from the airport-Kilimanjaro international airport (Moshi is a little closer).
Moshi is a little less crowded and smaller than Arusha, and having Kilimanjaro in the background is always a plus. When you look a little closer, Moshi itself might not appear to have much to offer in terms of excitement, but there is actually a lot to see and do there. Discover some of the greatest things to do in Moshi, Tanzania, whether you only have an hour or two to spare or decide to stay a bit longer.
Tourist activities/What to do in Moshi? There are many tourist activities/things to do in Moshi town and make your safari tour to this town-home of Mount Kilimanjaro stimulating and enjoyable. Here are the top 5 best things to do when visiting/on your safari tour to Moshi, Tanzania:
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
As you approach Moshi, you can’t help but notice Mount Kilimanjaro‘s magnificent snow-capped peak. This inactive volcano is the tallest peak in Africa. Its top, which reaches a height of 5,895 meters above sea level, is occasionally referred to as the “Roof of Africa.” About 45,000 tourists visit Mount Kilimanjaro each year, and climbing to the summit is regarded as one of the toughest feats in the world. To reach the summit, you don’t need to be an expert mountain hiker. All you need is a certain amount of physical fitness and mental fortitude.
Depending on your time, ability, and budget, climbing the mountain can take five to ten days. Seven separate hiking trails, including Umbwe route, Shira route, Rongai route, Mweka route, Marangu route, Machame route, and Lemosho route, all lead to the summit. In terms of scenery (fauna, volcanic characteristics, forests, coffee and banana plantations, etc.), each route offers a distinctive experience. Machame is the most difficult, but also the most beautiful hiking route. Regardless of which route you choose, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding towns, national parks, and Mount Meru. The one-day Mount Kilimanjaro walk to the Mandara hut is an option if you don’t have much time or money to spend.
Hiking Mount Meru:
For those preparing to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is regarded as a useful training mountain. It is among the tallest mountains in Africa and is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. Those who might find Kilimanjaro too pricey may benefit from hiking Mount Meru. Arusha National Park’s landscape and opportunities for wildlife encounters have led many hikers to rank Mount Meru’s experience as being even greater than that of Mount Kilimanjaro. When traveling to Moshi, Tanzania, expect to experience the well-known Momella Lakes, take in the wonderful biodiversity, and come across wild creatures when traveling to Moshi,
Visit the Masai Cultural Museum/Village:
Without a doubt, one of the most fascinating tribes in Africa is the Masai. The South Sudanese tribes of Nuer and Dinka are connected to the Masai. They stick out from other people because they are rather tall people, especially when they are wearing colorful shukas. In Tanzania and Kenya, the majority of the Masai are pastoral nomads who live adjacent to national parks. Many people now relocate between places in an effort to survive.
Visit the Masai Cultural Village and Museum on the western part of Kilimanjaro to learn more about the Masai and their way of life. This cultural community is situated between Arusha and Moshi, 74 kilometers from Moshi town. At the Center, visitors have a rare opportunity to witness authentic Masai culture and way of life. The government constructed it to prevent taking visitors inside Masai homes, which would have an adverse effect on their environment and traditional ways of life.
A traditional Masai farmhouse provided the model for the construction of the Masai Cultural Village. There are many attas, kraals, and Masai people in this sizable compound. You can discover more about the village’s social, political, and religious systems while you’re there. You’ll discover what a husband and wife’s position in the household is. The Masai are amiable and eager to talk about their history, nomadic lifestyle, and connections to many of the local national parks.
Explore into the Local History at the Chagga Underground Caves:
From Moshi, a well-liked excursion visits Marangu’s attractions, which are located at the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. A visit to the Chagga Underground Caves is included in the full-day schedule, along with walks to a few waterfalls, coffee tastings at a small subsistence farm, and other activities. The latter are actually tunnels that the Chagga tribe dug out 200 years ago to defend themselves against Maasai invasions during periods of drought. Consider riding a mountain bike on this route if you have the energy.
Buy souvenirs from artist shops:
Getting a souvenir from a place you’ve visited is one of the most fascinating aspects of travel. Tanzanians are excellent artisans, so there are many options and locations to purchase souvenirs. The Blue Zebra at Kibo Tower and Chui’s Trading Limited are two of the best gift boutiques. Blue Zebra carries a variety of locally made clothing, toys, and purses. Chui’s Trading Limited sells handmade goods, regional textiles, and memento T-shirts. There are more artisan stores worth considering, so you shouldn’t limit your choices to these two. The majority of hotels have their own gift shops, but they can be quite pricey.
Marvel at Lake Chala’s Deep Blue Hues:
Make your way to Lake Chala, a tranquil location where you may have a walk in the wilderness to escape the rush and bustle of Moshi. This historic Crater Lake is about 100 meters deep and is supplied by subsurface streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. This may explain the bizarre deep blue color of the water, which will catch your attention as soon as you lay eyes on it. Despite how inviting it may seem, resist the urge to swim because crocodiles are rumored to be hiding beneath the water.
Swim in Chemka- Kikuletwa Hot Springs:
An excursion to Kikuletwa Hot Springs is among the most well-liked things to do in Moshi. This lovely paradise, buried away in the heart of dry scrublands, is just around an hour’s drive from town. Large fig trees that are frequently visited by blue monkeys and a variety of vibrant birds surround the dazzling geothermal pool. Despite being referred to as hot springs, the water is only lukewarm at best and is ideal for a cooling swim after a wildlife safari or a hike up Kilimanjaro.
Explore Kilimanjaro Animal Crew:
This facility can be found in Makoa Farm, which lies on Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The center was constructed to care for rescued, harmed, and abandoned animals from nearby national parks. Activities in Moshi Once fresh people arrive at the facility, the animals are released back into the wild. The Kilimanjaro Animal Crew works to educate people about the value of protecting animals.
Visitors can anticipate up-close experiences with chimpanzees and tiny monkeys because there is a significant population of primates near the facility. Along with other wildlife, there are serval cats, wild donkeys, bush pigs, duikers, and marabou storks. Because the animals are both domesticated and wild, care should be taken around them or when feeding them. A typical day at the center entails a guided tour of the grounds where guests can observe all of the animals. The facility is best visited at 4 o’clock in the afternoon during feeding time.
Try the local food:
Even though Moshi is a small town, you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the restaurants there. Numerous Italian, Indian, Asian, and other continental restaurants are available. Tanzanians adore meat, but they can expect special accommodations from all restaurants if they are vegetarian. The vast majority, if not all, serve regional Swahili cuisine, including chapattis, Kiti moto (fried pig), Nyama Choma (goat meat), Kuku (chicken), and grilled banana. The national food, ugali, is prepared from millet, sorghum, or cassava flour.
Ugali is never consumed on its own; it is always combined with other foods, like boiled fish meat. At Pandya Tea Room, you can also sample Tanzanian Samosa with tea. Green Bamboo Restaurant, East Africa Pub, Kili Home, Maembe Café, Menu’s Bistro, Pamoja Café, Secret Garden Hotel, and Kaka’s Bar and Grill are some additional fantastic locations to eat delicious local cuisine. If you’re helping or living longer in the community, you can purchase your own food and ingredients from the neighborhood markets. You can prepare the cuisine by following a YouTube video tutorial or asking a friend who lives nearby for assistance.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING MOSHI TOWN IN TANZANIA
Getting there: How do I get to Moshi?
The most efficient method to go to Moshi is by taking direct flight from your country and land to Kilimanjaro international airport, or alternatively is to first fly to Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport, then take another aircraft to Kilimanjaro Airport. You can take a taxi from Kilimanjaro airport or you can wait for your tour operator to get you up.
Additionally, there are direct flights to Moshi from Nairobi and the Masai Mara. From Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Kampala, and Arusha, you can also travel by road to Moshi. However, traveling by road is exhausting and necessitates a lot of driving time. Budget-conscious people or those who want to see the distinctive African landscape should attempt it. The greatest mode of transportation for large distances is the bus, and there are numerous reliable bus companies, like Dar Express. If you have the option, we advise booking first class for the finest experience.
Getting around: How do I move around Moshi town?
You can choose from a variety of modes of transportation once you arrive in the town. Local minibuses called Dala-dalas are the most widely used form of transportation. These minibuses have a capacity of up to 30 passengers, including maybe some domestic animals. It is a reasonably priced method of getting to nearby communities like Marangu and Machame, which are popular tourist destinations in Moshi, Tanzania.
You must travel to their main parking lot and wait for the conductors to shout out the destination in order to obtain one. A great way to get around town and interact with the locals is by using a dala-dala. You can take a boda-boda, a personal taxi, or a tour company’s services if you prefer a more private tour. Take a boda-boda only when wearing a helmet. Before paying or getting in, always make sure the boda, dala-dala, or taxi is in good working order. Boda-boda rides are never safe, especially without a helmet. Use extreme caution when using any of the riders outside of the city center, as a few of them are local thieves.
It’s vital to remember that if you are an international traveler, you must obtain a Tanzanian visa before you arrive. Visas can be obtained through the Tanzanian consulate or embassy that is closest to your location. All significant airports and border crossings also offer visa services. Visitors must have a yellow fever vaccination card in addition to a Tanzanian visa in order to visit the country.
Best time to go: When is the best time to visit Moshi?
Moshi experiences both wet and dry seasons. The best months to visit Moshi is during the dry season from January and February, as well as June and September on which this is also the ideal time to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. If you intend to climb Mount Kilimanjaro while visiting Moshi, try to avoid the wet season. Rain makes it harder to see and makes hiking trails slick. The beauty of the vistas while climbing the mountain is limited by the showers’ increased cloud cover. The rainy season runs from March through May and from November into early December.
