What You Need to Know: The best things to do in Moshi are the Materuni waterfall and coffee tour, the Chemka hot springs and the Marangu waterfalls and Chagga caves (from US$115 per person, lunch included, children free), Lake Chala and coffee tours (US$123), and the Kilimanjaro day hike (US$245). In town, walk the central market, eat nyama choma and drink Kilimanjaro coffee. Our office is in Moshi, at Shanty Town near TCC Moshi Branch.
The Best Day Trips from Moshi
Materuni, Chemka and the Marangu caves are the favorites. From US$115 per person from Moshi, or US$120 from Arusha, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide and lunch included; children don't pay.
Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour
Waterfall hike and coffee from bean to cup
Chemka Hot Springs
Swimming in clear, warm spring water
Marangu Waterfalls and Chagga Caves
Chagga history and a waterfall walk
Lake Chala
Crater lake on the Kenya border
Moshi Coffee Tour
Coffee farm visit on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Day Hike
A day walk in the Kilimanjaro rainforest from Moshi
| Trip | Time from Moshi | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Materuni waterfall and coffee | 30–45 minutes | From US$115 |
| Chemka hot springs | About 1 hour | From US$115 |
| Marangu waterfalls and Chagga caves | About 1 hour | From US$115 |
| Lake Chala | About 1.5 hours | US$123 |
| Coffee tour | 30–60 minutes | US$123 |
| Kilimanjaro day hike | About 1 hour | US$245 |
Chemka is the best choice for tired legs after a climb.
Things to Do in Moshi Town
Walk the central market for fruit, spices and fabrics, see the clock tower, and try the cafés and restaurants that serve climbers. Moshi has a good range of food, from Tanzanian dishes such as nyama choma (grilled meat), chipsi mayai and pilau to Italian, Indian and international cafés, most around the town center. A guided market and town walk takes about 2–3 hours.
A Weekend in Moshi
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Materuni waterfall and coffee, dinner in town |
| Day 2 | Chemka hot springs, an afternoon at the market |
Both are easy days that suit families and groups.
Things to Do in Moshi with Children
Children don't pay on our local trips. Chemka's water, the Materuni coffee roasting and the Marangu caves are favorites with children.
Where to Stay in Moshi
We book hotels at every level, from Jakaranda Homestay and B&B Hotel to Weru Weru River Lodge and Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. See where to stay before and after Kilimanjaro.
Where and What to Eat in Moshi
- Nyama choma (grilled meat) with ugali or chips at local bars
- Fresh Kilimanjaro coffee in the town's cafés
- Chagga dishes such as mtori (banana and beef soup) in local restaurants
- Fresh fruit and street snacks from the central market
Getting Around Moshi
Moshi is small and walkable by day. Bajajis (three-wheeled taxis) and taxis are cheap for short trips; agree the price before you get in. At night, use a taxi rather than walking. For trips out of town, we provide private transport with every day trip; see day trips.
Moshi, Kilimanjaro and Life After Your Climb
Moshi is the base for most Kilimanjaro climbs: about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and close to the main gates. See where to stay before and after the climb and our Kilimanjaro climbs.
After a Kilimanjaro climb, Moshi is the perfect place to rest: a hot shower, a good meal and a night in a proper bed. Many climbers celebrate with a meal in town, then spend a relaxed day at the Chemka hot springs or on a coffee tour before their flight or safari.
Moshi Through the Year
Moshi is warm all year, with cooler evenings in June to August. The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are best for clear views of Kilimanjaro and for day trips. The long rains of April and May bring showers and green landscapes, and the short rains of November are lighter. Day trips run all year.
Mornings are often the best time to see Kilimanjaro's peak from town, before clouds build. See all our day trips.
Getting to Moshi
Moshi is about an hour by road from Kilimanjaro International Airport and about 1.5 hours from Arusha. We meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel; transfers cost US$60 per person each way. Buses link Moshi with Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Common Questions About Things to Do in Moshi
What is there to do in Moshi?
Day trips to waterfalls, hot springs, coffee farms and Chagga villages, the Kilimanjaro day hike, and the market and cafés in town.
How long should I stay in Moshi?
One or two days before or after a climb is enough for a couple of day trips.
Is Moshi safe?
Yes, with normal precautions; use a taxi at night.
Is Moshi safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal care: walk by day, use a taxi at night, and keep valuables out of sight.
Can I see Kilimanjaro from Moshi?
Yes, on clear mornings and evenings, especially in the dry season.
What is the best area to stay in Moshi?
Quiet suburbs such as Shanty Town are popular with climbers; see where to stay before and after the climb.
Is there a market in Moshi?
Yes, the central market sells fresh produce, spices and crafts.
Is Moshi a good base for day trips?
Yes: waterfalls, hot springs, coffee farms and Kilimanjaro's lower slopes are all close.
The Bottom Line
Spend a day or two in Moshi around your climb: a waterfall, a hot spring and a cup of Kilimanjaro coffee.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.