What You Need to Know: Stay in Moshi, about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the Machame, Marangu and Mweka gates. One hotel night before and one after the climb are included in every climb. We book Jakaranda Homestay or B&B Hotel at budget level; Siarick Cottage, Lamama Hotel, Shose Farm House and Chalets, Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat or Weru Weru River Lodge at mid-range; and Kaliwa Lodge, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel or The Maridadi Hotel at luxury level.
Why Stay in Moshi Before the Climb?
Moshi is about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the closest town to the Machame, Marangu and Mweka gates. Starting from Moshi keeps the drive to the gate short on the first morning, and after the climb it is a short drive back to a hot shower.
| Journey | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi | About 1 hour (25 miles / 40 km) |
| Moshi to Machame Gate | About 1 hour (22 miles / 35 km) |
| Moshi to Marangu Gate | About 1 hour |
| Moshi to Umbwe Gate | About 1 hour |
| Moshi to Londorossi or Rongai Gate | Longer, a few hours |
Airport and gate transfers are included in every climb.
Hotels We Book in Moshi
We book hotels in and around Moshi at budget, mid-range and luxury level. The climb is the same at every level; only the two hotel nights change, and the difference is about US$300–400 per person from budget to luxury.
| Level | Hotels | 7-day Machame, 2 climbers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Jakaranda Homestay, B&B Hotel | US$1,915 per person |
| Mid-range | Siarick Cottage, Lamama Hotel, Shose Farm House and Chalets, Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat, Weru Weru River Lodge | US$2,090 per person |
| Luxury | Kaliwa Lodge in Machame, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, The Maridadi Hotel | US$2,235 per person |
The hotel for your dates is named in your quotation. All our hotels by area are on the accommodation page.
Which Moshi Hotel Level Should You Choose?
Choose budget if you mainly need a clean bed and a shower before and after the climb; the mountain experience is identical. Choose mid-range for more space, gardens and a quieter setting to rest in after the climb. Choose luxury if you want a pool, a restaurant you will enjoy and a more comfortable base, especially if you are adding extra nights.
Kaliwa Lodge is in Machame village, on the slopes close to Machame Gate, which shortens the first morning on Machame climbs. Shose Farm House and Chalets and Weru Weru River Lodge are quieter, greener places outside the busy center, good for resting after the climb.
The Nights Before and After the Climb
The night before
The night before is for rest, any last gear rental and packing. Try on anything you are renting so it can be swapped before the climb, pack your duffel and daypack, and get an early night: the pickup is after breakfast. Your hotel stores the luggage you don't take on the mountain.
The night after
After the climb you come straight back to your hotel for a hot shower, a proper meal and a bed; your summit certificate is usually presented at the gate or at the hotel. Most climbers are tired and happy; the next day is a good one for something gentle before your onward travel.
Should You Add Extra Nights in Moshi?
Add an extra night before the climb if you arrive on a long or late flight, and after it if you plan a day trip or want a slow morning. A spare day before the climb also gives you time to rest after the journey, which helps on the first day on the mountain.
| If you… | Add |
|---|---|
| Arrive on a long-haul or late flight | A night before the climb |
| Want a gentle day trip after the climb | A night after: Materuni waterfalls or Chemka hot springs, from US$115 |
| Are going on safari next | No extra night needed; we arrange the transfer to Arusha |
| Are flying to Zanzibar | A night after, if your flight is early |
Arrive at least one full day before the climb if you can, to rest after your flight and check your gear. Choose a quiet hotel with a garden, and add a night after the climb before flying home.
Your Checklist for the Night Before the Climb
- Lay out your gear and try on anything you rent
- Pack your daypack for day 1: water, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen
- Charge your phone, camera and power bank
- Leave spare luggage at the hotel
- Drink plenty of water and sleep early
See the Kilimanjaro packing list.
Common Questions About Hotels Before and After Kilimanjaro
Are hotel nights included in the climb price?
Yes. One night before and one after the climb are included.
Can we stay in Arusha instead of Moshi?
Yes, but Moshi is closer to the main gates, so the first morning is shorter.
Can we store luggage at the hotel during the climb?
Yes. Leave what you don't need on the mountain at your hotel.
How far is Moshi from Kilimanjaro Airport?
About 25 miles (40 km), around an hour by road. Airport transfers are included in every climb.
Can I choose a specific hotel?
Yes, from the hotels at your chosen level, subject to availability for your dates.
Can I store luggage at the hotel during the climb?
Yes, the hotel stores it until you return.
Can I add extra nights in Moshi?
Yes, at the same hotel or another at your level; we add them to your quotation.
The Bottom Line
Stay in Moshi, choose the hotel level that suits your budget, and add a spare night if you arrive on a long flight. The mountain is the same at every level; the hotel is where you rest before and after.
Send us your dates, the number of climbers and your hotel level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.