Moshi (Kilimanjaro), Tanzania: travel guide

Coffee town at the foot of Kilimanjaro and gateway to its climbing routes

Laid-back coffee town below Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak — start point for the Machame and Marangu climbing routes.

About Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

Moshi is a relaxed town in northern Tanzania at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. On clear mornings the snow-capped summit rises above the rooftops, and the town is the usual base for those preparing to climb it.

Machame and Marangu are two of the main routes, each with its own gate on the mountain, and the summit point is Uhuru Peak. Those not climbing can visit Materuni Waterfall, often combined with a coffee tour at a local farm, while Lake Chala, a deep crater lake on the Kenyan border, is a quieter excursion.

Moshi suits climbers and travellers who prefer a small town to a city. The drier months of January to March and June to October are the usual times to climb or explore.

Country
Tanzania
Currency
TZS
Time zone
Africa/Dar_es_Salaam
Nearest airport
JRO

Last updated

Plan a Moshi (Kilimanjaro) trip

Top places to visit in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

  • Machame Gate (Kilimanjaro NP)

    park_gate · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

    Forest-fringed starting gate for the scenic Machame ("Whiskey") route up Kilimanjaro.

  • Materuni Waterfall

    waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

    Dramatic 80 m waterfall in the Chagga highlands, reached by a green village walk and paired with coffee tours.

  • Uhuru Peak (Kilimanjaro Summit)

    summit · 4.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

    The 5,895 m summit of Kilimanjaro and highest point in Africa, the goal of every multi-day climb.

  • Lake Chala

    crater_lake · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

    Vivid crater lake straddling the Tanzania-Kenya border, ringed by cliffs, good for kayaking and hikes.

  • Marangu Gate (Kilimanjaro NP)

    park_gate · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

    The original "Coca-Cola" route gate, the only hut-based ascent of Kilimanjaro and a popular day-hike entry.

Things to do

  • Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb (7 Days) Nature · 168 h · from USD 2,200 per person
  • Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour Nature · 6 h · from USD 45 per person
  • Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb (6 Days) Nature · 144 h · from USD 1,850 per person
  • Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut Nature · 8 h · from USD 110 per person

Day trips and tours

  • Materuni Waterfall, Coffee & Hot Springs 8 h · from USD 70

Where to stay in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

  • Moshi Town about TZS 90 per night

    Relaxed town centre with climbers' hotels, coffee houses and Kilimanjaro views.

  • Marangu about TZS 110 per night

    Lush Chagga village on Kilimanjaro's slopes, home of the Marangu (Coca-Cola) route gate.

Hotels

  • Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro 3-star
  • Parkview Inn 3-star
  • Keys Hotel Moshi 3-star

Where to eat

  • Union Cafe Cafe, International · about TZS 18,000 per person
  • Indoitaliano Restaurant Indian, Italian · about TZS 22,000 per person
  • Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge Cafe, International · about TZS 15,000 per person
  • El Rancho Indian · about TZS 20,000 per person

Getting to Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

Airport: Kilimanjaro (JRO)

How visitors arrive in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

  • Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport By air from Kilimanjaro International Airport · most visitors

    International flights land at Kilimanjaro airport, a short drive from town; most climbers and safari visitors start here. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Long-distance bus By road from Dar es Salaam / Nairobi / Arusha · common

    Buses link Moshi with major Tanzanian cities and Nairobi; choose reputable companies. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Train from Dar es Salaam By train from Dar es Salaam · possible

    A passenger train runs from Dar es Salaam, but delays and cancellations are common. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

  • Taxi from Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Most visitors fly into JRO. Taxis wait at the airport for the run to Moshi town; agree the fare with the driver before you get in. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Bus from Kilimanjaro International Airport unconfirmed

    Buses also link the airport with Moshi. This is the budget choice if you travel light. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Walk in daylight only; use a taxi after dark rather than walking between places. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the bus terminal to the centre

  • Long-distance bus from Dar es Salaam or Arusha

    Intercity buses arrive at Moshi's busy bus station. Choose a reputable company, as some operators have poor safety standards. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Walk in daylight only; use a taxi after dark rather than walking between places. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

  • Minibus

    Dala-dala minibuses are the local shared transport around Moshi; listen for the conductor calling out the destination.

  • Taxi

    Plenty of taxis are available in Moshi for getting around town.

  • Tuktuk
  • Walking

Paying

Safety and scams to avoid

  • Unlicensed Kilimanjaro operators

    Moshi town & online

    Very cheap climb offers often cut corners on safety, guide wages and porter welfare, risking your summit and the crew's wellbeing.

    How to avoid it: Choose a KPAP-partner operator, confirm park fees are included and check recent independent reviews before paying.

Best time to visit Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

  • Jan 33°C
  • Feb 34°C
  • Mar 33°C
  • Apr 30°C
  • May 27°C
  • Jun 26°C
  • Jul 26°C
  • Aug 27°C
  • Sep 30°C
  • Oct 31°C
  • Nov 32°C
  • Dec 32°C

More in Tanzania

Frequently asked questions about Moshi (Kilimanjaro)

What are the top-rated places to visit in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
The highest-rated places in our Moshi (Kilimanjaro) guide are Uhuru Peak (Kilimanjaro Summit), Machame Gate (Kilimanjaro NP), Materuni Waterfall, Lake Chala.
Where should I stay in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
Our guide covers these areas to stay in Moshi (Kilimanjaro): Moshi Town, Marangu.
How do I get around Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
Ways to get around Moshi (Kilimanjaro) covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
What scams should I watch out for in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
Scams reported to us for Moshi (Kilimanjaro) include Unlicensed Kilimanjaro operators. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
What is the weather like in Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
Average daytime highs in Moshi (Kilimanjaro) run from 26°C in Jul to 34°C in Feb.
Which airport is nearest to Moshi (Kilimanjaro)?
The nearest airport to Moshi (Kilimanjaro) has the code JRO.
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