Moshi Town Travel Guide 2025/2026: Best Things to Do Before & After Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Updated for the 2025/2026 climbing season – Macpace Tours & Safaris
Target focus & Variants: Moshi travel guide 2025, things to do in Moshi, Moshi Tanzania travel tips, Moshi attractions, where to stay in Moshi.
Welcome to Moshi – Your Gateway to Kilimanjaro
Moshi, Tanzania isn’t just the starting point for Kilimanjaro climbs, it’s a friendly, vibrant town with cultural charm, delicious food, and relaxing day trips that are ideal before or after your trek. Spending even one extra day here can enrich your experience and ease your transition into the rhythm of Tanzania.
Whether you’re preparing for your climb or celebrating your summit, here are the very best things to do in Moshi in 2025/2026.
Prepare for Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Moshi isn’t just a charming town, it’s the perfect base for preparing for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Before you set out, make sure you’ve reviewed our Best Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes for 2025/2026 to select the ideal path for your fitness and schedule. Proper route planning from Moshi ensures a safer, more enjoyable trek.
Top Things to Do in Moshi (2025/2026)
1. Explore Local Coffee Plantations
The foothills of Kilimanjaro are home to some of the best Arabica coffee in East Africa. Join a guided coffee tour and learn how beans go from farm to cup. You can even roast and brew your own cup the traditional way.
Perfect for: Relaxed cultural immersion + great souvenirs.
2. Hike to Materuni Waterfall
Just outside Moshi lies the beautiful Materuni village, home to one of the region’s highest waterfalls (approx. 80 meters). The short hike passes through lush rainforest and Chagga villages, ideal as a gentle warm-up or recovery hike.
3. Take a Moshi Town Walking Tour
Stroll through the local market, meet friendly vendors, try seasonal fruits, and learn about daily life in Moshi, Tanzania. This is one of the best ways to connect with the local culture.
4. Relax at Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs
After your climb, reward yourself with a soak in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the hot springs, surrounded by palm trees and shaded picnic areas. It’s a magical little oasis less than an hour from town.
5. Enjoy Day Trips from Moshi
Day Trip | Distance | Why Go |
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Lake Chala | ~1 hr | Volcanic crater lake with stunning turquoise water |
Shira Plateau | ~1.5 hrs | High-altitude plateau on Kilimanjaro’s western side |
Marangu Cultural Tour | ~1 hr | Learn about Chagga heritage & visit traditional caves |
Gear Up for Day Trips and Summit Night
Whether you’re hiking to Materuni Waterfall or exploring local coffee plantations, packing smart is essential. For a complete checklist, see our Kilimanjaro Packing List to make sure you have everything from hiking boots to insulated layers for summit night preparation.
Best Cafés & Restaurants in Moshi
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Union Café – Famous for local coffee and fresh pastries
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Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge – Great lunch spot and meeting place
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Maembe Café – Healthy, vegetarian-friendly dishes
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Mimosa Restaurant – Popular for Swahili and international cuisine
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Uhuru Steak House – BBQ and local grilled meats (great for post-climb protein!)
Where to Stay in Moshi
Category | Recommended Option |
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Budget | Climbers Home or Rafiki Backpackers |
Mid-range | Chanya Lodge or Salinero Hotel |
Boutique | More Than A Drop or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel |
Tip: Macpace Tours can pre-book trusted hotels based on your route and arrival time, simply let us know your travel dates.
Practical Travel Tips
Getting There:
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Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) → 45 min drive to Moshi
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Airport transfers can be arranged directly through Macpace Tours
Best Time to Visit:
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Year-round destination
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June–October and January–March have the clearest skies and best weather
Local Essentials:
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Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) – USD accepted in many hotels/tour offices
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Language: Swahili & English widely spoken
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Safety: Moshi is safe and welcoming, just use normal travel awareness
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Dress Code: Casual and respectful (light clothing + modesty in town areas)
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Internet: Wi-Fi available in most cafés and hotels
Make the Most of Your Time in Moshi with Macpace
Whether you need an easy day trip before your trek or a relaxing recovery excursion after summit night, Macpace Tours & Safaris offers flexible add-on experiences in and around Moshi.
We can arrange:
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Guided Moshi town tours
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Coffee & waterfall day trips
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Airport transfers and hotel bookings
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Custom pre/post-climb itineraries
Rest and Acclimatize Before Summit Night
Spending a day or two in Moshi before your climb can help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for summit night. Learn what to expect on Kilimanjaro Summit Night and how proper rest in Moshi contributes to your success at Uhuru Peak.
Ready to explore Moshi, Tanzania as part of your Kilimanjaro adventure?
Contact Macpace Tours & Safaris today and we’ll help design the perfect pre- & post-climb experience.