Moshi is a town in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It's known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Trails run up the mountain’s cloud-ringed, snow-capped dome, through alpine forests and meadows home to elephants and leopards. One of Tanzania's major coffee-producing hubs, Moshi is known for its coffee farms and auctions.
Moshi is one of tourism centers in the northern safari circuit of Tanzania. The closest tourism spots include Kilimanjaro National Park, Mkomazi National Park, Lake Jipe, and Lake Chala. There are also several waterfalls, natural springs, and tropical forests. Tours can also be arranged from Moshi to other areas such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. The city has several hotels and recreation centers.
Though Moshi is seldom viewed as a travel destination in itself, those who are interested in knowing more about Swahili culture should definitely consider visiting. Numerous local cafes are just right for getting a glimpse into the Tanzanian cuisine, while Moshi curio art shops are among the best places in the region to buy memorable souvenirs with symbols of the country.
Night life in Moshi is always bustling - bars, restaurants and clubs won’t let you get bored, and you’ll always find a place to chill out after a KIlimanjaro hike or safari.
Moshi is also the place from where most Kilimanjaro day hikes start. So no matter who you are - a nature enthusiast or a culture aficionado, Moshi is certainly the best spot to start exploring Tanzania.
Weather
Dry Season
From late June until late October and from early January through early March the streets of Moshi are bustling with the happy tourists from all corners of the world. Brisk and joyful atmosphere makes this time perfect for socializing, finding new friends and adventures.
Rainy Season
The rainy season in Tanzania has two parts: from early March till late June and from late October till early January. Although it is cloudy and damp, this time is nevertheless recommended for those seeking a more reclusive cultural and traveling experience.
Old Moshi
Old Moshi is where everything began. After its founding, the German colonial authorities had to rebuild the town closer to the railroad to make goods transportation easier. However, they failed to suppress the booming of the local culture.
Old Moshi is the cradle of Chagga civilization: here you will see the Swahili world at its rawest, with its bustling markets, street vendors, chatting locals and authentic barbeque cafes. It is a must visit place in the bucket list of each and every culture vulture.
Indelible traces of history are everywhere here, and the conservative colonial past mixes with the dynamic present - Tanzanian women in their traditional attires are walking alongside the Rasta youth with dreadlocks, businessmen in suits and missionary priests in robes, all with colonial architecture, modern buildings and lush verdure in the background. It is an extraordinary spot for culture photographers.
Moshi Airport
The airport of Moshi should not be confused with Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated 40 km westwards from the town of Moshi and serves as the main tourist gateway to Tanzania.
Moshi Airport is conveniently placed in the western part of the town and is mainly used for domestic flights across Tanzania. It takes just 10 minutes to get there from Altezza Lodge and about half an hour from Aishi Machame Hotel.
From there you can fly to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga, Mwanza and other local destinations. Also, the only Mt Kilimanjaro helicopter rescue & transportation service is based there. In case you decide to get down from the summit camps of the mountain by helicopter, the airport of Moshi will be the place you arrive at.
