13 Best Things to Do in Moshi, Tanzania
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time traveling in Tanzania, I can attest to the fact that Moshi has quickly become one of my favorite destinations in the country.
Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences that are truly unique. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, immersing yourself in the local culture, or simply relaxing and unwinding, Moshi has something for everyone. In this post, I’ll share my top 13 favorite things to do in Moshi, Tanzania.
Table of Contents
13 Best Things to do in Moshi
- Climb Kilimanjaro (Of Course!)
- Swim at Kikuletwa Hot Springs
- Meet rescued apes
- Go on Safari at Tarangire National Park
- Dance the night away
- Take a Bike Tour
- Visit Lake Chala
- Take a Coffee and Materuni Waterfall Tour
- Go Shopping at the Local Markets
- Take a Cookery Class
- Learn Swahili
- Pampered at the Lala Salama Spa
- Head up mount maru
| Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Climb Kilimanjaro | Varies | 5-9 days |
| Swim at Kikuletwa Hot Springs | $10 | 2-3 hours |
| Meet Rescued Apes | $40 | 2-3 hours |
| Safari at Tarangire National Park | $150-200 | Full day |
| Dance the Night Away | Free (drinks extra) | Evening |
| Take a Bike Tour | $30-50 | 2-4 hours |
| Visit Lake Chala | $20 | Half day |
| Take a Coffee and Materuni Waterfall Tour | $30-50 | Half day |
| Go Shopping at the Local Markets | Free (shopping extra) | 1-2 hours |
| Take a Cookery Class | $30-50 | Half day |
| Learn Swahili | $100-200 | 1-2 weeks |
| Get Pampered at the Lala Salama Spa | $50-100 | 1-2 hours |
| Head up Mount Maru | Free | Half day |
1. Climb Kilimanjaro
No trip to Moshi would be complete without attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. While the trek up the mountain is certainly challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Not only will you get to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, but you’ll also have the opportunity to push yourself physically and mentally in ways that you never thought possible.
2. Swim at Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Located just a short drive from Moshi, Kikuletwa Hot Springs is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and towering palm trees. It’s the perfect spot to cool off after a long day of hiking or sightseeing.
3. Meet Rescued Apes
Moshi is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries that are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have been orphaned, injured, or abused. One such sanctuary is the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, where visitors can meet some of the rescued apes and learn about the important work being done to protect these incredible animals.
4. Go on Safari at Tarangire National Park
Located just a few hours from Moshi, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and underrated safari destinations. Here, you can spot a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes, as well as hundreds of species of birds.
5. Dance the Night Away
If you’re in the mood for a night out, Moshi has a number of fun and lively bars and clubs where you can dance the night away. Some of the most popular spots include Roots Bar, Club 333, and Saluti.
6. Take a Bike Tour
For a more active way to explore Moshi and its surroundings, consider taking a bike tour. There are a number of companies that offer guided bike tours of the town and the surrounding countryside, allowing you to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time.
7. Visit Lake Chala
Located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Chala is a stunning crater lake that is surrounded by lush forest and towering cliffs. Here, you can take a swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
8. Take a Coffee and Materuni Waterfall Tour
Tanzania is known for its delicious coffee, and Moshi is a great place to learn more about the coffee-making process. Consider taking a coffee tour to see how the beans are grown, harvested, and roasted. Afterward, you can visit nearby Materuni Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush forest.
9. Go Shopping at the Local Markets
Moshi is home to a number of colorful and vibrant local markets, where you can find everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to fresh produce and spices. Some of the most popular markets include the Moshi Central Market and the Masai Market.
10. Take a Cookery Class
If you’re interested in learning more about Tanzanian cuisine, consider taking a cookery class. There are a number of cooking schools in Moshi that offer classes on everything from traditional stews and soups to delicious snacks and desserts.
11. Learn Swahili
Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, and learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in helping you connect with the local people. There are a number of language schools in Moshi that offer Swahili classes for visitors.
One language school in Moshi that offers Swahili classes for visitors is the Kilimanjaro Language Institute. They offer a variety of programs and classes for all levels of Swahili learners.
12. Get Pampered at the Lala Salama Spa
After a long day of hiking or sightseeing, there’s nothing better than a relaxing massage or spa treatment. Lala Salama Spa is one of the best spas in Moshi, offering a wide range of treatments and services to help you unwind and recharge.
13. Head up Mount Maru
While Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly the most famous mountain in Moshi, there are plenty of other peaks to explore as well. Mount Maru is a great alternative for those who want to experience the thrill of hiking up a mountain without the crowds and expense of Kilimanjaro. From the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Kilimanjaro, the town of Moshi, and the surrounding landscape.
Summary
In conclusion, Moshi, Tanzania is a truly special destination that offers visitors a wide range of experiences and activities. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain, go on safari, or simply relax and unwind, Moshi has something for everyone. So why not start planning your trip today?
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