The Various Awesome Things to Do in Moshi Tanzania

Moshi, Tanzania Offers a Wide Range of 24 Exciting Opportunities

Arusha and Moshi are two of the most popular cities to visit in Tanzania if you’re planning a journey to the country’s northern regions. Trying to choose one or the other, or both, as your primary residence?

Northern Circuit safaris (the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, etc.) often begin at Arusha, whereas Kilimanjaro excursions begin in Moshi.

In terms of distance from the airport, they’re about the same (Moshi is slightly closer, but they’re both wonderful places).

Smaller and calmer than Arusha, but with the bonus of Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, Moshi is a better choice than the bigger city.

On my Tanzania group tours, I want to show my clients the ‘in-between’ sites and the major bucket list stuff that Tanzania offers (renowned to the rest of Africa).

The Following are Our Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Moshi Town:

Read my post on day trips and activities in and around Arusha if you’d want to combine your stay in one city with a visit to the other, as the distance is just a couple of hours.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro’s Summit is the First Phase.

My top priority of things to do in Moshi is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing peak globally and the highest in Africa.

I’ve already climbed and summited Kilimanjaro twice, but I’d like to do so again!

Between six and eight days are required for the climb, with one day on either side of the ascent for acclimatization. I strongly recommend spending a few days in Moshi before embarking on your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro (as seen by this list of activities to do in Moshi).

Here you’ll find my best tips and tricks for completing Kilimanjaro.

2. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a Day.

If you don’t have the time or the will to scale Kilimanjaro, a day excursion can give you a taste.

Marangu Hut (the “Coca-Cola Route”) is the first stop on the Marangu Route; this is the most popular climb, and you’ll be back in time for dinner before you know it.

3. Making a Stop at Kikuletwa Hot Springs.

The Kikuletwa or Chemka Hot Springs, also known as ‘Maji Moto’ in Swahili, are closer to Moshi than Arusha.

Driving through the arid countryside, past Maasai settlements, with just acacia trees for the company, takes around an hour and a half from Moshi and should be on your list of things to do in Moshi.

Chemka is a genuine haven, a fig-lined geothermal pool. After a tough day of hiking on Kilimanjaro, a pleasant dip in the lukewarm water is the perfect way to cool off.

It’s always busy because it’s a popular day excursion from Moshi, but weekends, when volunteers and residents alike go to relax, are the busiest times.

Only a bar and a snack stand selling Mayai chips (chip omelet) serve as the only amenities. Squat toilets are also available. Change rooms are available, although they’re practically nothing more than a wall of palm tree fronds.

If you bring your tents and camping gear, you can also camp there. Participants must pay an entry fee of 10,000 Tanzania shillings and a camping cost of 15,000 Tanzania shillings to participate. The price of a dala-dala is 1000 Tanzania shillings to the springs or 5,000 Tanzania shillings or more through piki-piki (motorbike).

4. Taking a Cycling Expedition.

A bike tour is a popular day trip option in and around Moshi and you should consider adding a bike tour to your things to do in Moshi list.

Kili Bike Experiences has something for everyone, from day treks to multi-day expeditions.

The alternatives are nearly limitless when biking about town, visiting hot springs, or mountain biking!

5. Making a Stop at Lake Chala.

One of Tanzania’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Chala, is located about 1.5 hours from Moshi. The lake‘s color fluctuates depending on the season and for this reason, consider a visit to Lake Chala among your list of things to do in Moshi.

You can go hiking, kayaking, or fishing in this location. Swimmability in the lake is usually unrestricted, but that may not be the case this time around.

A visit to Marangu village could be a possible addition to this tour.

6. Visiting the Marangu and the Kilasiya Waterfall in the Marangu District.

A visit to Marangu hamlet outside Moshi is a worthwhile side excursion for anyone visiting the area and this activity cant miss on your things to do in Moshi. The Marangu path up Kilimanjaro begins in Marangu village, so you’ll likely see hikers ready to ascent when you arrive.

Explore the Chagga Caves, which were used by women and children as a haven during the conflicts between the Chagga and Maasai over 200 years ago.

The Kilasiya Waterfall will also be a part of your adventure. A traditional Chagga meal, a coffee tour, and a taste of banana beer are all common features of these outings.

7. Explore the Materuni Coffee Estate and Waterfall.

It’s essential to see the Materuni hamlet and waterfall, just like it is on the Marangu excursion.

Before traveling to a local homestead to partake in traditional Chagga cuisine, learn how to make coffee, and sing along to Chagga music while drinking banana beer, you’ll travel through the forest to the stunning Materuni waterfall (shown below). 

8. Shopping Expedition While Visiting Local Vendors.

I’m a huge fan of African markets, and Moshi is a great place to visit! Moshi’s markets are a great place to get a sense of the residents’ daily life, and I strongly recommend adding them to your things to do in Moshi bucket list.

A wide range of goods is available at the markets, including textiles (known as kitenge and kangas – what the native women wear) and souvenirs and food.

The following are the key markets for Moshi:

• The Memorial Market: is a great place to spend an hour or two wandering and shopping for cheap clothing just outside the town of Soweto.
• The Mbunyuni Market: Also known as the ‘Big Market,’ this is the location to shop for everything.

Taking a dala dala to Soweto and then to Mbunyuni Market in the town center is an option.

Some Maasai marketplaces take place on Mondays as well. On the route to Chemka Hot Springs, I stopped at one in Rundugai.

9. Grasping the Natural Splendor of Rau Forest.

If you’re looking to get away from the city for a few hours, Rau Forest is a great place to go.

Among the many activities available to you are going on a nature walk, seeing a herbalist, viewing birds, cycling, or visiting the Sacred Tree while keeping an eye out for the Colobus white and black monkeys. This is a great activity for nature lovers who love peace and serenity, if you are one of the nature lovers add a visit to the Rau forest to your list of things to do in Moshi.

10. Sign up for a Cooking Course.

You can get a sense of a country’s culture through its food, and the best way to do so is to learn to cook it yourself. Each lesson includes a trip to a local market where you can buy the ingredients for your meal. Cooking is such a fun activity for including in your own things to do in Moshi list.

Here you’ll find a wonderful recipes for Tanzanian food – https://unitedrepublicoftanzania.com/topic/tanzania-culture/tanzania-food-recipes-traditional/

11. Learn the Swahili Language.

Why not learn a few words in Swahili while you’re here? Even if you can only speak a few words of Swahili, you will be regarded as an asset.

If you’re planning on visiting East Africa, you’ll want to brush up on your Swahili language skills here.

12. Visits to the Maasai Tribes.

In your things to do in Moshi list, consider finding the time to learn about the Maasai, who live mostly in Kenya and northern Tanzania.

The following are three Maasai tours that I would recommend:

• Alpha’s Oserok Expeditions: Chemka Hot Springs is only a short distance away from his hamlet; thus, the two can be integrated into a one-day trip.
• Frank’s Magofu Trails: The owner and operator in Engaruka, his home hamlet, is located just outside of Arusha.
• With the last located south of Arusha, the Loiborsoit community can be found here for additional information.

13. The Old Train Station is a Great Place to Relax with a Drink.

As recently as a few months ago, Moshi’s Old Railway Station was practically vacant except for the ticket booth, which had been transformed into a small bar.

Lili, a former travel blogger turned tour guide, brought me to Moshi at first; she now runs a terrific Mawezi Adventures business. Their services include organizing safaris, day trips to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and other excursions.

Locals and foreigners alike fell in love with this cozy bar, a great spot to chill with a beer and take in the scenery. The view of Mount Kilimanjaro from here is unsurpassed from the city, which enhances the experience.

The Moshi-Dar es-Salaam train tracks have been reopened, but the bar is still operating.

14. Get Out of the City and Check out Lake Jipe Between Tanzania-Kenya.

Lake Jipe, located about two hours from Moshi on the Tanzanian/Kenyan border, is another lake worth visiting. The visit to lake Jipe is worth considering on your things to do in Moshi.

Visit the lake’s fishing villages, go on reed canoe safaris (like those in the Okavango Delta), walk safaris, or fish.

If you’re lucky, you might even see elephants in the vicinity.

15. Try Your Luck at the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon.

Are you physically fit? You can run the Kilimanjaro Marathon in February.

It’s important to remember that Moshi is located at a high altitude, so give yourself time to adjust before making the trip!

16. A trip to Shirikisha.

Those who are deaf or who want to make a difference in the lives of others in Moshi can find an incredible social enterprise called Shirikisha.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you can browse for wallets, bags, table mats, and aprons at the center, relax in their garden or join in one of their rake workshops. On Saturdays, they also host a farmer’s market. For all humanitarians, this is an activity that should be on top of your things to do in Moshi list.

Several of the town’s eateries sell their wares, so look for them there.

17. The Lala Salama Spa is Another Perfect Place to Relax and Unwind.

Lala Salama Spa, located near the YWCA Moshi, is a good place to relax after a strenuous Kilimanjaro climb or a marathon.

As a social enterprise started by a woman who graduated from Give a Heart to Africa (GHTA), a women’s empowerment organization, they offer massages, pedicures, body cleanses, and waxing treatments. The GHTA receives a share of the proceeds from its gain.

18. Farms Owned by Makoa.

On Kilimanjaro’s foothills, Makoa Farm is a must-see thing to do in Moshi for animal lovers.

They offer day trips to the farm and Arusha National Park for short visits around the neighborhood and horseback riding.

Located in this area is the Kilimanjaro Animal CREW (Tanzania Center for Rescue, Education, and Wildlife). They care for animals that have been injured or orphaned. You’ll be able to go on adventures with monkeys and meet a variety of different critters.

19. Purchase a Product from the Moshi Mamas.

Founded by alumni of the Give a Heart to Africa campaign, Moshi Mamas is yet another craft cooperative.

Products made from kitenge cloth can be purchased here. Accessories such as jewelry, purses, dog coats, and other handicrafts are also available. Stanbic Bank is across the street from the YWCA, where they are located.

You can find their products in local lodgings and cafeterias.

20. Relax by the Pool During the Daytime.

So, you’re in luck since your hotel offers a swimming pool! But if you arent that lucky, you can always spend the day at one of these hotel’s swimming pools; consider the Kili Wonders Hotel, the Honey Badger Lodge, the Ameg Lodge, or the Weru Weru River Lodge for their amazing swimming facility.

21. Check out Uhuru Park for a Peaceful Stroll.

Located right in the heart of town, Uhuru Park is the perfect place to get some fresh air without traveling far and should be on your list of things to do in Moshi.

22. Experience and Get the Taste of the Local Dining Options

There are a lot of great eateries and cafes in Moshi. The following are some of my favorites:

• Indo Italiano is one of my favorite places to eat in Moshi, and I stop there anytime I’m there. In terms of cuisine, they are experts in both Italian and Indian. My favorite pizza topping is curry sauce, which I use to dip my pizza crust.
• More Than A Drop is one of my favorite eateries. The restaurant at more than a drop double as a training facility for young women interested in pursuing professions in the hospitality industry and a fantastic vegetarian dining option.
• Pamoja Cafe is a blend of indigenous and international food. They harbor karaoke, drinks, and BBQ parties every Thursday.
• At Fifi’s, you get free wifi, delicious burgers, salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
• Union Coffee is a famous meeting place in the city. Menu items include various sandwich options, salads, and desserts with the most exceptional coffee.
• Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge is a casual environment with a large selection of sandwiches, salads, spaghetti, soups, and an amazing cup of coffee.
• It’s called Maembe because of the mango trees in the restaurant’s garden, Swahili for mango. They deliver an extensive menu.
• The Secret Garden Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, where I’ve been several times, features an excellent restaurant and bar with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• The Green Bamboo Restaurant is reserved for Nyama Choma lovers (roasted meat) who will enjoy this location.
• Jay’s Kitchen is a famous Korean-themed restaurant that’s been around for a long time.
• Restaurant Milan is a popular Indian destination for both residents and tourists vegetarian.
• Kili Kahawa Lounge has an extensive selection of burgers, subs, salads, snacks, among other African dishes.
• The Taj Mahal offers kebabs, grilled chicken, Mayai chips, etc.
• Eat at East Africa Pub for Nyama Choma meals, like the Mbuzi (goat), Kuku (chicken), and ugali, a local favorite.
• The Mimosa restaurant features an extensive menu and a wide range of special occasions and various events held at Uhuru Park; it’s a great place to have brunch.
• When you think about El Rancho, you might picture a Spanish or Mexican restaurant, but it’s a terrific Indian restaurant.
• Chrisburgers’ extensive menu includes everything international and local, from hamburgers to Indian dishes, such as samosas and fruit drinks.
• Ubuntu adorable cafe serves vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in addition to a wide selection of other cuisines.
• Nyama Choma lovers, look no further than Rau Pub (barbecued meat).
• Africa House is a favorite hangout for backpackers. It is located near Rafiki Backpackers in Moshi.
• Another wonderful spec is Mama Freddie’s food from the Swahili culture. Rafiki Backpackers is nearby.
• The samosas at Pandya Tea Room are gossiped to be the best in town.
• Excellent food and service for Veggies and Vegans can be found at The Kitchen Flavour Restaurant.

23. Going Out to Bars and Clubs to Have a Wonderful Time.

The nightlife in Moshi and Arusha is second to none. In my opinion, these are some of the best sites to add to your list of things to do in Moshi for a visit:

• Redstone is the place to be if you search for a sizeable nightclub with activities indoors and outdoors.
• Alberto’s Pub is a friendly bar/club. Pub Alberto’s Tanzanian music has kept me dancing my ass off for a few nights with Bongo Flava.
• Moshi’s most popular nightclub, Black Diamond, is located directly across the street from Pub Alberto.
• On the Old Railway, during a clear day, you’ll see Mount Kili from this vantage point, as previously mentioned. They only had a beer at my previous visit and were out of cider, and there was no wine or spirits.
• Pub Alberto’s neighbor, the Kool Bar, has a great pool room.
• I went to Biker’s Bar & Grill only once a few years ago, but I had a great time. I met a lot of intriguing folks as a result of my trip.
• Pamoja Bar is a well-known destination for a cool drink.
• Peter’s Club is also another place to go for a drink and a good conversation.
• Malindi’s is always karaoke and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
• There’s a lovely patio and a large grill area at Kaka’s Pub & Restaurant, where you can get some of Tanzania’s best Kuku (chicken).

You’ll want to inquire around when you arrive, especially when you want to fulfill your things to do in Moshi bucket list.

24. Relax at One of the Resorts Lodgings

• The reservations at Rafiki Guesthouses have a great outlook and are close to the city center, making it a great place to meet other tourists. 
•  More Than a Drop is another favorite hangout in Moshi, the reservation that I now call home. They’re a mix of a vocational school and a B&B. Breakfast in their peaceful garden, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of my favorite parts of the day. Also, they have a beautiful restaurant open for dinner in the evening. It’s a great place because the female employees are so attractive and welcoming. 
• The Secret Garden is another great B&B with a superb restaurant and astonishing views of Mount Kili. The African-themed decor in their rooms is wonderful. In my opinion, the rooms in the main house are better than those outside. 
• The Honey Badger Lodge is a nice and welcoming motel in a beautiful location. In addition, they have dorm-style rooms for large groups to accommodate huge groups. 
• Ameg Lodge is a cozy inn with a restaurant, spa, and fitness center tucked away in lush grounds. Of course, the Mount Kilimanjaro view is a must-see. 
• I stayed here at Kili Wonders before and after my second ascent of Kilimanjaro. After a long hike, you’ll be glad you stayed at this hotel, which features a beautiful pool, tasty meals, and, most importantly, comfortable beds and a hot shower. Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from its rooftop bar. 
• The Pink Flamingo style=”font-weight: 400″> is a charming boutique hotel in the outskirts of town with lovely amenities, comfortable rooms, and a kind staff. Apart from that, there are private pools for families in two of the resort’s cottages. 
• The Kaliwa Lodge features Weru Weru Rift and Mount Kilimanjaro, located on Machame Road, about 30 minutes outside town. Located just 20 minutes from the Kilimanjaro gate, it’s an ideal site to begin your mountain ascent via the Machame route. 

I hope these 24 Moshi-related activities provided helpful tips to you. Please let us know if you have any ideas. Give more feedback on what you think in the comments!

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