Moshi is a small, relaxed town at the foot of Kilimanjaro and the usual base for climbers. On a clear morning the mountain's snow-capped summit fills the view from the town centre.
Most visitors are here to climb, and Moshi's role is practical: a night to check gear and meet your crew before the climb, and a night to recover afterwards. But the surrounding foothills are worth exploring in their own right, with coffee farms, waterfalls and Chagga villages on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes.
Moshi is about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and 1-1.5 hours from Arusha, so it is easy to combine a climb with a safari.
Moshi sits at around 800m on the plains below Kilimanjaro, surrounded by sugar cane, coffee and banana farms that climb the mountain's southern slopes into forest.
Moshi is not a wildlife destination, but the forest on the mountain's lower slopes has monkeys and birds.
Kilimanjaro climbs on several routes
Coffee farm tour, from picking to roasting
Materuni waterfall hike
Chagga cultural walks
Local markets in town
Moshi is quieter and slower than Arusha. Before a climb, expect a gear check and briefing with your guide; afterwards, a hot shower and a good meal feel very welcome.
The main climbing windows are roughly late June to October and December to mid-March. Moshi itself is fine to visit all year.
Read our full guide: Planning a Family Safari in Kenya or Tanzania »
About an hour by road from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and 1-1.5 hours from Arusha.
Hotels and lodges for pre- and post-climb nights, generally smaller and calmer than Arusha's.
A licensed guide and crew are required for all Kilimanjaro climbs
Gear can be hired in town
Evenings are cooler than you might expect
Moshi is closer to most trailheads and quieter. Arusha is better if you are also starting a safari.
For a day of coffee, waterfalls and village walks, yes. For wildlife, base yourself near the parks instead.
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