Things to do in Moshi, Tanzania: Top tours near Kilimanjaro.
Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi town serves as the main entry point to Africa’s tallest peak and is the administrative center of the Kilimanjaro region. It is the largest urban area in the vicinity and a cultural hub for the Chagga people. With its relaxed atmosphere and low-rise buildings, Moshi offers a serene escape for visitors.
This article will delve into the highlights of Moshi and its surroundings, covering natural attractions, local cuisine, and the rich heritage of the Chagga community.
As the closest city to Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a key stop for travelers exploring northern Tanzania. The town provides diverse leisure activities, from sightseeing and cultural experiences to city tours and shopping.
Popular excursions include trips to Materuni Waterfall and Chemka Hot Springs, wildlife safaris in nearby national parks, coffee plantation tours, food-tasting experiences at local cafés, and interactions with local communities to learn about their customs and way of life.
For those looking for unique adventures, options such as lake kayaking, helicopter tours around Kilimanjaro, golfing, and birdwatching are also available.
1. Materuni Waterfall and local coffee tours
The lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are home to several stunning waterfalls, with Materuni Waterfall being the most well-known. Located in Materuni village, about a 30-minute drive from Moshi town, this natural wonder attracts visitors seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.
The tour begins with a scenic hike through lush landscapes leading to the waterfall. Along the way, visitors can admire panoramic views of the Mware River valley, the foothills of Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding plains. The route also offers glimpses of daily village life, and lucky hikers may even spot vibrant chameleons camouflaged among the bushes.
After about a 30-minute trek, the breathtaking Materuni Waterfall comes into view, cascading from a height of roughly 80 meters (262 feet). During the rainy season, the waterfall is especially powerful, creating an even more impressive sight. On clear days, the water in the natural pool below is inviting for a refreshing dip, though it remains quite chilly.
Coffee Experience in Materuni
The second part of the tour delves into the region’s rich coffee-growing tradition. For over a century, local farmers have cultivated high-quality Arabica coffee on Kilimanjaro’s fertile slopes. Visitors get hands-on experience with the traditional coffee-making process, from husking and roasting beans to grinding them using a wooden mortar and brewing them over an open fire. This immersive activity is often accompanied by the energetic songs and dances of the Chagga people, who are known for their expertise in coffee production.
The tour concludes with a taste of freshly brewed Kilimanjaro Arabica coffee and a traditional Tanzanian meal. Guests are served local specialties such as mtori (a stew made with meat and bananas), rice, bean stew, and a variety of leafy greens known as mboga.
On clear days, the dining area offers a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak, making this experience not only cultural but also visually unforgettable.
2. Chemka hot springs
Just a short distance from Moshi lies a hidden gem that offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, is a natural oasis featuring crystal-clear, warm pools surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. This picturesque setting is a favorite among photographers, as it resembles the kind of paradise usually found on remote tropical islands—yet it sits right in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
This geothermal spring is fed by underground freshwater sources, creating a continuous flow that keeps the water exceptionally clear. The pools connect to a nearby river, and the gentle current helps maintain their purity. With depths reaching up to 10 meters (30 feet), the springs provide a great opportunity for snorkeling, where visitors may spot small fish and, occasionally, monitor lizards basking nearby.
Year-Round Swimming in Warm Waters
Often referred to as Maji Moto (Swahili for “hot water”), Chemka maintains a pleasant temperature of around 27°C (81°F) year-round, making it a perfect spot for swimming at any time.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to enjoy Kikuletwa Hot Springs is in the early morning before larger crowds arrive. As the day progresses, the area becomes livelier, with local visitors bringing music, setting up barbecue grills, and making the atmosphere more vibrant. A popular attraction here is a tree swing overlooking the water, allowing adventurous swimmers to make dramatic jumps into the pool. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, inflatable rings are available for rent.
Seasonal Safety Considerations
While Chemka is generally safe, it’s important to note that during the low season (April-May), crocodiles have occasionally been spotted in the area. For this reason, it’s best to visit outside of this period to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. Rau Nature Forest Reserve
Just 3 km (1.8 miles) southeast of Moshi lies Rau Forest Reserve, a hidden natural retreat featuring pristine groundwater, fresh air, and the Rau River, which originates from Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes. Visitors can explore the area through guided walks or by renting bicycles for a scenic ride.
Tour Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Unlike more popular tourist destinations, Rau remains relatively undiscovered, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate tranquility and nature. Spending a few hours here offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Unique Flora and Wildlife
Rau Forest Reserve spans 5.8 square kilometers (2.2 square miles) and is home to 71 different tree species, including the rare Prioria msoo, a durable legume tree found only in Tanzania and Kenya. Another remarkable tree within the reserve is the African teak (Milicia excelsa), locally known as mvule. This ancient tree, estimated to be around 200 years old and reaching 51 meters (167 feet) in height, is the largest and oldest of its kind in Tanzania. Its bark is traditionally used in local rituals and medicine.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
While exploring the forest, visitors may encounter colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and small forest antelopes. The area also hosts a variety of butterflies, birds, and insects, while the nearby rice fields attract waterfowl, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
A Relaxing Natural Escape
A designated picnic area near the ancient African teak offers a peaceful setting to unwind. Whether walking, cycling or simply observing wildlife, Rau Forest Reserve provides a refreshing nature experience away from the crowds.
4. Lake Chala
East of Moshi, right on the border with Kenya, lies Lake Chala. This stunning crater lake is known for its unique geography. Formed 250,000 years ago, the lake was filled with groundwater and is now nestled within the high stone walls of the crater. Its shores are lined with trees, providing a favorite playground for monkeys. The lake’s azure-blue surface shifts in color, reflecting the changing light conditions throughout the day.
People visit Lake Chala mainly for kayaking. Though this crater lake isn’t very large, it has more than four square kilometers (1.5 square miles) of surface area, providing plenty of space for paddling. Interestingly, the border between Tanzania and Kenya runs right through the middle of the lake, dividing it almost evenly between the two countries.
The area around Lake Chala is home to colobus monkeys, baboons, and blue monkeys. Visitors can also spot small dik-diks and various bird species, including numerous raptors. Occasionally, large elands and elephants can be seen near the lake as they migrate between Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park and Tanzania.
5. Mkomazi National Park
Another park located relatively close to Moshi is Mkomazi It’s a tranquil national park that isn’t among the most frequented in northern Tanzania, making it especially attractive to travelers who wish to escape the crowds.
Duration of the tour: 1 to 3 days.
Mkomazi National Park is undoubtedly one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. This park remains largely off the radar for most tour operators and travelers. However, it offers a wealth of sights: surrounded by mountains, it boasts vast plains inhabited by large herds of elephants and numerous giraffes. There are also two sanctuaries dedicated to rare animals.
- Black Rhinos
- African wild dogs.
The black rhino is a rare species on the brink of extinction, and in Mkomazi, you’re likely to see them up close.
The African wild dog is another species that relies on human intervention for its survival. It is classified as endangered. In Mkomazi, you can see these wild dogs in a large enclosure, where they’re bred for other parks.
Although the chances of spotting wildlife in Mkomazi may not be as high as in the Ngorongoro Crater, many animals still roam the area. Many animals, including lions, roam large territories, often crossing into Western Tsavo in Kenya.
Mkomazi is a great choice for birdwatchers looking for a peaceful spot away from the tourist crowds. If you appreciate solitude, you’ll love exploring this hidden gem.
We recommend spending not just one but two to three days in Mkomazi. Its remote location and lower animal density make it ideal for extended exploration. If you have the time, Mkomazi is a fantastic choice for enjoying a peaceful retreat in the wilderness.
6. Cultural tours in Chagga and Maasai villages
For those interested in the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of local communities, Moshi and its surroundings offer thematic museums and authentic villages to explore. The region is primarily inhabited by the Chagga people, and as you walk through the city and visit nearby villages, you’ll frequently encounter members of this community.
You can visit Marangu village, the main historical settlement of the Chagga people, which is located about an hour’s drive from the center of Moshi. In Marangu, you’ll discover a Chagga museum, ancient caves where locals once sought refuge from raids, and important memorial sites significant to the community.
In contrast, the Maasai are a nomadic tribe, which often makes engaging with their culture more accessible. You’re likely to see Maasai men in Moshi. Dressed in their traditional checkered shuka wraps, they do their daily activities or sell shoes on the street. In some countryside hotels, Maasai dances and songs are a popular ritual for welcoming guests. To the west of Kilimanjaro, you can find Maasai villages with locals eager to share insights into their community’s daily life.
