Moshi

Introduction

Moshi Wedding band

© Nat and Ev

Moshi is located in the mountain region of northeast Tanzania and has about 150,000 inhabitants in total. Moshi is a smaller town than Arusha, and is actually closer to Kilimanjaro than Arusha. It is generally a safer and friendlier town with less beggars and harassment. You can see Mount Kilimanjaro on most days, and there is a good hotel called Kinderoko where you can watch the sunset and peep at Kilimanjaro all at the same time. As soon as the sun has set the bugs come out. There are a few chilled out cafes, and internet cafes and there is a pizza place where you can get take-aways too. There is also a local swimming pool where 'half-nakedness is not allowed'. The town is relatively affluent by Tanzanian standards. In addition to being the most popular town to base a Mt Kilimanjaro climb, it is the base for many volunteer organizations. Because of the heavy volume of foreigners, English is pretty well understood by many shops and restaurants. Also, in spite of approximately 35% Islamic population, it is tolerant of foreign lifestyles and dress, although dressing and behaving according to local customs is always advisable. The town is growing quickly and has many more conveniences compared to just a few years ago.

Sights and Activities

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the obvious reason for being in Moshi. Safari is also essential, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park are within a fairly easy distance. Tours can be arranged through several companies, and it is advisable to use common sense when finding a company. Your best bet is to ask other tourists who they used. Or, ask your accommodation for a referral to a safari company. Do not deal with a random person on the street; look for a real office! You can also book ahead of time but you will be spending a lot more. Otherwise, you can almost certainly bargain prices down, within reason.

When you pay for safari most of it goes to cover park fees, lodging, food and gas. The guide gets little money, especially when working for a large organization; most of their income is from tips. Also, if you are traveling with a cook it is a good rule of thumb to tip them as well or to incorporate their wages into the overall tip. For example, on a 3-day safari an estimated tip would be US$50 for each, though if you're traveling with more people this amount is to be divided amongst everyone and if traveling for an extended period of time it would be recommended to tip more. A well paid guide is a happy guide, who will try their hardest and give you the best experience.

Weather

Moshi has a tropical climate with a distinctive dry and wet season. Average daytime temperatures range from around 25 °C in June and July to 33º in January and February, with nights mostly in the 15-19 °C range. The average annual amount of rain is about 1,000 mm, nearly two thirds of that falling between March and May.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport to Moshi is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is located off the main road that connects Arusha and Moshi. Expect about a 45-minute ride between Moshi and JRO. Airlines serving JRO include:

• Precision Air - Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Nairobi
• KLM-Royal Dutch - Amsterdam
• Ethiopian Airlines - Nairobi, Addis Ababa

A few other destinations include Bujumbura, Kigali and Frankfurt. There are seasonal flights to Zürich as well.

Air Tanzania offers its passengers a free shuttle service between JRO and Moshi (departs from/arrives in central Moshi at the Air Tanzania office). Precision Air offers a similar shuttle service for about Ts10,000. Shuttle services are timed to coincide with flight departures and arrivals. Taxi service between JRO and Moshi costs about $50 USD.

By Train

There is a railway station in Moshi, whether or not any scheduled passenger trains even operate is unknown. The condition of the track makes it clear that there are no trains.

By Bus

The main bus terminal is on Mawenzi Road (the main road in Moshi). Several bus operators offer intercity service to Arusha, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Dar es Salaam.

Known shuttle/bus operators include:

• Davanu (to Nairobi approximately 11:30am daily)
• Riverside (to Nairobi approximately 11:30am daily)
• Impala (to Nairobi approximately 06:00am and 12:00pm daily)
• Perfect Trans (to Mombasa)
• Dar Express (to Dar es Salaam)
• Scandanavian (to Dar es Salaam)

By Boat

Not applicable for Moshi.

Getting Around

Moshi is small enough to navigate by foot, but most roads do not have sidewalks so caution is advised.

By Car

Drivers in this region are noted for their recklessness so be careful. Driving is on the left side of the road. There are no traffic signals in Moshi even though the town is in need of some in certain locations. With many bicyclists and pushcarts in town, keep your concentration. Ample parking in town, expect to pay Tsh 500 to park (one payment is valid for parking anywhere in town for the rest of the day). In the past few years, the number of motorcyclists has sky-rocketed. They tend to create their own traffic rules and not very many of them have a valid license, therefore driving defensively is a must.

By Public Transport

Taxis do not have set rates. Be sure to negotiate the price in advance. Most trips in town can be had at Tsh 3,000 or under. Tipping drivers is not expected.

Dala dalas are the public means of transport. Incredibly crowded an uncomfortable if you have long legs and overcrowding of the vehicle is absolutely unbelievable. Be careful of your belongings at all times since pickpockets love the dala-dalas, this included the conductors. Cost for in town trips is Tsh 250.

Boda Bodas are motorcycle taxis. They are so notorious for their reckless driving that some hospitals have an entire ward set aside for boda boda injuries. There are numerous incidences where boda boda drivers have taken customers to remote areas to rob and/or rape. In other words, choose another form of transportation.

Boda-bodas are public transport motorcycles. They are known for being extremely dangerous, not only for their lack of helmets and no adherence to traffic laws, but numerous people have been taken to be robbed and/or raped by the drivers. Many hospitals have their own ward for boda-boda injuries.

By Foot

Moshi is easy enough to negotiate by foot but don't expect too many side-walks outside of the city centre. It takes a bit of concentration walking since the roads and side-walks include numerous opportunities to turn an ankle.

By Bike

There are numerous local bicyclists in Moshi. Expect nothing in the way of bike paths. Concentrate on defensive driving and you will be ok. Don't expect motor vehicles to yield to your right of way. There are several tour companies who offer day bike treks in the area. If you go, make sure that you inspect the bicycle well, since I know of some treks that have been cut short due to poorly maintained equipment. Some companies will show you a nice bike but when you arrive for the actual trek, what is waiting for you might be quite different.

Eat

There are many good places to eat in Moshi. The local diet is healthy, there is an abundance of fresh locally grown vegetables and fruits year round. The local diet is heavy on meats (mostly goat and chicken) served usually with ugali (similar to polenta) or rice. There are many restaurants that cater to tourists with pizza, American fare and Indian food. As for beverages, there are Tanzanian beers widely available. Coca Cola and other sodas are very popular and diet coke is becoming more commonly found. Bottled mineral water is common. Moshi is the headquarters of the Tanzanian Coffee Board. Local residents seem to prefer instant coffee but there have been a pleasant increase in the past two years in the number of coffee shops serving espresso/ cappuccino. Tipping in restaurants is not done by locals but restaurants catering to tourists have become accustomed to small tips.

Among the popular restaurants in town are:

• Indotaliano - Indian, Italian, Pizza (beer, wine);
• Italian Passion - Italian, Pizza (beer, wine);
• Deli Chez - Indian, Chinese, American, Pizza, espresso. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Union Cafe - burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, espresso, cakes;
• Salzberger - steaks, Austrian (beer, wine);
• Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge - sandwiches, espresso;
• The Coffee Shop - sandwiches, espressos; closed on sundays.
• Panda - Chinese (beer, wine);
• Aroma Coffee House - sandwiches, espressos;
• Milans - Indian, all vegetarian. Their menu has expanded to include a good but tiny veggie burger and veggie pizza. Very good value.
• Fifi's - International fare; up-scale for Moshi. Wine and espresso drinks served. Free WiFi (perhaps the only in Moshi). Open 7 days/week.

Drink

As Moshi is situated on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro it is largely populated by members of the Chagga tribe. Chaggas are known for their keen business sense, their warm hospitality and their love of a good drink, so getting a beer in Moshi is rarely much of a problem! In the daytime and early evening you can head to the Police mess, The East Africa Bar, the KNCU restaurant (up on the top floor of the KNCU building) or the Siesta inn (a 15-minute walk from the main street). All these places serve food so you can keep your stomach lined as you sip a few of the fine local beers (don't bother with European imports - they're no better than the local stuff, but considerably more expensive).Some of the local beers are Kilimanjaro, Safari and Tusker. The most common local liquor is Konyagi.

Glacier. A nice outdoors pub usually with local music nights. Mostly meant for group nights out to sit around the fire and a favourite spot for tourists. Located off Lema Road in Shantytown.
Pub Alberto. If you feel the need to keep the party going into the small hours then you'll need to make your way. Open until around 3:30AM, Pub Alberto enjoys a reputation as something of a seedy dive. Indeed, the dance floor is usually a writhing mass of tourists, local people having a good night out, and ladies of negotiable virtue touting for business! If you do go to Pub Alberto then leave your valuables at home and only take the money you'll need for a good night's drinking. It's not as bad as some people make out and as long as you're sensible you'll have a fantastic night!
La Liga. Best and biggest night club in Moshi. It costs TSh 5000 to get in, beers and ciders are TSh 2500. Music is mostly European, but they play also local bongo flavour. Very popular place. Sundays are ladies' night, which means ladies don't have to pay entrance fee.
Honey Badger Lodge (Leila's Bar), Msaranga (6km out of town on the road to Dar es Salaam, turn right at Msaranga petrol station), ☏ +255787730235. till late. A spacious outdoor bar. You can relax and swim in the day and sit by the bar by night.
Pamoja. Relaxed bar and hotspot for volunteers.

Sleep

Be sure to avoid touts. If you are travelling as a couple, a good idea is for one person to sit in a lobby or restaurant with the bags, while the other scopes out rooms. You are likely to get a cheaper price without them, and not be targeted by sneaky touts that will raise the price US$5-10 for you for their commission. Often they follow you and stay outside signaling reception.

Buffalo Hotel, ☏ +255 27 2751754. Cheap but decent. The price is TSh 15,000, 20,000, 25,000, or 30,000 depending on a room type. The hotel is safe and clean with decent food. US$10-15/night.
Camel Hotel. Next door to Kindoroko, rooms with a/c, clean bathroom, double bed. TSh 23,000.
Haria Hotel, ☏ +255 762 358 795. Bright and large rooms with a beautiful roof top bar and restaurant. A popular hotel with volunteers. Dorm TSh 10,000, double TSh 25,000.
Hostel Hoff, ☏ +255 787 225 908. Only Western style hostel in Moshi, run by an Irish woman. Very clean rooms, price includes dinner. Also provides links to local places if interested in volunteering without paying steep costs. Partnered with safari company Path to Africa. The hostel is named after David Hasselhoff. US$15/night.
The Keys Hotel, ☏ +255 (27) 275 2250. Rates are negotiable, staff are friendly, and they do great packages for climbing Kilimanjaro and safaris. Don't expect good service or wake-up calls, the receptionists might be sleeping themselves.
Kilimanjaro Backpackers, Double Rd near Chagga Street, ☏ +255 27 2755159. Clean, simple, and cheap rooms. Avoid eating there. See discussion page for additional comments. Single room is US$8 or TSh 14,000, double room costs US$15 or TSh 24,000 per night. Prices include breakfast. (updated Dec 2012 | edit)
Mt. Inn, P.O. Box 1821 Moshi (Kiborloni), ☏ +255 27 2755622, +255 27 2752998. Mt. Inn is 6 km from Moshi town on road to Marangu, Kilimanjaro National Park. It's a base hotel for climbers plus has a variety of food (Indian and continental) and a swimming pool.
Shira Place Bed & Breakfast, Rose Garden Road, ☏ +255 786 911 030. This very large Mediterranean-style house has 7 bedrooms, a large living room, dining room and kitchen, satellite TV, wireless internet, beautiful gardens and a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. If you want to reserve, ask for Michael. US$25/night. edit
Springlands Hotel, Tembo Road, Pasua Area, Moshi, Tanzania, ☏ +255 - 27 27 53581. Springlands Hotel near Moshi is a good base for mountain walking trips and safaris to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and other wilderness areas in Northern Tanzania. This modern hotel is on the Southern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Tarn Hut Resort (Moshi - Marangu gate road), ☏ +255754492496. 4 km from town center along the road to Dar es Salaam and Marangu gate. Small decent place to stay, friendly services. US$20-40/night.
YMCA Hostel, ☏ +255 27 275 1754. On the edge of downtown towards Shantytown. Has a pool. US$13-28/night.
Zebra Hotel. clean rooms, friendly people and decent food and bar.
Hostel Foot Prince, Soweto. Western style hostel. Price include breakfast and dinner and provide volunteering projects free of charge. Also provides safari and mountain-trekking with the organisation Foot2afrika. US$12-20 depending on duration of stay.
Tembo Tamu Bed and Breakfast, Rau, Moshi (Off Uru Road, past Keys Hotel - 40min walk to town), ☏ +255 757 983 007. A family run bed and breakfast in a village environment. Also able to organise safari and Kilimanjaro climbs. US$20 person.
Twiga Home, Soweto (Soweto Area near Old Moshi airport), ☏ +255 762-035030. Check-out: 11AM. A new and modern hostel/budget hotel in the Soweto Area of Moshi with single and double/twin rooms with or without AC, all with private bathrooms and hot water. Free shuttle to Moshi town, free WiFi, restaurant, bar, garden terrace. Perfect for backpackers, mountain climbers, volunteers. 14 rooms, very friendly staff. US$12-24.
Honey Badger Lodge, Msaranga (6 km out of Moshi town on the Road to DSM, turn right at Msaranga Petrol station), ☏ +255787730235. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A wide range of accommodation options, camping, dorm rooms, self-catered rooms, ensuite rooms. Spacious lush gardens, large clean swimming pool, friendly staff. US$5-60.
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro, ☏ +255 27 2755083. Also available in combination with Expedition Kilimanjaro (see Climbs). US$40-150/night.
Kindoroko Hotel, ☏ +255 27 2754054, +255 27 2750082. Tiny single rooms. Just ask for another room if you can't move. Great double rooms. Awesome roof top restaurant and bar - amazing view of Mt Kilimanjaro! In house tour company offers affordable safari trips to. Works extensively with Expedition Kilimanjaro (see Climbs). US$25-45/night.
Parkview Inn, P.O.Box 373 (Aga khan road), ☏ +255 27 27 50 711. Rooms are well furnished and exceptionally clean. Restaurant and poolside service is available. US$65-120/night.
Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge, ☏ +255 784 392 862. Very unique lodging located 9,600 ft (2,900 m) up Mount Kilimanjaro nestled against the rain forest, near the local Chagga tribe town Uru Shimbwe. Ideal altitude for trekkers to acclimatize a minimum of two days before beginning their planned ascent of Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru. Mini hikes in the rain forest to spectacular waterfalls. Unbelievable view, extremely welcoming staff who will throw a celebration for you when you arrive and immerse you in their "cultural" celebrations later in the night. Owner is very knowledgeable with expeditions (naturally) to Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as safaris to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc., and is willing to organize those trips for you. $30-40/night.
Kibo Executive Lodge. Check-out: 11AM. A small, clean bed and breakfast. Lunches and dinners are also available. Full bar service. Nice outdoor garden in a quiet residential setting. Outdoor seating available for meals or relaxation. Comfortable common area with large LCD cable TV. All rooms ensuite with air conditioning, TV, phone, writing desk and mini fridge. US$60-120.
Sal Salinero Villa Kilimanjaro. Has most facilities, good relaxing in beautiful gardens with pool. US$65-120/night.
Protea Hotel Aishi (outside of Moshi in Machame). US$120-145 /night.
Weru Weru River Lodge (located in the 2-bridge area, 10 km outside Moshi town), ✉ [email protected]. A more western style hotel, Weru Weru River Lodge would be about 4 stars in the US. 32 rooms.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Learn

• Moshi University College of Co-operative and Business Studies
• Moshi Memorial University
• College of African Wildlife Management
• International School Moshi
• Mwenge University College of Education
• Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy

Keep Connected

Internet

Major tourist areas and cities have internet cafes and many hotels offer (free) wifi nowadays. Connections can be slower at more remote places.
Also safari oriented places offer some sort of internet connections as well, by computers or wifi.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The International Dialling Code for Tanzania is +255, followed by area codes (e.g. (0)22 for Dar es Salaam, or (0)27 for Arusha). Calling from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).

There are four cell providers in Tanzania: Zain (the major one), Zantel, Vodacom and Tigo, who all offer roaming facilities. Connections are good in Tanzania, even in places such as Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and some parts of the Serengeti (the western and northern region of the Serengeti not). You can buy the prepaid cards in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. You can even buy a cell phone while in Tanzania. The price for a simple cell phone ranges between $55 and $80.

Avoid roaming charges with you home cellphone and turn it off. Instead, use a local SIM card or just wifi.

Post

Tanzania Posts Corporation is the national postal services of Tanzania. There are post officies in most major cities and towns throughout the country, which are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 9:00am to noon. Services are generally quite reliable though not very fast. Prices for international airmal services start at around 500-600 TSHS to other countries in East Africa and 700-900 TSHS to Europe and North America for postcards and letters up to 20 grams. Small packages start at around 2,000-3,000 TSHS, but it's generally better to do business with international parcel services like TNT, UPS, DHL or FedEx.

Money

Confirm the payment methods for any treks before you reach Moshi, as getting access to the sums required for Kilimanjaro treks can take excessive time once in town. In Tanzania, there is a daily ATM withdrawal limit of Tsh 400,000. Traveler's cheques can be difficult to change - don't bother asking at the local banks, the few foreign exchanges that will exchange them won't provide good rates. Regular currency exchange is limited to US Dollars or British Pounds (don't try to sneak any Scottish Pounds by them!). Only newer issue US notes will be accepted. You will get a higher exchange rate for US$100 notes compared to smaller notes. There are several Exchange Bureaus in town. Many places will also accept USD and in fact may be requested for safaris instead of Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh). Immigration and airports will accept only USD instead of Tsh. As o f Oct 2013, the exchange is approximately US$1 buys Tsh 1,600. By comparison, if you do find a place to exchange travelers checques, expect US$1 to buy Tsh 1,300.

Credit cards are not commonly useful except in a few hotels and some gift shops. Most tour/safari companies do not accept them. Those that do accept them are generally foreign owned and are therefore more expensive priced.

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