Moshi

Moshi

Moshi is a lively town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of Africa’s highest peak. It’s the gateway for treks up the mountain, but also a pleasant place to explore on its own. Bustling markets, coffee plantations, and a welcoming local atmosphere make Moshi a town worth wandering. It’s also a popular hub for international volunteers, adding to its cosmopolitan feel.

1. Things to do in Moshi
2. Restaurant tips
3. To: Lushoto
4. To: West Kilimanjaro
5. To: Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha

• Chemka Hot Springs – About 40 km from Moshi lies this lush oasis, also called Kikuletwa or Chemka. The crystal-clear pools are shaded by fig trees and are perfect for swimming or picnicking. Despite the name (“cooking”), the water is pleasantly warm. Getting there takes approximately 90 minutes: drive via Boma Ng’ombe, then 17 km on a rough track — go slowly!

• Coffee tour – Visit one of the many coffee plantations around Moshi. Learn about cultivation, harvesting, and roasting, and enjoy a tasting. Some tours also include a visit to the local coffee auction.

• Day hikes on Kilimanjaro – If you’re not trekking to the summit, you can still sample the mountain. Simba Farm and Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel both offer guided day hikes into the lower slopes.

• Kuonana Africa Restaurant – Home-style Tanzanian cooking in a leafy courtyard.

• Jackfruit Café – A relaxed garden café with continental dishes.

• More Than A Drop Restaurant – A social enterprise training local women in hospitality. Serves tasty Italian dishes like bruschetta and pasta.

• Maembe Café & Lounge (Maembe Garden) – Leafy garden setting, great for brunch or light meals.

Distance & time

• 255 km | 6 hrs

Route

• From Moshi, head east on the A23.
• After approximately 30 km, turn right at Mount Meru Filling Station onto the B1.
• Follow the B1 for 200 km to Mombo.
• In Mombo, turn left at Usambara Filling Station.
• The road then winds uphill into the Usambara Mountains until you reach Lushoto.

On the way

• Good tarmac, but expect many speed bumps.
• Enjoy the views of sisal plantations and the Pare Mountains on your left.
• From Mombo, the climb into the Usambaras offers beautiful scenery.

Tip

• Carry a packed lunch — there are few places to stop.
• If you’d like to stop somewhere, Liverpool Hotel in Mombo is a decent option.

Distance & time

• 75 km | 2 hrs

Route

• Exit Moshi heading west on the A23.
• Continue to Boma La Ng’ombe.
• At Panone Petrol Station (on your left), turn right.
• After ~28 km, reach a junction:

• • Straight → Simba Farm

  • Left → Original Maasai Lodge

Distances & time

• Moshi → JRO: 42 km | 1.5 hrs (depending on traffic)
• Moshi → Arusha: 83 km | 3 hrs (depending on traffic)