Moshi Day Trips: The Best Things to Do Near Kilimanjaro, From Waterfalls to Hot Springs

What are the best day trips from Moshi?

The three favorites are Materuni Waterfalls and a coffee tour for scenery and culture, Chemka Hot Springs for an easy day of swimming, and Lake Chala for a walk with a remarkable view. If you are interested in the mountain itself, consider a Kilimanjaro forest hike. For wildlife, see our wildlife day trips.

Moshi day trips at a glance

Prices are per person with two people sharing.

Things to do in Moshi town

You do not always need to leave town. A guided walk takes in the busy central market, with its piles of bananas, spices and secondhand clothes, along with mosques, Hindu temples and churches that show the town's mix of communities. Local cafes serve some of the coffee grown on the slopes above. Early morning is the best time to see Kilimanjaro from town, when the clouds often clear to reveal the snow-capped summit. A bicycle tour is another option, heading out to nearby villages and farms.

A half-day walk makes a good first activity after a long flight, as it keeps you moving and helps you adjust. Ask us if you would like to add a guide. Our Moshi travel guide has more about the town.

Coffee and Chagga culture on Kilimanjaro's slopes

The green slopes above Moshi are home to the Chagga, who built their farms here long before tourists came. A visit to a village such as Materuni or Marangu gives you a real sense of daily life. You might walk through banana groves, watch coffee being roasted, see underground caves that were dug centuries ago for protection and taste local banana beer. This is usually combined with a waterfall walk, and it is a good way to meet the people who live in the shadow of the mountain. See our cultural day trips guide.

The best Moshi day trips before and after a climb

The day before your climb

Keep it easy. A town walk or a visit to Chemka will help you rest, and you will have the evening to prepare your gear. We do not suggest long hikes or a late return, as you need rest and an early night. Be careful with sun and with what you eat, so that you start your climb feeling well.

The day after your climb

Your legs need a rest. Chemka is ideal, or simply take it easy in town and enjoy a good meal. If you still have energy after a day or two, Materuni makes a lovely end to your trip.

What to do with two or three free days in Moshi

With two days, go to Materuni on one and Chemka on the other, for a mix of activity and rest. With three days, add Lake Chala or a day trip to Arusha National Park to see some wildlife. If you have four or more days, you have enough time for a short safari. Our 2-day safari and 3-day safari both start in Moshi.

Half-day options from Moshi

If you have only a morning or an afternoon, you still have choices. A town walk, a coffee tour or a visit to a nearby waterfall in the Marangu area can all fit into a few hours. This works well if you land in the morning and fly out at night, or if you have a free afternoon after a safari. Tell us how much time you have, and we will tell you what is realistic.

How to arrange a day trip from Moshi

Tell us your date, your hotel and how many people are in your group, and we will reply with a written quote. Your trip is private, so you can choose your start time and change the plan with your guide on the day. We collect you from your hotel in Moshi. If you are staying in Arusha or elsewhere, tell us, because the drive time and price will change.

Our guides have worked on Tanzania tours for 7 years. They are graduates of the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, and the National College of Tourism, and they hold certification from those institutions. Tips are not included, and they are appreciated. Common guidance is about $15 to $25 per traveler per day for your guide.

Best time for Moshi day trips

Moshi is pleasant for most of the year. The months from June to October and from January to mid-March are the driest, and they bring the best views of the mountain. The rains from mid-March to May and in November make some paths slippery. Moshi itself is warm, at about 900 meters (2,950 feet), while the slopes above it are cooler, so bring a light layer.

What to bring on a Moshi day trip

Bring comfortable shoes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and some small bills for tips and souvenirs. A warm layer helps on the mountain slopes in the morning, and swimwear and a towel are useful where you might swim. See a travel clinic before your trip, and ask about malaria protection, since Moshi and much of the surrounding lowland carry a risk.

Moshi day trips: your questions answered

How to choose your Moshi day trip

Choose Materuni if you want to do something, Chemka if you want to do nothing, and Lake Chala if you want to get away from it all. Send us your dates, and we will help you plan your time in Moshi.