Moshi Town is one of the most visited towns in Tanzania. This is mainly because Moshi is the main gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Many travelers pass through Moshi before starting their Kilimanjaro climb. Moshi Town is located about 45 minutes away from Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a convenient base for climbers and visitors.
Moshi is a small town, but it is well organized and clean. Due to the high number of tourists visiting the area, Moshi has gradually been divided into urban Moshi and rural Moshi. Most local residents now live in rural Moshi, while the town center mainly supports tourism, business, and services linked to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The People of Moshi & Their Culture
The main people living in Moshi are the Chagga people. They speak the Chagga language, but Kiswahili is also widely spoken. The Chagga people are well known for farming. This is because the area around Mount Kilimanjaro has fertile volcanic soils. These soils support farming activities, especially the growing of coffee and bananas. Farming plays an important role in the daily life and economy of the people of Moshi.
Location of Moshi Town
Moshi Town is located in the northern part of Tanzania at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. The town has an estimated population of around 250,000 people and covers an area of about 23 square kilometers.
On the map, Moshi Town can be found at coordinates 3.3430° South and 37.3507° East. Moshi is about an 80 kilometer drive from Arusha, which takes around two hours by road. Kilimanjaro International Airport is located about 42 kilometers from Moshi Town, making air access easy for international visitors.
Places & Attractions to Visit in Moshi
There are several attractions that visitors can explore while staying in Moshi. Popular places include Materuni Village and Materuni Waterfalls, where visitors can learn about local life and enjoy nature. Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, is another common visit for relaxation. Other places include Lake Chala and the Olpopongi Maasai Village, where cultural experiences are offered.
History of Moshi Town, Kilimanjaro
The history of Moshi Town dates back to the late 1880s when the Germans arrived in Tanzania. They established plantations around the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. This led to fast growth of the town. In 1893, the Germans built an army base in Moshi, which is still one of the historical sites visitors can see today.
After World War One, the British took control from the Germans and ruled until Tanzania gained independence in 1961. Many old buildings from both German and British periods still exist in Moshi Town. Today, several of these buildings are used as hotels and tourism offices.
Best Time to Visit Moshi Town
The rainy or low season occurs from March to mid June and from October to November. During this time, fewer visitors are in Moshi. The area remains green, which is good for photography. Rain does not fall all day during this season.
The dry or peak season runs from mid June to September and from December to February. The longer dry period from June to September also matches the wildebeest migration in northern Tanzania, making it a popular time for travel.
