How to Spend 24 Hours in Moshi Tanzania
Moshi is oftentimes-underestimated destination in Tanzania. Mostly known to travellers as a gateway for Kilimanjaro climbs, but there are so many things to do in Moshi, that will keep you busy for more than a day, if only you give it a chance!
From Arusha, Moshi is a fairly quick ride by bus, about two hours, and so much different! Moshi is laid back town, much more colourful and vibrant than Arusha, and don’t feel stranded while in Moshi, as it offers you some hidden gems. If you want to see rural life in Tanzania, then any of the hikes we listed around Moshi will be good choice as you will be passing through villages and will have a chance to observe how people live their everyday life.
When you only have 24 hours in Moshi you can choose between various day trips and hikes in surrounding Moshi villages, with additional transport Moshi becomes a gateway to less popular, less tourist crowded places from crater lakes to maji moto – in English hot Springs!
In case you dont want to travel out of Moshi, the Moshi Town is still interesting for a stroll on a market and peak into local shops.
Things to Do Around Moshi in One Day – Hiking Through Local Villages
There is plenty of activities in and around Moshi!
Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut
If you cant help your self not to set foot on the paths that lead to mighty Kilimanjaro mountain, but have no time or money to do full Kilimanjaro climb, then a day hike to Mandara hut is great way to test the Marangu route to the first hut on Kilimanjaro.
Day hike starts from Kilimanjaro National park headquarters and the hike will take about 4 to 6 hours to reach Mandara station, depending on how fit you are. Its and easy hike that will reward you with great views all the way to plains in Kenya when you reach Maundi Crater. Hike to Mandara hut is easily done from 9 Am to 5 or 6 PM.
To hike Kilimanaro park, you will need a professional guide and will need to pay a park fee along with showing your passport for registration. Don’t forget it. Day hikes prices to Kilimanjaro start from 150 USD.
Hike to Marangu Waterfalls
Marangu waterfalls hike is another full day thing to do in Moshi. Some travellers like it some are a bit disappointed by waterfalls. It could be slippery terrain so bring sturdy shoes with you.
Make Coffee With Locals
Moshi area is full of coffee plantations and when you hike the paths to the waterfalls you will be walking through banana and coffee plantations. If you love coffee, then what is better than a visit to a private coffee plantation, roast and brew coffee from scratch and cook it the way Tanzanians do, on open fire!
It will be the best organic coffee experience of your life! Farmers have coffee beans in stock, so you can buy directly roasted coffee beans from locals. Half a kilo costs around 8 USD.
Hike to Materuni Waterfalls
Materuni Waterfalls hike from Moshi is not just a hike but only an opportunity to dip in cold lagune beneath the waterfalls. It’s less than an hour walk from nearby village. With 150 m height it is considered the highest waterfall at Kilimanjaro region. If you want to swim in chilly waters don’t forget to bring swimming suit as waterfall lagune is safe for swimming.
Day Trip to Lake Chala
Lake Chala is amazing. True piece of Africa. Bordering on Kenya, and about two hours from Moshi by car. It is perfect choice for those who want to relax by adding a bit of walking around crater lake, enjoy the tranquility of the place and if visiting in the right time of the year, herds of elephants will keep you company in the distance.
The easiest way to Lake Chala is by private transport, since Lake Chala is a bit off-road and not easy to find. If driving on your own, have a gps with you.
It takes a bit more effort to visit by public transport, as you will have to change mini buses till Himo and then in front of the border with Kenya will have to hire a taxi to take you there, to wait for you and take you back to nearest minibus stand.
Trip to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Yes, Tanzania is full of surprises and Kikuletwa springs is one of them! If you want to escape from hustle and bustle in Moshi, Kikuletwa hot springs is the best place to hide. One of the rare places that look exactly the same as you see on the internet pictures. Lagoon has warm water that is pleasant to swim in and little fish nibbling your toes.
There is huge tree with a rope swing that makes the Kikuletwa hotsprings even more enjoyable and fun and opportunity to unleash your inner Tarzan.
Kikuletwa Hotsprings are hour and a half from Moshi, through bumpy roads but the final destination will be totally rewarding. If you have only one day and you love water, pick trip to Kikuletwa hot springs, you wont be sorry.
Things to do in Moshi
Go on Moshi Market
Moshi market is just the right size but so much colourful and vibrant place that should definitely be visited. In case you have to stock your self with some food, its also cheaper than Arusha market. If the season is right, buy some avocados and mangos!
Buy Tanzanian Souvenirs
Souvenirs in Moshi are much cheaper than in Arusha, so grab the opportunity and go for shopping spree for souvenirs. You can find all kinds of souvenirs from all over Tanzania, from Maasai beaded jewellery, stone keychains, wooden bracelets, curio carvings, leather beaded sandals, bags.
Buy Kanga and Other African Fabrics
If you stroll around Moshi town, you will notice many colourful shops with African printed fabrics, that is used for Kanga. Again, like all products in Moshi, fabrics are cheaper too and if you want to take home some nice designs, this is the time for Kanga shopping. If you are impatient, you can find many sewing workshops and ladies will tailor your garment within a day.
My husband would love the coffee part of the trip! He’s obsessed. He already has 10000 coffee gadgets but roasting the beans right from the start is something he’s never done. Thanks for sharing.
Making coffee from almost stage zero truly is an experience! And Moshi is the region where you can do that, right on coffee plantation. Best coffee ever:)
Nice post! I didn’t know much about Moshi and the local villages nearby, but I can see that it really has much to offer! Lake Chala looks so beautiful, I would love to go there sometime.. I will definitely keep these tips in mind! 🙂
Lake Chala is cool, because is quite in remote area on the border with Kenya and you will probably have the property for your self! Highly recommend it.
I loooove hiking and your trip to Materuni Falls looks stunning! I didn’t spend too much time in Tanzania last time so I will have to go back and explore more. Thanks for the travel tips!
You are welcome.Surrounding of Moshi is like Pandoras box, always something to do!
Love the variety of activities to do in Moshi. I bet the views to the plains in Kenya are spectacular! I would definitely enjoy making coffee with the locals, that would be fun 🙂
Coffee making is beyond the fun. Guys from plantation make it a real spectacle!
Wow, so many amazing things to do in Moshi. The hot springs and the Lake Chala would top my list. But then every activity seems so much fun. And thanks for sharing the alternate choice for Kilimanjaro climb 🙂
Kikuletwa hot springs are stunning, such a clear water and even better looking in reality than on photos! Definitely a must do!:)
Hello, thank you very much for all of this information. I have two questions : is it possible to go to Manteruni waterfalls by walk ? The Second one is : is it possible to go to Kikuletwa Hotsprings bu bus ? Thank you very much.
Hello Dominici! Thanks for stopping by. MAteruni village from Moshi is too far to walk, ita takes about 45 minutes with dalla dalla, then another hour to the waterfalls. I highly recommend a guide. Kikulatewa hotsprings by bus – you can take a bus or dalla dalla to Boma town but from there you will need a transport as it is offbeat track, very far, besides i doubt you would find it on your own. The listed guide can arrange you bikes from Boma. So in both ways car is the best option unless you want to do it the hard way:)
Thank you for the tips I have 5 days in Moshi before my trek so I’m keen to try some of these day trips out!! I do have one question wondering if you can help me I want to get my hair braided with the African braids is there lots of places around moshi I can get this done? 🙂
Probably you wont have problem finding someone to do that. Ask in your hotel for hair salons, i wasn’t looking for them so I dont have any info. My impression is, almost every woman knows how to braid hair, so you will probably find someone easily:)