Moshi – a beautiful city in Tanzania, at the foothills of KilimanjaroWelcome to Moshi, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region, just south of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. This is not just a base for trekking the mountain: it’s a place where lush coffee farms meet smiling locals, where you’ll hear Swahili greetings as you wander the streets, and where green hills roll gently into the horizon. Moshi is situated at around 890 meters (2,920 ft) above sea level and is considered the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Nestled in the slopes of Africa’s greatest mountain and surrounded by the volcanic peaks of nearby Mount Meru, Moshi offers postcard-like vistas that draw travellers, volunteers, and nature lovers. From the colourful open-air markets to the local cafés brewing rich Tanzanian Arabica coffee, Moshi invites you to slow down, connect with people and landscape, and soak up a journey that is as much about giving back as it is about ticking off adventures. If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity in a nature-soaked destination where you can unwind in the old-fashioned and slow-paced way, Moshi will be right up your alley. Is Moshi a safe city?One of the most common questions volunteers would have is whether Moshi is safe. The good news is: yes, it is generally considered safe. Moshi is a welcoming, medium-sized town with a friendly community vibe, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers, volunteers, and first-time visitors to Tanzania. Local hostels and volunteering organisations like us emphasise secure accommodation and support for guests. Basic precautions must be kept, like anywhere else, such as keeping your valuables secure, avoiding going out solo at night in darker streets, and using public or reliable transport for local commute or day travel. Although most volunteers feel generally safe even when staying alone, this is due to friendly hosts and a society well-adjusted to international visitors. When you arrive in Moshi, the locals can mostly tell that you’re a volunteer, and you’ll find people ready to help with tips, map directions, and a warm welcome. In fact, you may feel like a minor celebrity as you walk through town! Especially with the children calling out “mzungu” (white person) and hoping that you will wave back to them. |
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“Moshi is a great town with lots of food places and interesting weekend trips available whilst you are volunteering. I would highly recommend doing a safari and climbing Kili- as they say you only live once!”
There are many restaurants, Western and local, in Mosh, so there is never a problem finding somewhere to eat for lunch! Local spots offer generous portions at affordable prices. Western cuisine is comparatively expensive but still cheaper than what you’re used to back home. You will find Indian restaurants influenced by the town’s Asian community. You can also explore the supermarkets here as you’ll get almost everything there in case you’ve missed bringing.
Moshi has a lively nightlife with many bars and nightclubs that can be great fun on the weekends to hang out with other volunteers in Tanzania! From Malindi’s live music and karaoke nights to Redstone, Black Diamond, and Bikers Bar, to having a cold beer at the rooftop bars with majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will have abundant options. Swimming is also a popular activity amongst the volunteers around town.
Moshi is close to Arusha National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, the Pare Mountains, and the Northern Safari Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, etc). You are a one-day journey or short flight from Zanzibar Island, the coastal area of Pangani, or visiting the Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
If you want to find out what you can do during your stay, we have prepared a list of tourism activities during volunteering in Tanzania that you are sure to enjoy!
Done with the summit, or perhaps you opted for a more relaxed stay? Either way, Moshi offers plenty to keep you inspired, rested, and curious. Here are some top experiences to keep you in motion after (or instead of) putting on your trekking boots:
Just a short drive from Moshi, the village of Marangu is the gateway to one of the classic routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend a day absorbing the slower pace of Chagga village life here, explore the trails that lead up to Marangu Hut, walk through forested slopes, and visit local banana and coffee farms. Many day-trippers choose Marangu for the blend of nature, culture, and gentle activity.
Escape the hustle and head out to the beautiful Kikuletwa Hot Springs (also known as Chemka Hot Springs). Located around an hour or so from Moshi, this geothermal oasis lies beneath fig trees and invites a refreshing dip in clear waters surrounded by bush and birdlife. It’s a soothing treat after trekking or volunteering.
If tranquillity is on your mind, the crater lake known as Lake Chala sits close to the Tanzanian-Kenyan border and is a hidden gem. Surrounded by near-vertical cliffs and shimmering water, it’s perfect for kayaking, picnicking, or simply breathing in the stillness. Swimming may be restricted, but the views will stay with you.
A favourite for many, the Materuni Waterfalls lie north of Moshi and reward you with a lush hike through coffee and banana plantations, culminating in a dramatic waterfall drop. At the same time, you can join a coffee tour, soak in local stories, and taste beans grown on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Back in town, take your time to wander Moshi’s markets, sip freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee, chat with local artisans, and take in the rhythm of daily life. Whether you choose a guided walk or stroll solo, Mundane moments here become rich memories, and you’ll find more to do than you expected.
For a deeper nature experience, join a walk through the Rau Forest (or similar montane forest near Moshi) where you’ll find birds, wildflowers, and views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. Ideal for early risers, this nature escape offers soft adventure and plenty of fresh mountain air. (Note: specific formal tours may vary; local guides in Moshi can point you here.)
If you see culture through a food lens, then a cooking class in Moshi will let you be engrossed in picking fresh produce, experiencing local farmers’ markets, and learning the secrets of Tanzanian dishes like ugali, mtori (banana-based stew), and sip on freshly roasted coffee.
Doesn’t matter if you’re visiting to volunteer, trek the mighty slopes of Kilimanjaro, or just come to soak up the Tanzanian life, Moshi town has something for you to enjoy. From warm people to wild waterfalls, from cityscape to natural landscapes, you will return rich in experience from this town in Northern Tanzania.
That is Moshi. It is a great town and one you are sure to end up loving!
