Moshi, Tanzania Travel Guide

In the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is Tanzania’s smallest municipality. This is the city of Moshi. 184,292 inhabitants have their home here. This is probably due to the city’s fantastic educational opportunities. Moshi is enriched with both primary schools, agricultural schools, universities, English schools and much more.

In Swahili, Moshi means smoke . The name alludes to the cloud of smoke that hangs over the city all year round. The smoke comes from the steaming of agricultural crops that takes place all year round in Moshi. Despite the cloud, the city is often considered Tanzania’s cleanest city.

Moshi’s location

According to physicscat, about 80 kilometers south of the border with Kenya, lies the city of Moshi. It is the lowest slopes at Kilimanjaro mountain that hide the 59 km2 city. Most often, Moshi is visited by tourists heading towards Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Many mountaineers spend the night in the city, during their hike by the mountain. The small airport in Moshi, also allows the tourists to fly to the city and begin their adventure journey from there.

Experiences in Moshi

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Due to Moshi’s perfect location at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, of course, it is obvious to explore a bit of the mountain. Whether you are the big climber, or just want to hike on the lower ladders in the mountain, there is definitely an experience to pick up here.

Among the locals, Kilimanjaro is also called the “roof of Africa” . The term must represent the possibility of having an entire continent under one’s feet. The top of the mountain, 5895 meters up, is also Africa’s highest point. It is also said that there is volcanic activity at the top of the mountain. However, it is about 100,000 years since the dormant volcano last erupted.

Around Kilimanjaro, finds have been made which indicate that throughout the mountain’s history, animals have been hunted and plants collected here. in the forests, in the low-lying parts of Kilimanjaro, there are still animals to be found. The black and white Colobus monkeys, with the funny tails, live here, among other things. Bird life is also widely represented in the area.

Kikuletwa heat source

Several tourists describe this attraction as a hidden gem , and it is well understood. Just over an hour’s drive from Moshi, tucked away behind overgrown terrain, lies the Kikuletwa heat sources. The area by the hearty springs is not overrun by tourists, despite the fact that more and more people are opening their eyes to the heat sources.

From Moshi onwards, one can often order a driver, which can clearly be recommended. The roads between Moshi and Kikuletwa are extra winding and filled with bumps. The ride requires a little confidence in the driver and peace of mind, but don’t worry – the locals are used to the bumpy roads.

The springs are well worth the drive. The water has a perfectly adequate temperature and is so clear that you can spot the fish swimming around your feet. There is room for pure relaxation, and many tourists use the place as a break, from the scorching heat of the cities.

Lake Chala

A day trip to the crater lake Chala, can be used both for relaxation, but also for hiking in the surrounding area. From the higher points you have a great view of the water. It takes a bit of you to climb down the crater to the lake, but it can easily be done.

Down by the lake you can swim and laze all day. It is also possible to rent kayaks by the lake. A boat trip on the lake is extremely beautiful. Whether you experience the color of the water as dark blue, green or turquoise depends on the season. If you have the desire and opportunity, you can cross the lake in a few hours. At the shore on the other side, you enter Kenya directly.

Crocodiles used to live in the lake, but after a woman lost her life back in 2002, the place has been cleared of wild predators. Therefore, the lake is to this day, completely safe to swim in. Located around the lake you will find cozy bars where you can enjoy exotic drinks. Furthermore, it is possible to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Olpopongi village

Not far from Moshi, lies the small village of Olpopongi. The village is set up as a kind of “living museum” . That is, the Masai people who live here live here all year round, while their livelihood is to showcase their culture to tourists. However, that does not change the sincere kindness of the residents.

During your stay in Olpopongi, there will be some different activities. Among other things, you can drink tea with the city’s oldest woman and watch the Masai people’s dance performance. In the evening, everyone gathers around bonfires for singing and storytelling. The money you pay at the entrance to the village goes directly to the Masai community.

Kibo Tower

Kibo Tower is a shopping mall in Moshi where there are good shopping opportunities. For tourists, Kibo Tower is the place where the best gifts, for loved ones at home, are purchased. In the ten-storey high center, there are shops selling everything from carved masks and beautiful paintings, to handmade jewelry and wooden figures.

Moshi, Tanzania

Dodoma’s history

German military camp

During the German occupation of East Africa, Moshi was made into a German military camp. The camp of 1893, went under the German name Neu-Moschi . The city was relatively deserted until 1912, when the northern railway reached Moshi. The railway continues to extend from the area of ​​Dar-es-Salaam, and on to the town of Tanga.

It was not until 1956 that the area of ​​the German military camp was considered and accepted as a city. About 30 years later, the city of Moshi was established as one of Tanzania’s 26 municipalities. It is still the two ethnic peoples Pare and Chagga who reside in the city.

Huge palette of study opportunities

To this day, the city is most of all known for its wonderful educational opportunities. Over time, therefore, there are also many students who have moved to Moshi. Here are universities within subjects such as. medicine, orthopedics, Catholicism and African wildlife.

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