'''Moshi''' is in Northeast Tanzania, the mountain region of Tanzania.
Understand
Moshi is home to three main cultural groups, the Chagga, the Maasai and Pare. However most Maasai are employed as watchmen or are selling traditional medicines, their real homes are further north. The Pare are from the Pare Mountains from about 50 km on the way to Dar.
Talk
Usually you will be able to find people with a decent command of English, but people appreciate it if you are able to use a bit of the native language, Swahili. It is recommended to invest in a Swahili phrasebook.
Get in
To get into Tanzania you will first need to obtain a visa. This can be done in your home country by finding an embassy or consulate, or when you arrive in the airport or at a border crossing.
Don't over-economise on bus travel, since the cheaper companies often don't have very high safety standards, and you don't want to risk having a drunk driver. This is a very serious warning!
By plane
'''Kilimanjaro National Airport''' ({{IATA|JRO}}) is approx 30 mins from Moshi and Taxis and Buses are available from each. An approximate cost would be 60,000 TSH, though this all depends on your bartering skills! Flights come from various non-domestic destinations, and this is how most tourists arrive.
Flying into Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) is significantly less expensive than Kilimanjaro, however you will need a Kenyan transit visa and it is an 8 hour bus ride to Moshi.
By bus
Buses arrive in Moshi from all of the main cities in Tanzania, and this is the cheapest way to travel. '''Dar Express''' and '''Kilimanjaro''' bus lines run from Dar es Salaam to Moshi (and beyond/vice versa) at a cost of 20,000 TSH one way and takes around 8 hours. '''Hood''' and '''Abood''' go to Morogoro for TSh13,000/=. Buses also go to Arusha, Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya, Dodoma and Nairobi. All prices are worth bartering for - be aware that the locals will get massively lower prices! The bus station is extremely chaotic, however this can be used to your advantage as it means many drivers are vying for your fare.
Scandinavian bus lines [http://www.scandinaviagroup.com/Scandinavia%20Express/scandinavia_express_routes_index.html] has a website with detailed information regarding routes and prices. ''Prices as of August 2008.''
Get around
No need to do anything other than walk within the city, though it is advised not to be walking around at night for your own safety.
There are plenty of taxis. As always, negotiate a price before getting in (most fares shouldn't cost more than a couple of dollars). It's a good idea to get the mobile phone number of one for emergencies, I recommend this taxi number +255 7456 0648. Always agree a price before you get in the car.
Local transport around Kilimanjaro can be easy if you take local buses called "Daladalas". They are 16 seater minibuses which usually transport about 30 people and/or children and livestock at any given time. Daladalas can be used to go within Moshi or to the surrounding villages, for instance Machame and Marangu, and are very cheap (less than a dollar). Listen to the conductor shouting the destination as they drive past, and feel free to shout your destination to him. They sometimes have stickers in the front window stating where they go to. Local transport should cost between 500/= to 3000 /=.
It's not recommended to travel by daladala or by taxi up muddy tracks if it's been raining very hard. It's also essential to check that the vehicle is in a reasonable state of repair and that the driver is sober.
To hire your own Land Cruiser and driver is around 100,000 TSH a day.
Buy
There are several banks and ATMs located along Boma Road leading from the Clock tower and the major bank, NBC [http://www.nbctz.com/moshi.htm], is located directly opposite the Clock tower, however NBC usually has long lineups and frequent power outages. They all accept international debit cards accredited with the plus logo, and accept VISA credit cards. They deal in local currency, the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). For approximate exchange rate see the Tanzania main listing. To convert currencies there are several foreign exchange offices near the banks.
For souvenirs, Downtown Moshi is probably cheaper than the big 'out-of-town' places for tourists, which hideously overprice things. There are lots of fabric shops up and down the main street, as well as tourist shops selling carvings and paintings. If you do get hassled by street sellers, do not be afraid!! Their only interest is to sell you something. Generally speaking there isn't a lot buy, but a lot to look at. If you've just been up Kili, the 'Just done it' t-shirts are probably worth a look! Or if you've spent a lot of time drinking, you might want to pick up a Safari or Kilimanjaro Lager tshirt!
Cats souvenir Shop. yerere Road. outh towards Mbuyuni Market. am- 6pm mon to sat . Offers souveniers, including a selection of t-shirts. They print their own.
The market is fantastic, and should be thoroughly explored. It consists of many narrow alleyways selling fruit, vegetables, meat, dried fish, general household stuffs, tapes, clothes, and of course the cheapest souvenirs (A drum costing TS30,000 in the main streets would cost TS5,000 here).
Go see Mama Lymo who makes fantastic clothes for men and women. Choose your material and style.
There are several bookstores but most deal primarily with school and religious texts. There are many stationary shops with everything you could need.
Make sure to pick up some cassettes of local music, though you'll probably appreciate them more once you're back home.
See
There isn't very much to see in Moshi, the market can be fun to visit, even if you're not interested in buying something.
There are many religious temples, most notably the mosque near the center of town.
Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery located opposite the magistrates court.
Visit the former German administration office located between Kilimanjaro Co-operative Bank and BP petrol station on Mawenzi Road/Nyerere Road. You can still see the metal pillar which was used for hanging the unfortunate.
There are several smaller communities outside of the main town of Moshi that are worth taking a look around.
Following Kibo Road north out of Moshi you will come to the YMCA and will be in '''Shantytown''' which is an area of relative wealth. Several restaurants are located out here as well as a few hostels and hotels.
Following Station Road out of Moshi to the east you will be in '''Majengo''', a significantly worse off area than main Moshi.
Following Boma Road out of town to the west you will be in '''Soweto''' which has many more expensive homes, and is also home base for a large European volunteer organization. There is the FalconCrest Hotel and Pub, as well as the Scorpion Pub for a night out. There is a good market near the Scorpion Pub.
Do
Climbing/Safari
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the obvious reason for being in Moshi. '''Safari''' is also essential, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park are within a fairly easy distance. Tours can be arranged through several companies, and it is advisable to use common sense when finding a company. Your best bet is to ask other tourists who they used. Or, ask your accommodation for a referral to a safari company. Do not deal with a random person on the street, look for a real office! You can also book ahead of time but you will be spending a lot more.
Remember that when you pay for safari most goes to cover park fees, lodging, food and gas. The guide gets little money, especially when working for a large organization; most of their income is from tips. Also, if you are traveling with a cook it is a good rule of thumb to tip them as well or to incorporate their wages into the overall tip. For example, on a 3 day safari an estimated tip would be $50 for each, though if you're traveling with more people this amount is to be divided amongst everyone and if traveling for an extended period of time it would be recommended to tip more. A well paid guide is a happy guide, who will try their hardest and give you the best experience.
'''Eco Tours''' [http://www.ecotourism-tz.com/safaris_home.htm] was located in Majengo on the main road to Dar. * '''Scenery Safaris''' [http://scenerysafaris.com] on the same road located at the Aventure Restaurant.
'''Porters Association''' located near the Kindoroko Hotel on the double road at Chagga St.
'''Foot2Afrika''' [http://www.foot2afrika.com]
'''Maasai Moja''' [http://maasaimoja.com/]
'''Scenery Safaris Ltd''' [http://www.scenerysafaris.com], tel: (0) 27 27 53006/7, cell: (0) 784 535311, [mailto:simon@scenerysafaris.com simon@scenerysafaris.com]. A fully licenced trekking/safari company run by highly professional staff. Send email or call them and they will send a vehicle to take you to their offices for tour arrangements.
Shah Tours & Travels Ltd. .O.Box 1821 Moshi. ekou Toure Road. 255 27 2752998 , 2752370. ttp://www.kilimanjaro-shah.com. We are Tour Operators located to arrange and operate treks on Mt.Kilimanjaro. The trek starts from the company's base hotel in the foothills - Mt.Inn, where it is possible to supplement "kit" from company's equipment.
Other Activities
'''Cultural trips to Maasai''' villages are very worthwhile and informative, but be aware most of the villages are not authentic.
'''Day trips to Marangu Waterfalls''' are often fun, you can stand underneath the waterfall, even jump off one and go swimming. Day trips to Lake Nyumba ya Mungu can also be interesting, lots of local fishing culture, aloe vera plantations and sugar cane plantations. There is also a snake park and camel riding centre in nearby town Arusha. These can be arranged individually by taking a bus or organizing with a safari company.
'''Walking tours''' across the rice paddys make for a nice day and you can also visit the local forest to see some monkeys! These are usually arranged through a safari company but are significantly less expensive as you are only paying for a single guide.
'''Skydive Kilimanjaro''' [http://www.skydive-kilimanjaro.com/], tel/fax: +255 (0) 27 2751013, Cell: +255 (0) 787 640511. A popular skydiving company run by a nice married couple.
Even if you aren't getting a bus, the bus station is worth visiting for its chaos. It is highly recommended to take a daladala just to be able to say you have, and no doubt you will have an adventure.
If wanting to just have a '''relaxing''' day in Moshi it is recommended to head to the '''Impala Hotel''' where you can relax by the lovely pool (in your bikini and whatnot without fear!) and also enjoy a meal pool side. The cost to hang out by the pool and to go swimming is 3,000 TSH. Meals cost around 5,000TSH.
Another good place '''to go swimming''' is the '''YMCA''' located a bit north of town, and has a large, deep pool.
Volunteer Activities
Moshi is also home to several volunteer organizations though they tend to be very overpriced and badly managed. However, there are many opportunities to volunteer in orphanages, schools and women's centers without being connected to these organizations.
'''Light in Africa''' [http://www.lightinafrica.org/] is a locally managed orphanage (separate for babies, girls and boys), school and dispensary, they have a very informative website, but be warned, you must be dedicated if you are to help out here!
'''Moyo Mmoja''' is a women's center open only to fellow women to volunteer.
For free information on volunteering in Moshi, with links to projects check out '''Hostel Hoff''' [http://www.hostelhoff.com/], they offer accommodation and free volunteer placements, run by the organisation '''Path to Africa'''.
Eat
Most restaurants offer a variety of food and range in price from 2000 TSH upwards to 8000 TSH for a meal.
Restaurants in Moshi:
'''IndoItaliano''', in town opposite the Buffalo Hotel. Good pizza, nice balcony location for lunch or dinner, sometimes you might even see some white people working there, doing their practical training for a chef or a waiter.
'''the Salzburger Cafe''', Kenyatta Street. Somewhat like a steakhouse, decent food but limited menu. restaurant has Volkswagen decor and waitresses wear leopard print outfits, quite interesting.
'''Deli Chez''', Hill Street. Usually a lunch time destination but is open for dinner, a bit expensive, located on Hill Street
'''Coffee Shop''', Hill Street (in the center of town near Deli Chez). The favoured lunch time location for tourists, good soup, spaghetti, milkshakes, very fair prices, and near internet cafes; the coffee shop will also bake cakes on order (for birthdays and such)
'''Tanzanian Coffee Shop''', Chagga Street. The alternative lunch option, very good bagels and fruit & veggie plates, excellent smoothies.
There are also many other nameless restaurants that serve as decent lunchspots, you should look for a busy restaurant, that's always a good sign. If wanting to try the local food ask for ugali (translates as stiff porridge, a bit bland but harmless) or "wali na maharage" (beans and rice).
'''Pub Alberto''' offers BBQ at night inside the pub near the dance floor but it is a bit sketchy.
Heading along the road of the banks and Immigration office there is '''Abba Ali's Hot Bread Shop''' that sells excellent bread, honey, doughnuts and other deserts, especially nice cakes. Opposite the bakery is Aleem's Grocer, a decent grocery store.
A great place to buy groceries is at the local market, which can be found easily from the double roads or the alleyway by the Tanzanian Coffee Shop on Chagga St.
Restaurants outside Moshi:
'''Panda Chinese''', off Lema Road in Shantytown. Run by the only Chinese family in Moshi, decent food, ideal for large groups, a favourite of tourists for dinner.
'''El Rancho''', off Lema Road in Shantytown. Indian food, good dinner location.
'''Italian Passion''', near town. Good wine, decent food, dinner.
'''Impala Hotel''' Ideal for a Sunday afternoon of sitting by the pool and taking lunch.
Drink
As Moshi is situated on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro it is largely populated by members of the Chagga tribe. Chaggas are known for their keen business sense, their warm hospitality and their love of a good drink, so getting a beer in Moshi is rarely much of a problem! In the daytime and early evening you can head to '''the Police mess''', '''The East Africa Bar''', '''the KNCU restaurant''' (up on the top floor of the KNCU building) or '''the Siesta inn''' (a 15 minute walk from the main street). All these places serve food so you can keep your stomach lined as you sip a few of the fine local beers (don't bother with european imports - they're no better than the local stuff, but considerably more expensive).
Some of the '''local beers''' are Kilimanjaro, Safari and Tusker. The most common local liquor is Konyagi.
'''Glacier''' is a nice outdoors pub usually with local music nights. Mostly meant for group nights out to sit around the fire and a favourite spot for tourists. Located off Lema Road in Shantytown.
If you feel the need to keep the party going into the small hours then you'll need to make your way to '''Pub Alberto''' opposite the KNCU building on Kibo Road. Open until around 3:30am, Pub Alberto enjoys a reputation as something of a seedy dive. Indeed, the dance floor is usually a writhing mass of tourists, local people having a good night out, and ladies of negotiable virtue touting for business! If you do go to Pub Alberto then leave your valuables at home and only take the money you'll need for a good night's drinking. It's not as bad as some people make out and as long as you're sensible you'll have a fantastic night!
La Liga. Best and biggest night club in Moshi. It costs 5000 to get in, beers and ciders are 2000tsh. Music is mostly european, but they play also local bongo flavour. Very popular place. Sundays are ladies' night, which means ladies don't have to pay entrance fee.
Sleep
Be sure to avoid touts. If you are travelling as a couple, a good idea is for one person to sit in a lobby or restaurant with the bags, while the other scopes out rooms. You are likely to get a cheaper price without them, and not be targetted by sneaky touts that will raise the price $5-$10 for you for their commision. Often they follow you and stay outside signaling reception.
'''Hostel Hoff''', +255 (0) 787 225 908, [http://www.hostelhoff.com/]. ($15 /night) Only Western style hostel in Moshi, run by an Irish woman. Very clean rooms, price includes dinner. Also provides links to local places if interested in volunteering without paying steep costs. Partnered with safari company Path to Africa. The hostel is named after David Hasselhoff.
'''Kilimanjaro Backpackers''', Double Rd near Chagga Street, +255 27 2755159, [http://www.kilimanjarobackpackers.com/]. Formerly known as Hotel Da Costa. Clean, simple, and cheap rooms. Avoid eating there, but stay as long as you can. A single room is 7 USD or 9,450 shillings and a double room costs 12 USD or 16,200 shillings per night (prices correct as of 12 February 2009). These prices include bed and breakfast.
'''Kindoroko Hotel''', +255 27 2754054/2750082, [http://www.kindorokohotels.com/]. ($15-48 /night) Located on double road. Good view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from roof-top bar. Internet cafe.
'''Camel Hotel''' Next door to Kindoroko, room with a/c, clean bathroom,double bed, TSH23,000.
'''The Keys Hotel''', +255 (27) 275 2250, [http://www.keys-hotel-tours.com/]. Fantastic place to stay, rates are negotiable, but the staff are really friendly, and they do great packages for climbing Kilimanjaro and safaris. Worth a stay with them.
'''Impala Hotel''', just outside Moshi, +255-27-2502962, [http://www.impalahotel.com/]. ($80-213 /night) Very modern and is a recognized chain across Tanzania. Has a lovely pool and wonderful food.
'''Buffalo Hotel''', Tel: +255 27 2751754, [http://www.transkibo.com/hotels/buffalo.htm]. ($10-15 /night) Cheap but decent. The price currently 15,000/= 20,000/=, 25,000/= and 30,000/= depending on a room type. The hotel is safe and clean with decent food.
'''Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro''', Tel: (+255) 27 2755083, [http://www.kiliweb.com/bristol]. ($40-150 /night)
'''Parkview Inn''', +255 27 27 50 711, [http://www.pvim.com/]. Rooms are well furnished and exceptionally clean. Restaurant and poolside service is available. ($40-60 /night)
YMCA Hostel. 255 27 275 1754. $13-28 /night. On the edge of downtown towards Shantytown. Has a pool.
'''Sal Salinero Villa Kilimanjaro''' ($65-$120 /night) has most facilities, good relaxing beautiful gardens with pool.
'''Protea Hotel Aishi''' ($120-145 /night) outside of Moshi in Machame
Haria Hotel. 255 762 358 795. A popular hotel with volunteers.
'''Zebra Hotel'''clean rooms, friendly people and decent food and bar
Tarn Hut Resort. oshi - Marangu gate road. 255754492496. ww.tarnhut.net. 20 - 40/night. Just 4km from town center along the road to Dar es Salaam and Marangu gate. Small decent place to stay, friendly services
Shira Place Bed & Breakfast. ose Garden Road. 255 786 911 030. ttp://www.shiraplace.com. $. Shira Place, ($25 / night)
Moshi's original Bed & Breakfast. This very large mediterranean style house features 7 wonderful bedrooms, large living room, dining room and kitchen, satellite TV, wireless internet, beautiful gardens and a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Contact Michael to make your reservation.</sleep>
Mt.Inn. .O. Box 1821 Moshi. iborloni. 255 27 2755622 , 2752998. Mt. Inn is a base hotel 6 km from Moshi town on road to Marangu,Kilimanjaro National Park.Its a basehotel for climbers plus has a variety of food (indian and continantal)plus a swimming pool.
Osy Grand Hotel. sy Grand Hotel. iadha Street, opp. Akiba Commercial Bank. ust off Market street in the heart of town.. 255 (0) 754 421 220. ttp://www.osygrandhotel.com. 20 . Osy Grand Hotel, +255 (0) 754 421 220, from $20 per person sharing.
Conveniently located in the center of Moshi Town, the Osy Grand Hotel is an architectural work of art. The property is locally owned and caters to mid-range and budget travellers. Enjoy the view of Kilimanjaro as the breeze from the Njoro Forest blows over you. Savor the delicious dishes prepared in our restaurant and rest well in our safe and comfortable surroundings.
</sleep>
Cope
There are several hospitals and dispensaries, most notably '''KCMC''' [http://www.kcmc.ac.tz/]. However to even see a doctor you have to pay around 50,000TSH. There are other clinics in Moshi but again there is usually a charge just for admittance. If you travel just outside Moshi to the village of Soweto there is '''St. Joseph's Hospital''' (10 minutes by taxi), run by nuns, and you only pay for tests and medication.
There are many different religious centers, a large mosque is present in town, there is a prominent Catholic Diocese [http://moshidiocese.org/index.cfm], a Sikh Temple, plus many others. There are many churches which have both English and Swahili services.
There are dental services in town, just look around. There are also optometrists with very decent prices for glasses!
The Immigration office is located up Boma Rd from the Clock Tower, just a bit further than the banks. You can renew visas here.
There are several banks with 24 hour ATM machines. They are usually protected round the clock by an armed guard.
There are several Forex Bureaux De Change in Moshi that charge reasonable rates. Most hotels will also exchange travellers cheques, although at a less favourable rate. It's not impossible to pay for general goods and services in US dollars, although locals prefer shillings.
Respect
Moshi does not have a large Muslim population and it is also a popular tourist destination so most will not be offended by your clothing choices. However, for women, it is recommended to cover up for your own sake because you will get bothered by local men.
Contact
There is a '''post office''' near the Clock Tower on Market St. for mailing letters and packages, you can also rent a p.o.box. Stamp prices to Europe are 600 TSH, to Canada/US they are 800 TSH. There is also a DHL office opposite the Dar Express office on Station Rd.
There are several internet cafes in town, two are located Hill Street near the Coffee Shop, Fahari and '''[http://www.dumainternet.com/ Duma]''' (beside The Coffee Shop). Duma acts as a safari tour operator as well as an internet cafe. Located near the Clock Tower is one called EasyCom. Rates for usage vary, but usually around 1500 TSH per hour. Another cafe, called '''Dot Cafe''', is situated near the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Ltd. (TANESCO) on Rengua Street. The first internet cafe in Moshi, '''Twiga''' is located on Old Moshi Road, up the road from KNCU Hotel. It offers fast internet connection. They also rent out novels, movies and have trekking/camping equipment for hire.
If your phone operates on GSM 900/1800 and uses a SIM card then you can buy a Tanzanian SIM card (Vodacom or CelTel) (cost is 1000 TSH). You can also buy a phone locally for around $50. You have to prepay for minutes by buying credit.
All internet cafes in Moshi use the same backhaul internet connection, so if the connection is down in one cafe, it's usually down in them all.
Some internet cafes offer Skype, although others allege that internet telephone services are illegal in Tanzania (presumably because the state owns the telephone system and does not want to loose out on international phone charges).
Get out
You can get to Zanzibar in one day, if you take the early bus (6.30am) to Dar es Salaam, operated by '''Dar Express''', and from there take the ferry at 16.00pm to Stone Town. The Dar Express office is located near the clock roundabout on Station Rd, opposite the Kahawa house.