{"id":6032,"date":"2018-08-11T16:58:49","date_gmt":"2018-08-11T16:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=6032"},"modified":"2023-07-21T16:49:26","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T16:49:26","slug":"things-to-do-in-moshi-tanzania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/things-to-do-in-moshi-tanzania\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Moshi, Tanzania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Set on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the sleepy town of Moshi is the getaway for climbers looking to reach Africa\u2019s roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I based myself in Moshi for a week, without *ahem* actually climbing mighty Kilimanjaro. At first glance, there isn\u2019t a plethora of things to do in Moshi, but once you dig a little deeper, this low-key destination is a wide entryway to the rich cultural sphere northern Tanzania has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ironically, the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro are not found in Tanzania. Instead, the iconic picture of Kili you probably know and love is usually shot from Amboseli National Park in Kenya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was incredibly disappointed when I arrived in Moshi only to realize the town that is known as the gateway to Kilimanjaro didn\u2019t boast spectacular views of it, but it was thanks to Liesbeth from Lily\u2019s Travel Plans that I learned about a spectacular place to sit back and grab a beer with a kickass view of Africa\u2019s rooftop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s an old railway station in Moshi that has been abandoned for decades. Moshi\u2019s creative locals decided to turn the ticket booth into a bar where you can come, grab a chair amid the rails, and stare at Mount Kili on a clear afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n
Kilimanjaro\u2026 if you can\u2019t climb it, drink it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One and a half hours away from Moshi, past a gravel road lined by bush and glorious acacia trees, you\u2019ll stumble across my favorite place in the Arusha region and one of my favorite things to do in Moshi: Kikuletwa Hot Springs (also known as Chemka Hot Springs).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hidden amid fig trees, Kikuletwa is a little oasis of crystal-clear waters in the middle of an otherwise arid landscape. Despite the name, the water isn\u2019t actually hot, but instead, it boasts a lovely warm temperature that will get you refreshed from the African heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s also a swing in case you feel in the mood to plunge into the turquoise pool Tarzan-style!<\/p>\n\n\n Set on the slopes of Mount Kili, Kilimanjaro Animal Crew<\/a> was opened to create a safe place for rescued animals in Tanzania. If you love animals, a day trip to this sanctuary should be right at the top of your list of things to do in Moshi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While here, you\u2019ll get to go on walks around the farm with wild monkeys who don\u2019t mind tracking your footsteps, as well as meet the other rescued animals that reside here.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarangire<\/a> is far less visited than its neighboring rivals for reasons I have yet to comprehend. If you\u2019re traveling to Tanzania on a budget and a safari in Ngorongoro<\/a> or the Serengeti is a strain on your wallet, then Tarangire is an incredible choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarangire boasts the largest concentration of elephants in the world, and it\u2019s also home to more than 700 tree-climbing lions. There\u2019s a gigantic waterhole close to the entrance, where giraffes, lions, zebras, and wildebeest gather to drink water, creating a scene straight out of the Lion King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arranging a private tour to Tarangire is easy on the wallet, with prices starting at $175 for a day trip (although I met a girl who got it down to $150).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: Tarangire is only worth visiting between June and October, as the animals migrate out from November to May and there won\u2019t be much to see during those months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite Moshi\u2019s small size, the town is a haven for those who love a good night out. Pamoja Bar is a favorite among expats and seasonal volunteers, and karaoke nights are the norm here. Malindi Club is another popular place to grab a beer and dance to the beat of Tanzanian music, and Fridays are host to local musicians and live music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d rather grab a drink in a more quiet atmosphere, then head to Peter\u2019s Club and Kool Bar (they\u2019re right next to each other), both which are open daily and host an array of drinks and local food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2192 As far as healthcare in Moshi goes, I found it incredible. I had a malaria scare while in Moshi, so I headed to Mawenzi Regional, a public hospital that exceeded my expectations. While the facade looked gritty, the lab was incredibly well-equipped and clean. I got tested for malaria and they didn\u2019t charge me a dime, although first-timers have to pay to register in the Tanzanian health care system (8000 TZS, which is less than $4!). I was tested by a very professional doctor and got results immediately. I highly recommend this place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2192 I stayed at Kilimanjaro Backpackers Hostel<\/a> while in Moshi and absolutely loved it. The hostel was gorgeous, the wifi was quite decent, and it\u2019s located in the best area in town and just a short walk away from Moshi\u2019s bus station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pictures online look terrible, but it was a really nice treehouse-style hostel that offers both dorms and private rooms for very low prices (single rooms for $10, double rooms for $20, and 4-person dorm beds for either $6 or $8). If you\u2019re bunking in a dorm, I recommend you pay the $8 as the cheaper ones are located on the first floor and natural light doesn\u2019t come into the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2192 Tap water in Tanzania isn\u2019t safe to drink, but you can buy water bottles in the numerous local shops in town for as low as 500TZS or get yourself a GRAYL purifying water bottle<\/a>. It eliminates bacteria and viruses from water in a matter of seconds and it\u2019ll allow you to drink from the tap and reduce your plastic waste while in Moshi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2192 If you\u2019re going on safari while in Africa, check out my safari packing list<\/a>, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Meet rescued apes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Go on Safari at Tarangire National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dance the night away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tips for traveling to Moshi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n