There are a number of great day trip options from Moshi to explore
during a layover day or stretch your legs after a long flight to
Tanzania. From local culture and food tours to day hikes and hot springs
there are lots of fun options. Here are three favorites from our staff
and past guests:
Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour
This option is perfect for climbers who get to Tanzania a little early and want to stretch their legs after a long flight.
This half day trip takes you to the Materuni Waterfalls, a short
drive outside of Moshi town. Situated in the cultivation zone of
Kilimanjaro, getting to this waterfall is a beautiful way to stretch
your legs and enjoy the lush countryside along the foot of Kilimanjaro.
After your visit to the falls you’ll pass through a traditional
Chagga farm and coffee plantation. The Chagga people have lived and
farmed in the foothills around Kilimanjaro for generations and will
happily show you the history in their coffee plantations. You’ll be
given a delicious meal of fresh fruits and traditional Tanzanian foods
harvested in the hills nearby.
Your guide will explain the history and cultivation practices used by the Chagga people and lead you on a tour of the cultivated coffee plants. You will learn about the full life cycle of the coffee plant from berry to cup, and have the chance to enjoy a delicious sample of their coffee roasted for you during the tour.
Rundugai Hot Springs
Where the waterfall is the perfect pre-climb trip, the hot springs
are a wonderful way to relax and stretch out after your return from the
mountain. A beautiful oasis about 1 hour outside of Moshi, these hot
springs are a hidden gem, and the perfect way to loosen up before your
flight home.
The Rundugai Hot Springs rest in the shade and stay a comfortable warm temperature year round. Crystal clear water with small fish and a mellow current, these pools are the perfect spot to enjoy the Tanzanian sun and relax after your climb. We include your lunch, private driver, and entry permits, so all you need to bring is a swimsuit to enjoy this beautiful getaway spot.
Chagga and Maasai Cultural Tours
The region around Kilimanjaro is home to many tribes and cultures
with rich histories and traditions. The Chagga people are the largest
community in the area, but there are communities of nomadic Maasai as
well. We can arrange a day trip for you to learn more about these
cultures, hiking through the beautiful hills and cultivated land outside
of Moshi, speaking with community leaders, and learning their history
first hand.
You’ll share a home cooked traditional lunch with members of the
community and have the chance to learn more about the people who have
called Kilimanjaro home for centuries. This is a favorite option for
those looking to understand more about Tanzania’s history and indigenous
peoples.
Street Markets and Art Galleries
Moshi is home to a large local street market where everything from
fresh fruit to suits are sold. The market spreads across several streets
and is in the city center, it can be fun to go walkthrough and pick out
some local fruit for your lunch or some fresh coffee to take home. You
may find some small trinkets you like, but be warned that most of it
will be counterfeit or lower quality than you might expect.
Moshi also has a large painting and artistic community. You will see small stands selling locally produced paintings of wildlife, Kilimanjaro, and Masai tribes all over Moshi. There are a few dedicated stores and galleries around town as well which show the highest quality works in a more traditional setting, such as the Blue Zebra Art Studio. Paintings, wood carvings, and beautiful leatherwork are all common, and a few places sell certified Tanzanite, a beautiful blue gemstone found only in Tanzania. You can read more about this precious stone here.
We can set you up with one of our drivers to spend the morning visiting the market and art galleries and help you find what you’re looking for.
Photo Credits: Robert Hatch
