Set against the backdrop of Africa’s largest peak—Mount Kilimanjaro—Moshi is a chilled-out town that draws in serious trekkers wanting to summit the famous peak. Although coffee tourism and visits to hot springs and waterfalls are among the most popular things to do in Moshi, trekking Kili (as it’s affectionately known) is the main focus here. Choose a day trek that takes you a short way up the mountain, or go for a multi-night expedition and make your way up to the very top.
If you plan to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, you're best off visiting Moshi during the main June–October dry season (which also coincides with the Great Migration) or during the shorter dry season, which runs from January through mid-March. If you're using Moshi as a base for safaris or trips to area attractions such as coffee plantations, consider visiting in May—during the tail-end of the rainy season—when crowds are fewer.
Moshi is an easy-to-navigate town with traditional taxis, dala dalas (shared minibuses), and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) widely available. If you’re staying in the heart of town, you can also easily get around on foot. Tours and excursions typically include transportation and pickup from area hotels, so you won't have to worry about finding your way to a central meeting point.
If you want to give back while enjoying tasty Tanzanian fare, head to More Than a Drop, a restaurant and bed-and-breakfast that provides hospitality training for young women from local communities. There’s a handful of hotel rooms if you want to spend the night, or you can sit down for a filling meal at the nonprofit’s student-run restaurant.
