Major city · Tanzania
Moshi
Base in Moshi for 2 nights before or after a Kilimanjaro climb: it is 30–45 min from JRO airport and cheaper than Arusha.
Moshi is the Kilimanjaro town: most travellers pass through on the way to a climb or a northern-circuit safari, and the town itself needs a day. It sits at about 900 m on the southern slope, 30–45 min from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and about 1 h 30 min by road from Arusha. Use it for a rest day, a coffee or waterfall day trip, and gear shopping before the mountain.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TZS
- Best months
- Jun–Oct (dry, clear summit views), Jan–Feb (short dry window)
- avoid Apr–May (long rains, muddy trails), Nov (short rains)
- Airports
- JRO · DAR
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Tanzania ↗Apply for the Tanzania e-visa only on the official immigration portal; Zanzibar and, from 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania each require their own US$44 inbound insurance bought from the state insurer's site.
- Tanzania ↗Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or connect through a risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia; see a travel clinic about malaria several weeks ahead.
- Tanzania ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you arrive.
- Tanzania ↗Light aircraft between parks and to Zanzibar have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Moshi112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Moshi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).Tanzania-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodacom, Airtel, Yas (Tigo) and Halotel sell SIMs at airports; registration takes fingerprints and a passport.Tanzania-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; lodges provide filtered water.Tanzania-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% where no service charge.Tanzania-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Tanzania-wide
- SafetyMoshi is calm in daylight and the main risks are traffic, dark streets after 19:00 and unlicensed climb or safari touts.Moshi is calm in daylight and the main risks are traffic, dark streets after 7:00 PM and unlicensed climb or safari touts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and lodges; long-drops at some gates and picnic sites; squat toilets at bus stops.Tanzania-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 114 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close public holidays; on Zanzibar many local restaurants close by day in Ramadan.Tanzania-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJRO Kilimanjaro International Airport (About 30–45 min by road; taxi about TSh 60,000, shared shuttle cheaper).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in daylight.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or soft drinkTSh 1,500–4,000
- BeerBeer (local lager) in a barTSh 3,000–5,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in townTSh 5,000–15,000, agree first
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personTZS 25,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomTZS 140,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomTZS 300,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget TZS 60,000 · Mid TZS 130,000 · High TZS 260,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JRO Kilimanjaro International Airport (About 30–45 min by road; taxi about TSh 60,000, shared shuttle cheaper) · DAR Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam (Often cheaper flights; then 7–8 h by bus to Moshi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jun (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Apr (18 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Moshi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
18 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
16 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
14 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in daylight. Taxis are plentiful: agree the fare before you get in, most trips in town are a few dollars. Daladalas (16-seat minibuses) run to Machame, Marangu and nearby villages for under a dollar; they are cheap but crowded and slow. Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are the most dangerous option. A Land Cruiser with driver for a day is around TSh 100,000.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Marangu and the waterfalls
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Daladala or taxi to Marangu, then a local guide on foot
Chagga villages, coffee and a swim under the falls; agree the guide fee first.
Machame trailhead area
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Daladala or taxi south-west of town
Rainforest walking and coffee farms; the trailhead itself is for climbers.
Lake Nyumba ya Mungu
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way
Bus or organised trip east
Fishing culture, aloe and sugar cane; a long day, arrange transport in advance.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or shuttle from the Moshi bus stand
Useful for onward safaris and flights; see the Arusha page.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Moshi town centre (around Mawenzi Road and the market)
Walkable to banks, ATMs, restaurants and the bus stand; best for one or two nights with bags.
Shantytown / Kibo Road north
Quieter, more guesthouses and lodges with gardens; 10–15 min by taxi or daladala from the centre.
Soweto / Boma Road west
Larger houses and a few hotels and pubs; useful if you have a car or driver.
Msaranga and the Dar es Salaam road
Lodges and campsites 6 km (3.7 mi) out of town; good for families and pre-climb rest, but you need a taxi for everything.Lodges and campsites 3.7 mi (6 km) out of town; good for families and pre-climb rest, but you need a taxi for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- TSh 60,000–110,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- TSh 110,000–220,000 excl. bed
- High
- TSh 220,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × TZS 140,000 | TZS 280,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × TZS 130,000 | TZS 520,000 |
| JRO airport taxi to Moshi, one way1 × TZS 60,000 | TZS 60,000 |
| Daladala ride in town or to a nearby village2 × TZS 2,000 | TZS 4,000 |
| Day trip with a local guide2 × TZS 60,000 | TZS 120,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × TZS 25,000 | TZS 50,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | TZS 103,400 |
| Trip total≈ TZS 284,400 per person per day, bed included | TZS 1,137,400 |
2026 estimate in Tanzanian shillings; climb and safari fees excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Meal in a local restaurant | TSh 2,000–8,000 |
| Beer (local lager) in a bar | TSh 3,000–5,000 |
| Coffee or soft drink | TSh 1,500–4,000 |
| Taxi in town | TSh 5,000–15,000, agree first |
| Daladala ride | TSh 500–3,000 |
| Land Cruiser with driver, per day | about TSh 100,000 |
| Motorcycle hire, per day | about TSh 35,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not walk around town after dark; take a taxi even for short trips.
- Use a real office and a licensed operator for climbs and safaris, never a person who approaches you on the street.
- Cheap bus companies have poor safety records; pay more for a reputable line.
- Boda boda drivers can be reckless; if you ride, check the helmet strap and never at night.
- Bring US cash or use bank ATMs (Stanbic, Equity, I&M, KCB, DTB) — cards can be blocked abroad; tell your bank you are travelling.
- Traveller's cheques are effectively unusable in Moshi; do not rely on them.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 114
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MoshiMoshi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Kwa anwani hii, tafadhaliTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Fire114
Embassy
Most embassies are in Dar es Salaam; the US and several European countries have honorary consulates or representatives in Arusha (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- JRO → Moshi, taxi: about TSh 60,000, 30–45 min
- Moshi → Arusha, bus: about TSh 5,000–10,000, 1 h 30 min (check)
- Moshi → Dar es Salaam, bus: about TSh 20,000, 7–8 h
Say or show
- Jambo — Hello (JAM-bo)
- Asante — Thank you (a-SAN-te)
- Bei gani? — How much is it? (BAY GAH-nee)
- Choo kiko wapi? — Where is the toilet? (CHO KEE-ko WAH-pee)
- Sitaki, asante — I don't want it, thank you (see-TAH-kee, a-SAN-te)
- Nisaidie — Help (nee-sah-EE-dee-ay)
Carry some US dollars cash as a backup; ATMs in town take Visa and Mastercard.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Moshi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct (dry, clear summit views), Jan–Feb (short dry window) · avoid Apr–May (long rains, muddy trails), Nov (short rains) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares