Moshi Town is one of the most visited towns in Tanzania. This is mainly because Moshi is the main link to Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa. Moshi Town is about 45 minutes away from Mount Kilimanjaro. The town itself is small but clean and well organized. Because many tourists visit Moshi, the town has grown and is now divided into urban Moshi and rural Moshi. Most local people live in the rural areas around the town.
Location of Moshi Town
Moshi Town is located in the northern part of Tanzania. It lies at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. The town has a population of about 250,000 people and covers an area of about 23 square kilometers. On the map, Moshi Town is located at coordinates 3.3430° S and 37.3507° E.
Moshi Town is about two hours drive from Arusha, which is roughly 80 kilometers away. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 42 kilometers from Moshi Town, making access easy for travelers.
Moshi Town & Mount Kilimanjaro
Moshi Town lies at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people who plan to climb the mountain usually stay in Moshi before starting their hike. Moshi Town is the last major town before climbing Kilimanjaro. Visitors can buy hiking gear, check equipment, and attend briefing meetings here.
The areas around Moshi are covered with green vegetation and fresh air. Rural Moshi includes places such as Machame, Marangu, and Materuni villages. These areas are well known for farming and mountain views.
The People of Moshi
The main people living in Moshi are the Chagga people. They speak the Chagga language and also Kiswahili. The Chagga are well known for farming because the volcanic soil in this area is very fertile. They grow crops such as coffee and bananas.
Places to Visit in Moshi Town
There are many places to visit while in Moshi Town. Popular attractions include Materuni Village, Materuni Waterfalls, Chemka Hot Springs, Lake Chala, Kikuletwa Hot Springs, and Olpopongi Maasai Village.
History of Moshi Town
In the late 1880s, the Germans arrived in Tanzania and started plantations around Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. This helped Moshi Town grow quickly. In 1893, the Germans built an army base in Moshi, which can still be visited today. The British took control after World War One and ruled until independence in 1961. Many old buildings from German and British times are still found in Moshi Town and are now used as hotels and offices.
