Size: 43 sq km (27 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Region.
Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the town of Moshi, Tanzania is the coffee producing centre of the country. All around the town, and on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, vast plantations of coffee blanket the area. Coffee is a mainstay of life in Moshi, and the seasonal coffee auctions, when wholesale coffee is bidded for by international buyers, packaged, and sold, is an event not to be missed if you’re in town. In addition to the coffee auction, Moshi’s coffee roasting factory is a sweet-smelling insight into the production of this famous beverage. Sugar plantations are also of central importance to the region’s economy, and can be seen outside of town. Cultural tourism programmes can arrange short hikes and day-trips to tribes and villages, and also tours of nearby crops and coffee farms.
Walks around the town of Moshi, Tanzania and a trip to the coffee auction that is held here are activities of interest to passing visitors, but the main reason visitors come to Moshi is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the mountain whose thick clouds and snow-capped peak towers over the agricultural town. Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions depart from the town into Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park early in the morning, before the clouds that cluster daily around the mountaintop have risen, and when the air is fresh and cool. Whether you’re in Moshi Tanzania to scale to the top of Africa or learn more about coffee growing and production, Moshi is a quiet haven of tranquil peace whose quiet streets offer a warm welcome in a beautiful setting.
How to Get There
Moshi's primary port of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airporth (JRO) used on domestic routes by Air Tanzania and Precision Air and by KLM/Air France on iInternational routes. Moshi is 128 km (80 miles) from Arusha Town and about a one hour's drive from JRO)
What To Do
One can combing any of the six usual trekking routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro or other more-demanding mountaineering routes with a Tanzania safari adventure. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Trout fishing. Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain's southeastern slopes.
When To Do
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Accommodation
Stay at the New Arusha Hotel, Impala Hotel or the Mount Meru Hotel in the city or the Ngaro Sero Lodge with its charm or the Mountain Village with its beautiful gardens.
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