Moshi is a very small, welcoming town. It will give you a good introduction into Tanzanian culture. With positive attitude, some patience and right expectations, you will enjoy every minute in this town. Here is how to spend one day in Moshi, Tanzania.
Is it safe to walk in Moshi?
I have read about safety in Tanzania in general when I was planning to how to spend one day in Moshi, Tanzania. Now, that I have visited Moshi, I can confidently say that this place is safe.
Yes, it is safe, but common sense is a key. I was walking around Moshi alone during the day, but I didn’t walk in Moshi at night. In a matter of fact, I won’t walk in downtown San Diego alone at night either.
I suggest following common travelers’ safety rules, such as not wearing clothes that have large brand-name prints on it as well as clothes that catches a lot of unwanted attention. Well, you got an idea. Moshi has a large Muslim population, so general idea here is to show respect and dress up moderately.
Do not openly expose your expensive camera, watch, iPhone or any other expensive looking devices, that catch attention, especially when walking alone. Do not carry and expose large amount of money, the equivalent of 50$ in Tanzanian Shillings should be enough for food and perhaps some souvenirs unless you are heading to tanzanite store.
Once you leave the hotel area, you will be followed by street vendors trying to cell you their maasai blankets, jewelry and other local souvenirs. Please do no freak out, tell them “hapana asante” (that means “no, thank you”) and just passed them. There are also tour operators everywhere and, frankly, I find those much more annoying than vendors. With growing number of people climbing Kilimanjaro every year, tourist business became very popular in Moshi and Arusha. Do not let those little annoyances to stop you from exploring this beautiful town.
US dollar bills widely accepted almost everywhere (make sure all the bills issued after 2006), but I found that the prices are slightly cheaper if you pay in Tanzanian shillings.
How to spend one day in Moshi, Tanzania
Stop by Hindu Temple.
I knew about large Muslim population in Tanzania, so I was not surprised to see Mosques, but I was not expected to see Hindu temple to see there. Later, I learned that Hinduism is practiced by more than 20,000 people in Tanzania. The temple is open 8am-10am and 3pm-6pm for visits. Non-Hindu are not allowed inside the temple.
Visit Market.
The market mostly had produce and couple of stands with baskets and some jewelry. There are variety of seasonal and morning markets in town. Your hotel should be able to give you information on markets, their hours of operations and directions.
When on the market watch for chicken cages. The vendors keep chickens in large rectangle cages and transport those cages on the bicycles.
Visit Shah industries.
Shah Industries is a small business that makes leather goods and souvenirs. The company employs a lot of handicapped people who produce beautiful art products. You can buy good quality Tanzanian souvenirs there. Even if you are not shopping, just stop by and observe artists working.
Go Tanzanite shopping.
Tanzania is tanzanite’s mecca as you probably figured by name similarities. Tourists spend a lot of money in tanzanite’s stores. Tanzanite is beautiful and unique stone that has a specific color and structure. I’m not big on stones and jewelry, but even I love tanzanite. So, should you buy tanzanite in Tanzania? The answer is: it depends. If you have a good jeweler that can make you good ring, earrings, pendant, etc, then yes, buy stones. In case you do not have jeweler, do not wear jewelry on regular basis and do not have a clear idea in place for the stones you are about to buy (just like me), do not spend money on those stones. You will find those beautiful stones in one of your dresser’s drawers 10 years later, look at them, think about good time you had in Tanzania and put them back in the same drawer only to see them again 5-10 years later.
Eat goat stew.
And drink “Kilimanjaro beer” for lunch . I purposely do not include the list of restaurants here. Just walk around and look for small eateries or cafes that have local people gatherings around them. I had the best goat curry in one of those small no-name places. That place served goat stew only (nothing else, they did not even have a menu).
Stroll around the town.
Enjoy busy morning streets and street small markets. Look for those Mosques and Temples built side by side.
Stop by for coffee or traditional Masala chai at Union Café.
Visit Materuni waterfalls.
I strongly suggest going in the morning. While you do not need to hire tour operator to visit the waterfalls, getting on the tour might save you time and some logistics planning headache. If you still decide to go on you own, here is the way to visit Materuni waterfalls without the guide. You need to get a taxi at your hotel or in town that will take you to the waterfall, ask driver to come and pick you up in 4 hours. From the road you will hike through beautiful rainforest to waterfalls. The trail is very slippery with couple of steep sections. The hike takes about an hour, you will be able to dip in the water and refresh before your hike back. There is a coffee plantation visit that is included in majority of the tours, but I’m sure you can visit on your own also(I haven’t done it, but it is possible). You can dip in the water there, so bring your swimming clothes. Materoni waterfalls visit takes at least 4 hours, so you need to plan the rest of your day in Moshi accordingly.
If you are staying 2 or more days in Moshi, here is the list of ideas:
- Visit Marangu waterfalls. While waterfalls are beautiful, it is important to have the right expectations if you decided to go. Marangu are not huge waterfalls! Do not expect to see something similar to Niagara or Iguazu Falls or you will be very disappointed. It is a day trip. Bring your hiking shoes and swimming clothes. Also, expect a lot of dirt slides if you are going in rainy season.
- Visit Lake Challa
- Kilimanjaro day hike. If you are in Tanzania for safari and just want to get a taste of Mount Kilimanjaro climb, this day trip is for you. It is a guided day tour that will take you up Marangu route to Mandara Hut.
I got lost in Moshi and walked into a huge garbage dump area. Well, that was part of experience also.
