
Destination
Moshi
Kilimanjaro's town — the base for the mountain routes, and quieter than Arusha.
Where it sits
Moshi lies on Kilimanjaro's southern side, about an hour and a half east of Arusha. It is the closest town to the Marangu and Machame gates and the base most trekkers use the night before a climb.
What is here
The Kikuletwa (Chemka) hot springs in Hai District, the Materuni waterfall on the mountain's lower slopes, and Serval Wildlife over in Siha District. On a clear morning the summit stands directly above the town.
When to come
Any time you are climbing. For the springs and the waterfall the dry months from June to October and December to February are the most reliable.
Region, not just the town
Serval Wildlife sits in Siha District and Kikuletwa in Hai District — both Kilimanjaro Region rather than Arusha, and both usually reached from Moshi or Boma Ng'ombe.
Departures that go here
Ways to see Moshi

3 days · 2 nights
3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
Serengeti · Ngorongoro
The shortest itinerary that actually reaches the Serengeti instead of spending itself on the road. Two nights out, one full day on the plains, and the…

4 days · 3 nights
4-Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari
Tarangire · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro
The northern circuit without the Serengeti drive. Elephants in Tarangire, the groundwater forest at Manyara, and a full morning on the crater floor.…

5 days · 4 nights
5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Tarangire, two nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. The point of the fifth day is that you stop packing every morning.…
Questions
What people ask
Arusha or Moshi before a climb?
Moshi is closer to the gates and quieter. Arusha has more choice and is better if you are combining the mountain with a safari.
Plan it