Moshi town (kilimanjaro)

Moshi is a small town in Tanzania located near Kilimanjaro International Airport and at the base of Africa's highest mountain(Kilimanjaro).Moshi has a population of about 144,739 (2002 census). lies on the east to west road linking Arusha and Mombasa in Kenya. Moshi is famous for coffee production,Around the slopes of Kilimanjaro, vast plantations of coffee blanket the area.

The main reason for visitors to visit Moshi is to climb Kilimanjaro Mountain, but also to visit coffee farms,short hikes and to experience local culture of native.

Moshi was the capital of an area ruled by Rindi, the great 19th century Chagga chief who became one of the most important chiefs in the area due to his diplomatic skills. Allying with the Maasai, he exhorted large taxes from passing caravans.

When the first German colonial troops arrived at Kilimanjaro in 1891, Rindi assured them he ruled the whole area and convinced them to unite with him against his rival, Sina of Kibosho, signing away his territories rather than succumb to an undignified defeat. Both the powerful Rindi and Sina were hanged a few years later. Moshi became an important colonial centre of administration for the Germans, and later the English.

The original Moshi - Old Moshi - is higher up the mountain and until the railway line reached the present day Moshi in 1911 and a station built, the headquarters of the German administrative district of Moshi was in Old Moshi. Kilimanjaro Region The region has a remarkable landscape, beginning with Mount Kilimanjaro, moving down the slopes to the flat plains south of the mountain then eastwards where you encounter the Pare Mountains.

The Mkomozi Game Reserve lies behind the Pare Mountains. West from the Pare Mountains, you look over what seems to be everlasting flat plains, the Maasai Steeple, one of the places where the Maasai live. Discover for yourself the diversity in landscape, people and culture of the Kilimanjaro region.

People of Kilimanjaro Moshi is home to a range of different people, the Kilimanjaro region is predominantly made up of the Chagga, who reside on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the Pare whose home is the Pare Mountains. The fertile volcanic soil and reliable rainfall on the slopes of Kilimanjaro has probably always been a draw for human settlement.

The Chagga are Bantu-speaking agriculturalists whose ancestors probably arrived in the area in the 15th century. The Chagga had no tradition of central leadership. Up to 100 small chief doms existed in the mid 19th century. Their efficient and industrious farming skills meant that they have always produced a food surplus and subsequently have a history of trading with the Maasai and other local groups, and later with Arab caravans.

Chagga remain self sufficient for basic foodstuffs and today the mountain is scattered with family smallholdings that produce a variety of subsistence crops. The major cash crop is coffee, which was introduced during the colonial era and has been grown by small scale farmers who sell through a co-operative. The main agricultural activity is still coffee and some of the finest Arabica in Tanzania comes from the slopes of Kilimanjaro.Coffee growing is the livelihood of thousands of people.

What To Do

One can combing any of the six usual trekking routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro Mountain 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 in Moshi

KIA LODGE,

The Lodge has 40 en-suite and air conditioned rooms. Designed to compliment the setting, each cottage is built in traditional style using thatch and Tanzanian arts and crafts, such as Tinga tinga paintings and Makonde carvings.

The swimming pool is located on top of a hill affording a magnificent view of mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the Masai steppe. The perfect spot for a sun downer. Facilities - Swimming pool - Bar - Restaurant - Gardens LEOPARD HOTEL

Located along Market Street and centrally placed within the shopping and business area of Moshi, the hotel offers a panoramic view of Mount Kilimanjaro. All 43 tastefully furnished rooms and 4 suites have air conditioning, en suite bathrooms with hot shower, satellite TV, operator assisted telephone and mini bar. Some rooms have a private balcony with scenic views of Kilimanjaro and Moshi town.

SAL SALINERO

The hotel blends in stylish and elegant architecture, beautiful and serene botanical gardens and fabulous tantalizing meals for you. a fantastic accommodation option for those planning to climb Kilimanjaro Mountain or after Climbing Kilimanjaro.

Nestled in the most remarkably beautiful landscape,lush tropical gardens, and its swimming pool is perfectly placed to view the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro looming over Moshi.Boasts a range of spacious well-appointed rooms, with satellite TV, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and walk-in showers.Bar and restaurant area, located within the lush tropical gardens.space in the rooms allows you to unpack and reorganize your stuff,providing laundry and room services.