Expert Guide to travellers in Moshi, Tanzania – By Materuni Village Experience
Moshi is a picturesque town located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a population of around 221,733. Sitting at an elevation of 900 to 950 meters above sea level, it offers stunning views of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
The town derives its name from the Kiswahili word for “smoke.” This likely refers to the gases that Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, has released over time, as well as the clouds and mist that frequently shroud the mountain. Moshi’s fertile volcanic soil, combined with fresh water from Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, supports lush vegetation, attracting a variety of birds and butterflies.
Historically, the name “Moshi” is linked to the Chagga people, who lived in villages like Kibosho, Materuni, and Shimbwe on Kilimanjaro’s slopes. When the Germans built a railway station during the colonial era, villagers saw smoke rising from the trains and referred to the area as “Moshi,” the Kiswahili word for smoke.
Due to its proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi attracts many visitors, particularly those embarking on climbing expeditions or safaris in Tanzania’s famous parks and wildlife reserves. Known as one of Tanzania’s cleanest towns, Moshi boasts a tranquil atmosphere, with Kilimanjaro towering majestically in the background.
Where is Moshi, Tanzania?
Moshi is located in northern Tanzania, in the Kilimanjaro region, at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level to the north and 952 meters to the south. Covering an area of just 23 square miles (59 square kilometers), it is Tanzania’s smallest municipality, with a population of just under 250,000. Moshi can be pinpointed on the map at coordinates 3.3430° S, 37.3507° E.
The People of Moshi: Tribes and Culture
Moshi is home to the Chagga people, one of Tanzania’s largest tribes. While Kichagga is their native language, many also speak Kiswahili and other languages. The Chagga are known for their agricultural expertise, particularly in coffee farming, and their cultural traditions are rich and vibrant.
History of Moshi Town, Kilimanjaro
Moshi’s development began during German colonization in the late 19th century. The colonialists established coffee farms and plantations around the base of Kilimanjaro, and the town grew with the construction of colonial buildings, farmhouses, and an army base in 1893. After World War II, the British took control of Tanzania, including Moshi, until the country gained independence in 1961.
Today, Moshi retains much of its colonial architecture, with many historic buildings converted into restaurants, hotels, and businesses, adding to the town’s charm.
Moshi is located about 82 kilometers from Arusha City, roughly a 1-hour 50-minute drive. The closest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, located 42.2 kilometers away, or about a 53-minute drive.