Embark on a Moshi City tour for an authentic introduction to Tanzanian culture and customs. This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community, and you can choose between a full walking tour or a convenient Tuk Tuk ride to explore the city. Your knowledgeable local guide will introduce you to basic Swahili greetings, allowing you to interact with the friendly locals who will appreciate your effort to say "hello" in their language—so be ready to smile!
As you explore the city, keep in mind that most local shops only accept cash. Your guide can take you to the best ATMs in town, which do not charge extra withdrawal fees. However, note that most ATMs have a withdrawal limit of 400,000 Tanzanian Shillings (about $160 USD) per transaction.
Tour Length:
- Walking Tour: 3-4 hours
- Tuk Tuk Tour: 2-3 hours
- Best Tour Times: Between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM for the most vibrant experience of the city.
During your tour, you can choose to visit all the main points of interest or select the attractions that most interest you from the list below, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.
- Mbuyuni Market: Dive into the heart of local life at the Mbuyuni market, a lively, colorful space where you’ll experience the vibrant sounds, smells, and sights of Moshi. Your guide will introduce you to local foods, produce, and more, offering an authentic cultural experience.
- Central Market and Local Shopping: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, the Central Market is the place to be. From beautiful African fabrics and clothing to local art and crafts, you’ll find an array of goods to explore. Wander through the curious alleyways with your guide, who will help translate and haggle for a fair price—an essential part of Tanzanian shopping culture.
- Rice Fields and Old Town Moshi: Discover the agricultural heart of Moshi and explore the old-town architecture. Keep an eye out for Blue monkeys or Calabas monkeys as you learn about the local way of life.
- Moshi Train Station: Step back in time at the historic Moshi train station, built during the German colonial era. Although the train only runs a few times a week, the station remains a living museum, retaining its colonial-era charm. The tracks often serve as a walking path or grazing area for goats.
- Temples and Churches: Moshi is home to a diverse mix of religions, and during your tour, you’ll pass many churches, temples, and burial sites for the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh communities. You can request to walk through some of these spiritual sites for a deeper understanding of local traditions.
- Kibo Palace Terrace: For breathtaking views of Moshi, head to Kibo Palace Terrace. On clear days, you might even get a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a coffee or snack from the rooftop restaurant, open from 3:30pm. It's the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the town's stunning panorama.
- Clocktower: The Coca-Cola clocktower is the iconic landmark in the center of Moshi. You’ll pass this curious and charming structure during your tour, marking the heart of the town.
- Schools: Visit one of Moshi’s many schools, some of which operate as charitable institutions for orphans and low-income families. The children are eager to practice their English and perform songs for visitors. If you'd like to show your appreciation, small gifts like fruit or candy are greatly appreciated.
- Tanzanite Experience: Tanzanite, a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, is an iconic souvenir. At the Tanzanite Experience, learn about the history of this beautiful stone and perhaps take home a piece. If you're interested in custom jewelry, your guide can take you to a local jeweler to design a personalized piece.
- Custom Tailors: For a truly unique souvenir, visit a local tailor to create a custom-made dress, shirt, pants, or bag. Your guide will assist you in selecting the perfect fabric from the Central Market and introduce you to the best tailor in town. Tailored clothing is surprisingly affordable and supports local businesses. Most items are ready in 3-6 days, but a rush order is possible for an additional fee.
Additional Points of Interest:
You can also request visits to any of the following during your tour:
- WW1 German graves
- Indian cemetery
- Rice processing factory
- Coffee roasting plant
- Local bars and restaurants
- Local lunch spots
- Bureau of exchange for currency exchange
Whether you're exploring the markets, learning about local history, or shopping for unique souvenirs, your Moshi city tour promises a fascinating and unforgettable experience!
• Walking tour of Moshi with a local guide
• Basic Swahili lesson
• Translating and help with haggling a fair price.
• Tuk Tuk option, add 50,000 shillings (~20 USD)
• Refreshments
• Lunch
• Tips are appreciated for a job well done!
• Good walking shoes or sandals. Be aware that during rainy season, some roads maybe muddy, so don’t wear your best, brand new shoes.
• Small bag or backpack
• Hat for sun protection
• Small towel to wipe your face
• Small pack of tissue paper (toilets rarely have toilet paper)
• Sunscreen (apply in the morning and bring with you to reapply throughout the day.)