Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro: where to sleep, Materuni waterfalls, coffee and what to do before or after the climb

Moshi is the town at the foot of Kilimanjaro, about 1 hour 30 from Arusha and some forty kilometres from Kilimanjaro airport according to guides. You sleep here before the climb and come back for a shower and a meal afterwards. For a Zanzibar traveller who is not climbing, a half-day trip to the Materuni waterfalls with Chagga coffee tasting is the best-selling outing: offers consulted in October 2026 run from 15 to 136 dollars depending on whether they are group or private, with lunch and sometimes hot springs. This page says where to sleep, what to do in half a day and when you can see the summit.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro seen from town

On a clear day the snowy summit can be seen from the streets of Moshi, especially early in the morning. Clouds often hide it from late morning.

The Materuni waterfalls and coffee

A walk of 40 minutes to 1 hour 30 to a fall of 70 to 90 metres depending on the offer, then a workshop where you roast and grind Chagga coffee. The path is muddy: sturdy shoes.

The Chemka hot springs

Many offers add an optional swim in light-blue springs.

Our guides that feature it

Practical info · 3 min read

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