Waterfalls, hot springs and coffee: the best day trips from Moshi
Not every adventure needs a week. These easy day trips around Moshi show you a greener, gentler side of Kilimanjaro country.
Moshi sits at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and most travellers pass through it on their way up the mountain or out to the parks. But the hills and villages around the town are worth a day of their own. Rivers fall from the forest in long white ribbons, warm springs bubble up through the plains, and families on the lower slopes still grow coffee the way their grandparents did.
These day trips are a lovely way to rest your legs before or after a climb, to fill a free day between safaris, or simply to see everyday life in northern Tanzania.
Materuni waterfall and a coffee tour
The village of Materuni lies high on the green slopes above Moshi. A walk of about an hour leads through banana groves and small farms to a waterfall that drops about 80 metres into a cool, misty pool. On a clear day you can see Kilimanjaro behind you on the way back.
Most visitors finish with a coffee tour hosted by a local Chagga family. You pick the beans, roast them over a fire, grind them by hand to a rhythmic song, and then drink a cup of the coffee you just made. It is hands-on, cheerful and very good coffee.
Waterfalls drop through thick forest on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
Chemka hot springs
South of Moshi, in the middle of dry, open country, a ring of fig trees hides a surprise. Chemka is a natural spring of clear, turquoise water, warm enough for a long swim and fed from deep underground. Small fish nibble at your feet, and the shady banks are perfect for a picnic.
It is the most relaxing day out in the region, and a favourite with climbers who want to soak tired muscles after coming down from Uhuru Peak.
Bring a swimsuit, a towel and something to eat. The rest of the day takes care of itself.
Marangu waterfalls and Chagga history
The village of Marangu, at the start of the mountain route of the same name, has its own waterfalls and a long story to tell. Local guides show you the caves and tunnels the Chagga people dug to hide from raiding tribes, along with traditional homes and the plants used for food and medicine.
Chemka’s clear spring water stays warm all year round.
Planning your day
Each of these trips takes most of a day, with hotel pick-up and drop-off in Moshi. They suit all ages and fitness levels; the walks are short, though paths can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. Tell us which one appeals and we will fit it into your plans.