
The 10 best things to do in Kilimanjaro region
If you travel all the way to Kilimanjaro, you also want to see other nearby sights and attractions, right? That's what this list is all about – suggesting great safaris, waterfall hikes, cultural experiences, hot springs and more close to Kili!
The Kilimanjaro region offers a fantastic variety of cultural and outdoor activities. And the scenery is incredibly beautiful!


1. Hike to Materuni Waterfall and swim in its pool


This is a perfect half-day outing, and we recommend picnicking at the waterfall.

2. Go on a Kilimanjaro coffee plantation tour

What a tour involves

Meet the Chagga
Support the local coffee industry
The Kilimanjaro coffee farm tours help to support the local farmers – and always end with tasty, freshly brewed arabica coffee being served!
3. Take a dip in Kikuletwa Hot Springs

A relaxing oasis
The perfect day outing starts with walking to Materuni Waterfall, then going on a coffee plantation tour, and finally relaxing in Kikuletwa Hot Spring!

4. Explore the treasures of Moshi

Coffee shops and restaurants
The Coffee Shop on Hill Street is arguably the best café in Moshi. It serves (most importantly) the region’s famous arabica coffee, as well as various other hot and cold drinks, and lots of tasty snacks, including local favourites. Aroma Coffee House on Boma Road is a stylishly decorated refuge that serves tasty meals and snacks, including vegetarian options. Honey Badger Lodge in Sranga, 6 km east of Moshi, is a very popular restaurant and outdoor bar that serves Tanzanian cuisine as well as stone-baked pizzas. Indoitaliano Restaurant on New Street is a fantastic evening option (though latecomers might not get a seat). Sit on the verandah, which is rimmed by leafy pot plants, and choose between Indian or Italian cuisine!

Local crafts and produce
The Central Market (open seven days a week) is the busiest and most interesting of Moshi’s various offerings. We recommend taking a leisurely explore through the warren of alleyways. You’ll find locally produced gems like spices, coffee beans and teas sold alongside cheap Chinese imports. This is the working heart of Moshi. Traditional herbalists can also been seen selling their wares. Our Heritage crafts shop inside of The Coffee Shop on Hill Street which sells, among other things, coffee beans, teas, cheeses, jams and honeys. Much of the produce is produced locally and supports various community initiatives. Shah Industries on Karakana Street is a crafts workshop in an old flour mill that sells highly creative leatherwork pieces and other artworks. Many of the employees have disabilities and the workshop provides them an income. Mama Africa Gift Shop in Selous Street is a fantastic and colourful little shop offering a variety of locally made handicrafts and artworks, including dresses, paintings, Khanga and Kitenge materials, carvings, bags and jewellery. It supports several wonderful initiatives, such as Jiendeleze Women Group, Tumaini for Africa and Tuleeni Orphanage.
Moshi is best explored on foot, powered by some of the fantastic local arabica coffee!
5. Canoe on Little Momela Lake

Canoeing on Little Momela Lake

Birds of Momela Lakes

The Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater of Arusha National Park together make a perfect day’s outing from Arusha or Moshi.
6. Visit Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village

Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village & Museum

Welcome drinks and traditional cooked meals Learning the traditional jumping dance (it’s hard!) A guided safari walk , where you learn about Maasai’s warrior culture and customs A tour of the cultural museum, which includes beautiful artworks Learning some common Maasai phrases
Visiting a Maasai village is often the highlight of many people’s Tanzania visit, along with hiking Kilimanjaro and going on safari.
7. Mountain bike or hike in Rau Forest Reserve

Highlights
Exploring the rice paddies and learning about the daily life of rice farmers Passing through local villages like Mnono and Mabogini village (naturally you wander further on the bike trip than on the hiking trip) Seeing black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys up close Visit an African teak tree believed to be 196 years old that’s a sacred site of prayer among locals Witnessing the many different water birds that love this catchment forest Tasting local banana beer Enjoying a delicious cooked lunch (a vegetarian option is available) Planting a seedling as part of the enterprise’s “one trip – one tree” initiative

The “one trip – one tree” initiative means you’ll leave Tanzania knowing your tree is growing and helping to fight climate change.
8. Walk the rim of Ngurdoto Crater


Animals of Ngurdoto Crater

For anyone not heading to Ngorongoro Crater, Ngurdoto Crater is a must-see that’s easily accessible from both Moshi and Arusha.
9. Trek to the top of Mt Meru

The ideal Mt Meru trekker
only has a few days or wants a more affordable climb is not (as yet) strong enough to climb Kilimanjaro is keen to trek a quieter mountain wants a challenging mountain climb without such a high risk of altitude sickness wants to tackle an acclimatisation hike that prepares them for Kilimanjaro

Trek itinerary

Climate and vegetation
Mt Meru is an excellent acclimatisation hike for those wanting to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

10. Go on a game drive in Arusha National Park
A unique park

Wildlife of Arusha National Park

If you’re keen to do any of these activities before or after your Kilimanjaro climb or Tanzania safari, just let us know and we can organise them for you! 😀