Top 10 Things To Do Around Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is funny enough located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, and meanwhile, this is the main attraction, there are lots to do and explore in the area. Moshi is a small town located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and where the climbs begin in the neighboring villages. It is a town surrounded with beautiful nature, lots of opportunities for views of Mount Kilimanjaro, nice coffee, drinks and food spots. So if you have an extra day, or a couple of days before or after your climb, or you just wish to explore the area, or maybe you came to Moshi to volunteer or whichever reason brought you to Moshi and you want to enjoy your time to the fullest, then keep reading. Now we will load up on inspiration with the TOP 10 THINGS TO DO AROUND KILIMANJARO!
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
The Hot Springs. The Maji Moto. A very well known place and very visited by tourists and by locals, but it doesn’t make it any less intriging.
It is located about an hour and a half from Moshi in the middle of a very dry piece of land, but the hot springs are far from dry. It is an amazing oasis with clear turquoise water and surronded by sprawling fig trees and palm trees. The water has the right temperature to be able to stay in the water for hours, and if you wish, you can get a fish spa, if you sit on the log for long enough. And don’t worry, if you get exhaused from being in the water, then there is the opportunity to get a refreshment and a local meal.
Materuni Waterfall + Make Your Own Coffee
How do we even start to describe such a beautiful adventure? A lovely walk through a local village and lush green areas, where you at the end get to a breathtaking waterfall with the possibility to take a dip.
Is that it, you might ask. It is already more than enough, but to make it even more worth it, then you will have the opportunity to make your very own cup of coffee, whilst joining in on the whole process. Tanzania is, as you might know, known for its coffee beans, so this is definitely a interesting adventure for all coffee lovers and a beautiful one for all nature lovers.
Mountain Bike Riding
There are many beautiful and exciting places that you can bike to around Mount Kilimanjaro, for example, hot springs, waterfalls, an area full of sugarcane, and West Kilimanjaro where it is possible to come across wildlife.
It is surely also beautiful and exciting to go mountain biking in the villages on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro with this spectacular view.
Lake Chala
You might look at this picture and think this is Lake Chala, but it is not.
Lake Chala is big, blue and beautiful, and perfect for a day on the water in kayaks.
This is a dry riverbed, well when it is not raining, nearby Lake Chala and it is a truly fascinating area and something that is still fairly unknown to tourists and even to locals.
Lake Chala is located on the border to Kenya and is about a 2-hour drive from Moshi, but definitely worth the trip if you feel like being in nature, on the water, and taking a walk/hike around the area.
Sunset Drinks
There are many adventurous trips to take and thrilling places to go to, but sometimes all you need is to enjoy your favorite cocktail, a glass of wine, a cold beer, or even a soda while the sun is setting and where you can peacefully reflect on how great of a trip it is. And what makes it even better is doing it with a view like this one, of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and even with views over Moshi Town.
The best places in doing so is at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel and Kibo Palace Hotel.
Cute coffee spots
Most of us can agree that coffee is an important factor in all of our lives, something that wakes us up in the morning and gets us through the day, or something we enjoy drinking whilst catching up with family and friends, but also something we enjoy to bond over whilst traveling to new destinations.
In Moshi there are many cute cafés where you can get a proper cup of Kilimanjaro coffee.
If you really want to enjoy an afternoon coffee, then a trip out to a nearby village to have coffee in nature, more specifically at Kaliwha Lodge, is a must-do.
Marangu Waterfall
Ndoro waterfall is located in the Marangu village, a village that is home to the gate of one of the most popular routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. But don’t worry, you do not have to climb the mountain in order to get a view of this beautiful waterfall.
It is a short hike down some steps, not to underestimate it, there are quite a few steps but it is possible for more or less all fitness levels.
It is also possible to take a dip in the waterfall, but be careful if you go around rain season as the water is flowing like crazy, so we would only recommend going for a dip in the dry season.
We love to hear and see waterfalls running whilst admiring nature and life, don’t you?
Masaai Cultural Tour
Learning about a different culture is truly an eye-opening experience and a real bonus of traveling.
The Masaai Tribe is an indigenous ethnic group in Africa of semi-nomadic people settled in Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the most well-known tribes due to their distinct traditions and dresses, which you can learn all about from the real Masaai Tribe in West Kilimanjaro.
Explore The Surrounding Nature
The streets and nature around Moshi is absolutely spectacular, from these red christmas trees to the purple jacaranda trees, and watching them blossom from season to season is breathtaking.
Therefore, I urge you to look around when driving around the Kilimanjaro Region, cause the views are pretty picturesque to say the least.
This is the road leading to the area of sugarcanes, also known as TPC, where you also can go mountain biking and it is also one of the roads that leads to the hot springs.
If you are in Moshi at the right season then you will witness the beautiful purple jacaranda trees without even having to leave the town.
To the ones who counted, then that is correct, there are only listed 9 things to do in a list of top 10 things to do around Kilimanjaro. Why is that, you might ask, well that is because we all have different interests and what we find fascinating and therefore the 10th thing is for you to decide for yourself. Or maybe the 10th thing is just enjoying quality time with your travel buddies and loved ones, whilst embracing a foreign country and culture, even if that is done from the comfort of your hotel.
If you want more tips about what to do and where to go in Moshi and around Kilimanjaro, or if you are intrigued by trying one of the above tours or adding a couple to your itinerary, then do not hesitate to get in contact with us today. Send us an email at info@msafiritanzania.com or click on the pretty green WhatsApp button to start a chat with us right away. Also, learn about more day trips here!
Are you also interested in going on a safari or to Zanzibar, then read these: