Did you know that about 35,000 individuals try to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, each year?
Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania and getting there might take a lot of time and effort for most people. It goes without saying that you should make the most of your visit.
After completing the Kilimanjaro climb, tourists often go on a Tanzania safari to see some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, such as Serengeti National Park. On the other hand, there are many excellent things to do in Kilimanjaro for entertainment that is even closer to home, and they won’t break the bank.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the top Kilimanjaro vacation essentials.
Things to Do in Kilimanjaro 101:
Materuni Waterfall
The Materuni Waterfall, located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a beautiful 90-meter waterfall.
Getting to reach the waterfall’s clean, shallow pool requires a short but strenuous trek through a wooded pathway. Both on the way there and back, the trail takes you through coffee and banana plantations, across streams, and over little footbridges. Look out for monkeys, duikers, birds, and other critters of a similar size.
Discover Moshi’s Hidden Gems
Traveling from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to the regional capital of Moshi takes around 40 kilometers.
Because of its proximity to Kilimanjaro National Park, it serves as an obvious resting point for hikers on the mountain. We insist that all of our customers get here at least one day before their scheduled Kilimanjaro ascent. In this manner, your climbing timetable won’t be compromised by things like a delayed trip.
Whether you have extra time before or after your climb, Moshi is a charming city with numerous attractions worth seeing. You should do something, even if it’s simply locating a coffee shop or restaurant where you can sit for a while and admire the mountain you just climbed.
Restaurants and Cafes in Moshi
Moshi is home to several excellent restaurants that serve both local and foreign cuisines. Sure, it’s possible to stumble across a fantastic discovery by just entering a restaurant that seems promising. But, not everyone like taking chances.
If so, we suggest the following spots for their high-quality service, delicious cuisine, and relaxing atmosphere.
It’s possible that no other café in Moshi can compare to Hill Street’s Coffee Shop. It has a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. These include the region’s famed arabica coffee, and a plethora of excellent snacks, many of which are local favorites.
Aroma Coffee House, located on Boma Road, is a chic haven that provides delicious food, some of which is vegetarian-friendly.
You can’t go wrong with Indoitaliano, a restaurant located on New Street (though latecomers might not get a seat). Dine on Indian or Italian fare while relaxing amid potted plants on the verandah.
Little Momela Lake Canoe Trip
Guided canoe tours of Little Momela Lake are available to park guests. This is an amazing opportunity, and the tour guides are a wealth of information.
You can see Mt. Meru out in the distance to the west as you paddle around the lake surrounded by grassland, shrub, and woodland. Many other animals, such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and duikers, also make appearances. The lake is home to an outstanding and numerous bird population.
Momela Lakes’ Avian Residents
The Momela Lakes is an excellent location for observing year-round and seasonal bird visitors.
In fact, “spotting” isn’t exactly the correct term when it comes to the lakes’ most common water birds. Flamingoes and pelicans, since they can be seen almost everywhere. Hundreds of greater and lesser flamingoes flock to the shallow lakes every year, leaving a pinkish tint to the water even from a distance.
Egyptian geese, great crested grebes, southern pochards, Maccoa ducks, and African jacanas. All of these are some of the other water birds that are often seen.
From either Arusha or Moshi, a day trip to Arusha National Park’s Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater is an excellent option.
Go Visit Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village
One of the nicest things to do in the Kilimanjaro area is to visit a Maasai hamlet.
The Maasai are a well-known tribe from Kenya and northern Tanzania. There are approximately 1.5 million people who identify as members of this Nilotic people group.
They are famous for many things: their leaping dance, their colorful clothes, and their beautifully beaded jewelry, to name a few.
Check Out The Olpopongi Maasai Museum
Numerous Maasai settlements in northern Tanzania provide excursions that are both enjoyable and beneficial to the local Maasai community.
We strongly suggest seeing the Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village & Museum on the western fringe of the Kilimanjaro area, a favorite of museum-loving tourists. And, you can always read the best Kilimanjaro guides here if you want to add more activities to your docket.
Experience the Rau Forest Reserve on Two Wheels or Two Feet
Want to go trekking or riding in a beautiful wilderness at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Tourists are always impressed by the work of Rau Eco & Cultural Tourism, a youth-run business centered on the local community. Day tours into the subterranean water forest of Rau are available, and they are expertly organized for both mountain biking and hiking.
Go for a Stroll Around the Ngurdoto Crater’s Rim
Located in the northeastern part of Arusha National Park lies the Ngurdoto Crater.
This 4 km wide caldera is a lovely and lush animal haven. Despite its similarity to the more renowned Ngorongoro Crater, which has earned it the nickname “small Ngorongoro Crater,” this crater is off-limits to visitors.
Hikers may only see the animals from the crater’s western and southern edges for safety reasons. The view of the crater floor and its countless inhabitants is the ideal ecological compromise since the caldera is just 100 meters deep.
The crater’s bottom is home to many different types of virgin ecosystems, including a marsh, grassland, and woodland. Walking along Ngurdoto’s rim is one of the finest day hikes and walking safaris in all of Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro: The Smart Travel Edition
Tanzania is well-known for its stunning natural views. But, Mt. Kilimanjaro is something else. We hope that our guide on the plethora of things to do in Kilimanjaro made you excited about your trip.
And, if you’re still not sure about what to pack and your travel list, no worries. Check out our travel section for more tips and tricks based on the type of vacation you’re aiming for.
