Moshi: Gateway to Kilimanjaro's Wonders

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [nn-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dhah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari gani?
  [hah-bah-ree gah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?
  [n-zoo-ree. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoo-ngoom-zah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dhah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mahm-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dhah-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNatazama tu
  [nah-tah-zah-mah too]
• How much is it?Ni bei gani?
  [nee beh-ee gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Je, unaweza kushusha bei?
  [jay, oo-nah-weh-zah koo-shoo-shah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Ni saa ngapi?
  [nee sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Saa tano na nusu
  [sah tah-noh nah noo-soo]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-ee-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [mm-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [nn-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi linakuja saa ngapi?
  [bah-see lee-nah-koo-jah sah-ah ngah-pee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah)]

The area now known as Moshi has been inhabited for centuries by the Chaga people, one of the Bantu-speaking ethnic groups in Tanzania. They established small, self-sufficient communities on the fertile slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Chaga developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, including the use of irrigation channels called 'mifongo' to cultivate bananas, coffee, and other crops.

In the late 19th century, Moshi came under German colonial rule as part of German East Africa. The Germans recognized the region's agricultural potential and established large coffee plantations, which became a cornerstone of the local economy. They also built infrastructure, including roads and the Usambara Railway, which connected Moshi to the port city of Tanga.

Following World War I, control of Moshi and the rest of German East Africa was transferred to the British under the League of Nations mandate. The British continued to promote coffee cultivation and expanded educational and medical facilities. Moshi became an important administrative and commercial center in the northern part of the territory. Tanzania gained independence in 1961, and Moshi played a key role as a hub for the new nation's development.

Moshi is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its Chaga traditions. The Chaga are famous for their intricate wood carvings, vibrant music, and dances. The city hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Kilimanjaro Marathon, which attracts participants from around the world. Additionally, the local markets offer a glimpse into daily life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods.

Today, Moshi is a bustling town that serves as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. It is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure seekers. The town has seen significant development in recent years, with new hotels, restaurants, and tour companies catering to the growing number of visitors. Despite this growth, Moshi has managed to retain its unique character and charm, blending modernity with tradition.

Moshi is home to several notable educational and health institutions. The Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) is a major referral hospital that serves a large portion of northern Tanzania. The town also hosts the Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy and the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, which are important centers for higher education and research in the region.

Moshi is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The closest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is about 40 kilometers from Moshi town. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or arrange for a private transfer to Moshi. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, and then take a domestic flight or bus to Moshi.

Moshi is a small town, and many places of interest are within walking distance. Public transportation options include dala-dalas (shared minibuses) and bodabodas (motorcycle taxis). For more comfort and convenience, you can hire a taxi or rent a car. Bicycle rentals are also available and provide a great way to explore the town and surrounding areas. Always agree on the fare before starting a journey, especially with taxis and bodabodas.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Moshi, but make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage. It’s also a good idea to have some US dollars on hand, as they are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily.

Moshi is generally a safe town for tourists, but it’s important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Soweto and Majengo have higher crime rates, so it’s best to avoid these neighborhoods, especially after dark. Use reputable taxi services and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 115 for medical emergencies. Moshi has several medical facilities, including Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and Mawenzi Regional Hospital. It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering homes and some religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A common greeting in Swahili is 'Jambo' or 'Habari.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like ugali and nyama choma. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Moshi like a local, visit the local markets such as the Central Market and the Kiboriloni Market for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals and learn a few Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process. For a unique experience, take a day trip to the nearby Marangu Waterfalls or the Chagga Caves. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife at local bars and restaurants where you can listen to live music and dance.