Moshi

Moshi lies at around eight hundred metres on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, and when the cloud lifts the mountain fills the northern horizon completely, which is the town's defining feature. It grew as the centre of the Chagga coffee trade, and coffee still runs through it: the auction, the cooperatives, the roasteries and a run of cafes. Most Kilimanjaro climbs are organised from here, so the town is full of outfitters, gear shops and climbers on either side of the trip.

What you actually see

• The mountain view - Kilimanjaro filling the horizon when the cloud clears.
• The coffee trade - cooperatives, roasteries and cafes through the town.
• The clock tower - the landmark at the centre of the grid.
• The market - the main produce and goods market, busy through the week.

When to go

June to October and January to February are the climbing seasons and the town is busiest then. Mornings give the clearest mountain views. The long rains from March to May are heavy.

Honest expectations

Touts for climbs and safaris approach visitors constantly. The mountain is hidden in cloud for much of most days. The town itself is functional with few sights.

Nearby

Marangu is east, and Kikuletwa is west.