A comfortable and well-run collection of self-contained cottages in a peaceful garden setting in Moshi, offering good value accommodation for trekking groups and independent travellers. Bristol Cottages features a restaurant, bar, and tour desk, with knowledgeable staff able to arrange all Kilimanjaro and safari activities. The lush garden setting makes it a relaxing base.
Bristol Cottages offers a collection of self-contained guest cottages in Moshi, set within a walled garden compound on Chagga Road roughly ten minutes on foot from the town centre. The property has built a strong reputation as a welcoming, well-run base for trekking groups and independent travellers who prefer a cottage-style setting over a conventional hotel block. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, and the garden — maintained with considerable care — provides a quiet retreat within an otherwise busy regional town.
The self-contained cottages vary in size from compact doubles to larger units that accommodate small families or climbing partners sharing. Each cottage includes an en-suite bathroom, private entrance, small sitting area, and ceiling fan; Wi-Fi covers the entire compound. The property has been steadily updated over the years, and the cottages are clean, comfortable, and practically furnished, with enough character in the garden setting to distinguish them from a standard guesthouse room.
A central restaurant and bar building serves the compound, with a kitchen handling a straightforward menu of Tanzanian standards — grilled meats, rice, vegetable stews, chapati — alongside breakfast options of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. The food is honest and filling, pitched at the practical needs of people preparing for or recovering from multi-day mountain treks. The bar is sociable in the evenings, drawing both guests and a small number of regular local patrons.
The tour desk coordinates Kilimanjaro trek bookings, Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro day trips, and airport transfers. Staff are knowledgeable about current conditions on each Kilimanjaro route and provide practical, direct advice about preparation and timing. Luggage storage during climbs is available at no charge, and airport transfers connect the property with Kilimanjaro International Airport approximately 50 kilometres to the west.
Amenities
- wifi
- restaurant
- bar
- garden
- tour desk
- laundry
- airport transfers
Location
Chagga Road, Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region
-3.3480, 37.3360 View on map
Highlights
- Self-contained cottage format offering privacy and a garden setting within Moshi town
- Relaxed atmosphere popular with independent trekkers and returning Kilimanjaro climbers
- Tour desk with current Kilimanjaro route knowledge and full safari arrangements
- Practical restaurant and bar serving Tanzanian meals suited to trekking schedules
- Free luggage storage during Kilimanjaro climbs
Tips for visiting
- Request one of the larger corner cottages if travelling with a partner or sharing with a climbing teammate; the extra sitting room space is worth it.
- The garden is most pleasant in the morning before the heat builds; plan breakfast on the outdoor terrace when possible.
- Book safari arrangements through the tour desk at least 48 hours before departure, particularly during peak season.
- The bar closes at a reasonable hour, making Bristol Cottages quieter at night than many town-centre hotels in Moshi.
- Ask about the free luggage storage option when booking a multi-day trek to avoid arranging alternative storage.
When to visit
January–March and June–October for trekking season; the relaxed garden setting makes it comfortable year-round.