Kilimanjaro Region in northeastern Tanzania is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, rising to 5,895 metres above sea level. The region encompasses lush rainforests, coffee and banana plantations, and the vibrant town of Moshi, making it a premier destination for trekkers and wildlife lovers alike. With a rich Chagga cultural heritage, stunning volcanic landscapes, and world-class safari access, Kilimanjaro Region offers one of Africa's most compelling travel experiences.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kilimanjaro Single-Origin Arabica Coffee
Freshly roasted whole beans or ground coffee from the mountain's fertile volcanic slopes – among the world's finest Arabica coffees with distinctive brightness and floral notes
Price: $5-20 per 250g bag
Where: Kahawa House, Coffee Shop Moshi, Lyamungu Research Station shop, Materuni farm tours
Tanzanite Jewellery
Tanzanite is found exclusively near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – a blue-violet gemstone that is rarer than diamonds and a must-buy Kilimanjaro souvenir
Price: $50-500+ depending on stone quality
Where: Reputable certified jewellers in Moshi town centre – avoid street sellers
Maasai Beadwork and Jewellery
Colourful handcrafted Maasai beaded jewellery, necklaces, bracelets, and decorative items made by Maasai artisans using traditional patterns and techniques
Price: $5-50
Where: Olpopongi Cultural Village, Moshi craft market, Maasai vendors at major attractions
Chagga Wood Carvings
Traditional Chagga wooden carvings including animals, human figures, masks, and domestic items carved from local hardwoods by skilled Kilimanjaro artisans
Price: $10-80
Where: Moshi craft market, Chagga Living Museum, central market
Kanga and Kitenge Fabric
Brightly coloured East African printed cotton fabrics (kanga and kitenge) in traditional patterns, used as wraps, tablecloths, and fashion items. Each kanga has a Swahili proverb printed on it.
Price: $3-10 per piece
Where: Moshi central market, textile shops on market road
Tingatinga Paintings
Vibrant East African folk paintings in the distinctive Tingatinga style featuring wildlife, village scenes, and abstract patterns in bold colours on board or canvas
Price: $15-100
Where: Moshi craft market, indoor cultural market, Via Via Cafe
Soapstone Carvings
Hand-carved soapstone figures including animals, Maasai warriors, and abstract sculptures in the distinctive green-grey stone popular across East Africa
Price: $5-30
Where: Moshi craft market, souvenir shops near Kilimanjaro Hotel
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Moshi Central Market (Sokoni)
The main produce and general goods market in Moshi where locals shop for everything from fresh tropical fruit and coffee to clothing, spices, and household goods. An authentic and vibrant East African market experience.
Where: Market Street, Moshi Town Centre
Hours: 6AM-6PM daily, busiest Tue & Sat
Moshi Craft and Curio Market
A dedicated craft market with stalls selling Maasai beadwork, Chagga carvings, kanga fabrics, Tingatinga paintings, and Kilimanjaro souvenirs. More tourist-oriented than the central market.
Where: Near Kilimanjaro Road, Moshi Town
Hours: 8AM-6PM daily
Marangu Village Market
A smaller highland market serving the Marangu area with fresh mountain produce, coffee, bananas, and some local crafts. A quieter and more authentic experience than Moshi's markets.
Where: Marangu Village, 27km from Moshi
Hours: 7AM-3PM Wed & Sat
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Market Street & Clock Tower Area
The main commercial street in Moshi running from the clock tower past the central market, lined with shops, stalls, textile merchants, and informal vendors.
Best for: Everyday shopping, local goods, budget purchases
Kilimanjaro Road
A road in central Moshi with a concentration of craft shops, souvenir stores, trekking gear suppliers, and coffee shops catering to the tourist market.
Best for: Souvenirs, Tanzanite jewellery, trekking gear
Uru Road Area
The Uru Road area has Moshi's best supermarkets (including ShopRite) for imported goods, trekking supplies, and familiar international food brands.
Best for: Trekking supplies, groceries, pharmacy items
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
ShopRite Moshi
The closest thing to a mall in Moshi – a South African supermarket chain with a wide selection of groceries, household goods, and some imported items. Good for stocking up on trekking food.
Hours: 8AM-8PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at all outdoor markets and craft stalls – starting at 50-60% of the asking price is reasonable
Fixed prices are typically found in supermarkets, hotel shops, and established stores – don't bargain there
Bargain with a smile and good humour – aggressive negotiation is considered rude and counterproductive
Walking away is a legitimate negotiation tactic and often results in the seller calling you back
If a price is genuinely too low, vendors may refuse the sale – be respectful of their livelihood
Buying multiple items gives you more negotiating power for a bundle price
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Tanzanite and other gemstones require a customs declaration and proof of purchase from a licensed dealer for export. Antiques and wildlife products (ivory, skins) are strictly prohibited for export.
Tax Refund: No tourist VAT refund scheme in Tanzania – prices are as marked including 18% VAT.
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances for departing Tanzania: 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco.
Shipping: International shipping available via DHL and EMS (Tanzania Post) in Moshi for larger purchases. Allow several weeks for postal shipping and use DHL for valuable items.