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.
- Public
- Dala dalas are frequent and very cheap but can be crowded and slow. Good for local routes, less ideal for tourist attractions.
- Taxi
- Taxis are reliable and widely available in Moshi. Always negotiate fare before departure. Boda bodas are cheaper but less safe for longer distances.
- Rental
- Hiring a 4x4 with driver is the best option for day trips to Kilimanjaro gates, Materuni, Lake Chala, or hot springs. Solo car hire requires careful research.
- Walking
- Moshi town centre is compact and very walkable within a 1.5km radius of the clock tower. The town's streets are generally safe during daylight hours.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $25-40, 45-60 min to Moshi centre
- Taxi Info
- Licensed taxis wait at the JRO arrivals hall. Agree price before departure – $25-35 is fair for Moshi. Insist on licensed vehicles.
- Shuttle
- $10-15, shared shuttle service
- Shuttle Info
- Impala Shuttle, Riverside Shuttle, and Precision Air shuttle offer shared services. Book online or at the airport desk. Drops to major hotels.
- Bus
- $2-3, public dala dala via Arusha road
- Bus Info
- Walk to the main road from the airport (500m) and flag down a dala dala heading east toward Moshi. Very local experience but unreliable timing.
- Private
- $40-60, pre-booked private car
- Private Info
- Most hotels offer airport pickup for $40-60. Recommended for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Dala dalas (minibuses) cover all main Moshi routes and connect to surrounding villages including Marangu, Machame, and Mweka. Fares are $0.30-1.
Alternatives
Bajaj (tuk-tuk), boda boda (motorcycle taxi), and shared taxis supplement the dala dala network. Local bus station is near the central market.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $3 base fare + negotiated distance rate
- Apps
- Uber (limited availability), Bolt
- App Names
- Bolt
- Typical Fare
- $3-8 for average Moshi city ride
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Long-distance buses from $5 (Moshi-Arusha) to $15-20 (Moshi-Dar es Salaam). Main operators: Dar Express, Kilimanjaro Express, Shabiby.
Shared
Shared taxis operate on the Moshi-Arusha route (faster than bus, $5-8, depart when full).
Flights
Domestic flights from JRO to Dar es Salaam (Precision Air, Air Tanzania) from $80-150 one way. Airstrip charters to Serengeti from $300+.
Private
Private car hire with driver from $80-120/day for in-region travel, $150+ for long-distance trips.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Kilimanjaro Region is served by Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – one of Tanzania's two main international airports – located between Moshi and Arusha. Moshi town is the regional hub connected by an extensive network of buses, dala dalas (shared minibuses), and taxis. Road quality within the region varies from excellent tarmac on main routes to unpaved tracks in rural and mountain areas.
Airports
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Moshi Airstrip
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Best ride-hailing app for Moshi with available drivers in the town centre
Many Moshi taxi drivers can be reached via WhatsApp – ask your hotel for trusted contacts
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always agree on the taxi fare before getting in – the standard Moshi town ride is $3-5
Dala dalas run from early morning until around 8PM – avoid them after dark
The Moshi-Arusha shared taxi is faster than the bus and runs frequently from the bus stand
For Kilimanjaro gate transfers, use your licensed tour operator's vehicles
Impala Shuttle and Riverside Shuttle are reliable for Moshi-Arusha and Moshi-Nairobi services
Book airport transfers in advance for early morning or late-night arrivals
Hire a 4x4 with driver for day trips to rural attractions – road conditions vary significantly
Carry small denomination TZS notes for dala dalas and boda bodas – exact change expected