Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This is one good reason to travel with the companies that have their own offices. It's best
to buy tickets the day before you'll travel.
GETTING AROUND
To/From the Airport
Precision Air has a shuttle (Tsh10,000) to/from KIA for its flights (except Nairobi), depart-
ing from its offices a few hours before flight time. Taxi drivers are tough negotiators; try
for US$30, but expect to pay more.
Taxi & Dalla-Dalla
There are taxi stands near the Clock Tower and at the bus station, plus you can find taxis
by most hotels. The bus station to a city-centre hotel should cost Tsh2000 and it's Tsh3000
to Shantytown. Motorcycle taxi drivers expect Tsh1000, even for a very short ride. Dalla-
dallas run down main roads from next to the bus station.
Machame
The rather ill-defined and spread-out village of Machame lies 25km northwest of Moshi on
Mt Kilimanjaro's lower slopes, surrounded by dense vegetation and stands of banana. Most
visitors only pass through briefly enroute to Machame gate.
Makoa Farm
( 0754-312896;
www.makoa-farm.com
;
s/d with full board & activities
€315/540; ) , a restored 1930s farmstead and working farm, is primarily a base for horse-
riding safaris, but its guest cottages make an amenable break for nonriding partners who
want to stay behind and relax. Meals are made with farm produce and served family style
together with the owners and an assorted menagerie of pets in the main farmhouse. Animal
lovers and nature enthusiasts only. There's a two-night minimum stay; walking, short rides
and cultural activities can be arranged (for guests only). It's about 17km from Moshi, off
the Machame road and unsignposted. Most Moshi taxis know the turn-off; otherwise ask
for directions when booking. It also offers an eight-day West Kilimanjaro horse safari and
other multiday rides. Previous riding experience is required.
Marangu
Nestled on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, 40km northeast of Moshi, amid dense
stands of banana and coffee plants, is the lively, leafy market town of Marangu. It has an
agreeable highland ambience, cool climate and, good selection of hotels, all of which or-
ganise treks. While you'll generally get slightly better budget deals in Moshi, Marangu
makes a convenient base for Kili climbs using the Marangu or Rongai routes, and it's an
enjoyable stop in its own right.
