Moshi, serene home of Kilimanjaro

Twenty two hours on a bus is a long time. First, it is tiring and then laborious. My destination was Moshi, one of Tanzania’s largely semi-urban town, located near Mount Kilimanjaro.
When I arrived on a Friday night, it was serene and quite inviting for a good night’s sleep. After checking in at one of the hotels in town, I proceeded to take some frothy stuff as an initial act to sample the nightlife in the historical town.
With a friend, we decided to join locals who were seated at shops, sipping on beer as they occasionally nodded to sounds of Jose Chameleone, Radio and Weasel in the music mix that also had tarab and Kenya’s Genge. The music level allowed us have a conversation.
The patrons were interested to know why we were there and about Kampala which never goes to sleep. Many of these people are traders and farmers who work hard and come together during evenings to enjoy the fruits of their hard work. Hour after hour elapsed and close to 3am, we budged, wishing each other good nights.

Next day
In the morning the skies brightened up as the yellow sun manifested itself. Peaceful nature is part of this town’s traits. The morning was without the loud buzz I am used to in Kampala
From my hotel room, my eyes were caught by the towering, misty Mount Kilimanjaro which prompted me to reach out for my camera to take a few photographs.
When I later on lowered my gaze, I could see locals sweeping the tarmac roads and their compounds. Moshi puts Kampala to shame.
In our capital city, roads are swept every morning but there are urban dwellers who shamelessly throw rubbish out of their car windows and litter while walking along the streets, despite the well-displayed garbage bins.
The other plus is that Moshi has almost spotless, well-maintained roads, so the drive is not as bumpy as is the case on some of the roads in Kampala. The beauty of the town is enhanced by tree canopies in some parts whereas others simply have trees that were planted along road sides.
As you drive or are driven, you will see signposts and billboards screaming in your face, advertising different products and upcoming events. Walking in pedestrian lanes are locals and Masai who you will not miss for their signature attire of kanga or lesu.

MOSHI
Geographically, Moshi is located approximately eight hours from Dar es salaam. You can equate it to a journey between Kampala and Lira. The difference is that Moshi is not as active as Lira, which is a booming business hub.