Usually volunteers stay in the nicer areas of town (on the west and north side) in large rented houses belonging to the organization they are with. Moving away from this area of town the standard of living rapidly changes, and within the poorer areas and the rural areas small muds huts housing large families and extended families are the norm. The rates of HIV/AIDS, poverty and lack of education are high in these areas. However, the area is safe, and once you go north from the town, up the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the landscape is very lush and beautiful. Moshi is very friendly as the locals associate foreigners with volunteers. They know you are here to help and respect you for that. In fact, you are a minor celebrity as you walk through town!

Moshi is close to Arusha National Park (ANP), Kilimanjaro National Park, the Pare mountains, and the Northern Safari Circuit. There is a lot to do on your days off like shopping in Arusha (or visit the Rwandan trials), hiking in the mountains, going on a game drive or canoeing in ANP or going on a day’s cultural tour of a Maasai or Pare village.