Discover the pristine beauty of Rau Forest with guided nature walks and exceptional bird watching opportunities
Located just outside Moshi, Rau Forest Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary covering approximately 350 hectares of indigenous forest. This protected area is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including over 150 bird species, various monkey species, and countless plant species.
The forest offers well-maintained walking trails that wind through lush vegetation, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching, photography, and nature appreciation. With its proximity to Moshi, Rau Forest is the perfect destination for a half-day nature escape without traveling far from town.
Follow our carefully planned itinerary for an unforgettable nature experience
Start your nature adventure with convenient pickup
Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Moshi. Meet your friendly guide who will accompany you throughout the nature walk and provide insights about the forest ecosystem.
We'll begin our short drive to Rau Forest Reserve, located just outside Moshi. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, making this an easily accessible nature destination.
Begin your forest exploration
Upon arrival at Rau Forest Reserve, you'll receive a brief orientation from your guide about the forest, its importance as a conservation area, and what to expect during your walk.
Your guide will provide binoculars for bird watching and explain the different trails available. This is also a good time to use restroom facilities before beginning your nature walk.
Explore the diverse forest ecosystem
Begin your guided walk through the beautiful forest trails. The walk is conducted at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural surroundings and spot wildlife.
Your guide will point out various tree species, medicinal plants, and explain the ecological importance of the forest. You'll learn about the different forest layers and the animals that inhabit them.
Spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat
Rau Forest is renowned for its exceptional bird watching opportunities. With over 150 recorded species, you'll have the chance to spot various colorful and unique birds.
Your guide will help you identify different species by their calls and appearances. Common sightings include turacos, hornbills, sunbirds, and various forest specialists. This is a perfect activity for both novice and experienced bird watchers.
Look for monkeys and other forest inhabitants
As you continue through the forest, keep your eyes peeled for various monkey species that call Rau Forest home. Commonly spotted primates include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
Your guide will share insights about their behavior, social structures, and ecological roles. You might also spot other forest inhabitants such as butterflies, reptiles, and small mammals.
Enjoy a refreshing meal surrounded by forest
After your forest exploration, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic spot within or near the forest. The peaceful natural setting provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and reflecting on your nature experience.
The lunch typically includes fresh sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and beverages. We accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, ensuring everyone enjoys a satisfying meal in this beautiful natural setting.
Journey back with nature memories
After lunch, we'll begin our journey back to Moshi. We typically depart around 1:30 PM to ensure we get you back to your accommodation with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.
The return drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes, giving you time to relax and reflect on your amazing nature experience. We'll drop you off at your hotel in Moshi, typically arriving around 2:00 PM.
Return Time: ~2:00 PM
Drive Time: 20-30 minutes
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Everything you need to know about what's included in your Rau Forest Reserve tour
All these services are covered in your package
Comfortable transport to and from your hotel in Moshi
Experienced English-speaking nature guide
All park and conservation fees for Rau Forest
Delicious picnic lunch with drinks in a scenic setting
Quality binoculars provided for bird watching
Additional expenses to consider
Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks
Gratuities for your guide (recommended)
Souvenirs, additional snacks, or personal purchases
Personal travel insurance is not included
Please bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our Rau Forest Reserve tour
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing in neutral colors, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a camera, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket (depending on the season). Don't forget any personal medications you might need.
The walking is generally easy to moderate with well-maintained trails. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle inclines. The pace is leisurely with frequent stops for bird watching and wildlife observation. The total walking distance is approximately 3-4 kilometers.
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The walking is not strenuous, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest. Children especially enjoy spotting monkeys and colorful birds. For those with mobility issues, we can adjust the route to accommodate different abilities.
The tour generally proceeds rain or shine, as we provide rain ponchos if needed. The forest canopy provides some protection from light rain, and many birds are actually more active after rainfall. However, in case of severe weather that makes the walk unsafe, we will either reschedule your tour or provide a full refund.
Rau Forest is home to over 150 bird species, including turacos, hornbills, sunbirds, and various forest specialists. Mammals include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. You may also spot butterflies, reptiles, and various insects. While we can't guarantee specific sightings, your guide will maximize your chances of wildlife encounters.
Basic restroom facilities are available at the forest entrance. During the walk, facilities are limited, so we recommend using the restrooms before starting the nature walk. Your guide will identify appropriate spots for comfort breaks during the tour if needed.
Get expert advice and personalized safari itineraries from our local Tanzania specialists