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Rau Forest Reserve - Lush green forest with diverse wildlife

Rau Forest Reserve

Discover the pristine beauty of Rau Forest with guided nature walks and exceptional bird watching opportunities

View Itinerary

Rau Forest Reserve Overview

Nature & Wildlife Experience

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.

Kilimanjaro sunrise weather conditions Kilimanjaro seasonal weather variations
Duration: 4-5 hours
Group Size: 2-8 people
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: Year-round

Tour Itinerary

Follow our carefully planned itinerary for an unforgettable nature experience

Time
7:30

Hotel Pickup in Moshi

Start your nature adventure with convenient pickup

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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.

Hotel Pickup
Short Drive
Expert Guide
Time
8:00

Arrive at Rau Forest Reserve

Begin your forest exploration

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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.

Forest Orientation
Binoculars Provided
Trail Information
Time
8:30

Guided Nature Walk

Explore the diverse forest ecosystem

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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.

Forest Walk
Plant Identification
Ecological Insights
Time
10:00

Bird Watching Session

Spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat

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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.

Bird Watching
Species Identification
Photography Opportunities
Time
11:30

Wildlife Observation

Look for monkeys and other forest inhabitants

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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.

Monkey Spotting
Wildlife Observation
Animal Behavior
Time
12:30

Picnic Lunch in Nature

Enjoy a refreshing meal surrounded by forest

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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.

Picnic Lunch
Natural Setting
Fresh Ingredients
Time
13:30

Return to Moshi

Journey back with nature memories

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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 Transport
Hotel Drop-off
Nature Memories

Return Time: ~2:00 PM

Drive Time: 20-30 minutes

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

What's Included

Package Details

Everything you need to know about what's included in your Rau Forest Reserve tour

What's Included

All these services are covered in your package

Round-trip Transportation

Comfortable transport to and from your hotel in Moshi

Professional Guide

Experienced English-speaking nature guide

Entrance Fees

All park and conservation fees for Rau Forest

Picnic Lunch

Delicious picnic lunch with drinks in a scenic setting

Binoculars

Quality binoculars provided for bird watching

What's Not Included

Additional expenses to consider

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks

Tips for Guide

Gratuities for your guide (recommended)

Personal Expenses

Souvenirs, additional snacks, or personal purchases

Travel Insurance

Personal travel insurance is not included

Rain Gear

Please bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions

Common Questions

Rau Forest Reserve FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our Rau Forest Reserve tour

What should I bring to the Rau Forest tour?

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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.

How difficult is the walking in Rau Forest?

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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.

Is this tour suitable for children and elderly people?

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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.

What happens if it rains on the day of our tour?

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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.

What wildlife can we expect to see?

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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.

Are there restroom facilities in the forest?

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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.

Book Your Rau Forest Tour

Reserve your spot for this unforgettable nature experience

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