Moshi Urban: Forest Reserve and Rau River

In Moshi Urban, Rau Forest Reserve provides a focus on nature with specific facts: it was established by the Tanzanian government in 1957, covers 570 hectares and is crossed by the Rau River. The river runs from the northern part of the reserve to its centre. History, area and a clear sense of location come together here—useful points of reference when considering which nature-related themes you want your trip to focus on.

Rau Forest Reserve and its river

The year 1957 refers to the reserve’s establishment; the figure of 570 hectares describes its size. The Rau River adds another detail: its course through the area, crossing the reserve from north to centre. For planning your trip, these are distinct pieces of information that together provide a vivid picture of the natural area, without confusing its size with the river’s course.

If you are interested in landscapes, you can use these features as specific points of reference for further planning: are you more interested in a forest reserve as a natural area, a river, or both? The details give you concrete themes to guide your research and choice of destination. They make Moshi Urban an interesting destination for travellers who like to include nature in their trips.

Nature walks and wildlife observation

Rau Forest Reserve is considered a destination for nature walks, where plants, animals and birds can be observed. This adds another interest to exploring the forest reserve and river: observing nature. If walks like these fit your travel plans, you can take them into account when deciding whether to visit Moshi Urban. Check in advance what visits are possible before planning your stay around them.

The three observation themes offer different focuses for your planning, rather than promising only a general natural setting. You may be particularly interested in plants, or more interested in animals or birds; you can also think of the walk as an opportunity for different kinds of observation.

Other forest reserves in the wider Kilimanjaro destination

The wider Kilimanjaro destination also offers a different perspective on forest reserves. Six are located in the North Pare Mountains in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region: Kindoroko, Minja, Mramba, Kiverenge, Kamwella I and Kamwella II. Together, they cover 7,407 hectares. These names and the combined area describe the forest reserves of the North Pare Mountains.

Another regional point of reference is the South Pare Mountains in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region. Chome Nature Reserve is located there, along with eight designated forest reserves: Chambogo, Kiranga-Hengae, Chongweni, Kankoma, Kisiwani, Vumari, Kwizu and Maganda. Comparing the two mountain ranges helps distinguish these protected areas within the wider destination: here, North Pare refers to six named forest reserves with a combined area, while South Pare refers to Chome and eight other designated forest reserves.

These regional details complement Moshi Urban’s nature themes, but describe the North Pare and South Pare Mountains within the wider Kilimanjaro destination. When deciding on your trip, you can first consider whether you want to focus on Rau Forest Reserve and the Rau River in Moshi Urban, or explore other forest reserves as a separate regional interest.

Find the right holiday rental for your travel plans

If Rau Forest Reserve is the reason for your trip to Moshi Urban, start looking for a holiday rental by considering your planned nature activities: do you want to focus on the reserve, the river, or the nature walks described here? This question can help you connect your choice of destination with your personal travel plans, without assuming anything about accommodation features.

If you would first like to get a sense of other destinations, you can continue your search with Moshi and Hai. This keeps Moshi Urban’s nature themes as your starting point while you discover other places to consider for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Moshi, Hai.

Go to the wider travel overview: Kilimanjaro.