Rau Forest Reserve: River and Nature Observation

The Rau River gives Rau Forest Reserve its name and runs through the area from the northern part to the middle. The reserve is located in Moshi Urban District and covers 570 hectares. This brings together two specific reference points: a river running through the forest area and a clearly stated area. The name refers directly to the river, while the area figure describes the extent of the individual reserve. If you would like to get to know Moshi Urban through its natural side, Rau offers a clearly defined local point of reference.

The Tanzanian government established Rau Forest Reserve in 1957. This year adds a historical reference point to the geographical context: it marks the establishment of the reserve, while the river and area describe its spatial features. This makes it possible to consider its origins and landscape as distinct yet complementary aspects. In addition to its physical features, a clearly dated historical milestone helps orient visitors in Moshi Urban District.

A nature walk in Rau Forest Reserve combines walking in the forest with observing plants, animals, birds, and the surroundings as a whole. The focus of observation therefore extends beyond individual animals: plant life and the wider environment are included too. Walking and attentive observation go hand in hand, rather than treating nature merely as a backdrop. The Rau River situates a landscape feature within the reserve; the walk draws attention to different elements of the surroundings. In this way, a spatial perspective and an observational perspective on the same area complement each other.

Forest Reserves in the Wider Kilimanjaro Destination

In the wider Kilimanjaro destination, the North Pare Mountains are located in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region. There, six forest reserves cover a combined area of 7,407 hectares (18,303 acres): Kindoroko, Minja, Mramba, Kiverenge, Kamwella I, and Kamwella II. Unlike the single Rau Forest Reserve, this area figure refers to a group of six named reserves. The comparison offers two scales for understanding the natural environment: one specific forest area in Moshi Urban District and the combined area of several reserves in North Pare.

A second Pare group lies in the wider Kilimanjaro destination: the South Pare Mountains are located in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region. This landscape includes Chome Nature Reserve and eight designated forest reserves: Chambogo, Kiranga-Hengae, Chongweni, Kankoma, Kisiwani, Vumari, Kwizu, and Maganda. The composition differs from that of North Pare: alongside one nature reserve, eight forest reserves are named here, while North Pare comprises six forest reserves. The regional comparison thus shows different compositions of named protected areas, while Rau provides a local point of reference for Moshi Urban.

For your trip planning, the two levels differ: Rau represents a single forest reserve in Moshi Urban District, while the North and South Pare Mountains represent groups of protected areas in the wider Kilimanjaro destination. This helps place the local nature perspective in context without equating it with the regional diversity of reserves.

Discover more destinations: Moshi, Hai.

Return to the wider travel overview: Kilimanjaro.