Rau forest reserve is located close to Moshi town about 2km to reach entry gate. The forest reserve connects you with nature and is blessed with many attractions and services including varieties of flora and fauna species found inside the closed canopy forest, huge tree and the biggest tree in East Africa (mvule) which drives large numbers of visitors within and outside of the country, unique and endemic trees such as Oxystigma Msoo, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, dik dik, milk spring water, birds, butterflies, rice fields adjacent of the forest which makes forest more attractive and picnic site found in the Rau forest reserve. Silently walking in the forest makes you lose your mind and find your soul at the same time hear your breathing rates only. Rau forest reserve acts as a fuel to the tourists who are climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro.
TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
Rau forest reserve has 71 variety of tree species including the unique and endemic trees like Oxystigma Msoo, Kilimanjaro Mahnogany, Lovoa swynnertonii,andMilicia execls etc.50 fauna species including black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, antelopes, wathorgs, dik dik etc. Also, more than 15 birds found in Rau forest reserve like African spoonbill. There are also variety of butterflies species found in Rau forest like common mother of pearl, gold handed forester etc. Bees such as Apis mellifera adansonii, stingless bees (Mellipolina) and Forest Marsh Snake.
ACTIVITIES
Tourism activities which can be performed in the reserve include: nature walking, hiking, cycling, bird watching, butterfly watching, photographing and filming, animal viewing, research and studying, worshipping, viewing Rau river, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Moshi town and rice farm tour.