Summary:
The forest, which covers an area of 584 hectares, is located three kilometers from the town of Moshi and is visited by more than 4,000 tourists per year. The improvements aim to increase the number of tourists visiting the reserve.
Moshi.
The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) in the Moshi District plans to construct tents that will be used for accommodating tourists in the Rau Forest Reserve. This step is expected to stimulate an increase in the number of tourists visiting the reserve.
Hayo yamebainishwa na Mhifadhi wa TFS Wilaya ya Moshi, Zayana Mrisho wakati akizungumza na waandishi wa habari waliotembelea msitu huo, ulipo kilometa tatu kutoka Moshi mjini huku ukipokea watalii Zaidi 4,000 kwa mwaka.
“…licha idadi ya watalii inaongezeka kila mwaka, bado kunahitajika mwamko zaidi kwa watalii wa ndani, sasa ujenzi wa makambi haya, utachochea kuongezeka kwa watalii kwani watapana tafasi nzuri kwa malazi na chakula,” amesema.
These statements were made by Zayana Mrisho, the TFS Conservator of the Moshi District, while speaking to journalists who visited the forest located three kilometers from Moshi town, which receives over 4,000 tourists annually.
“Despite the increasing number of tourists every year, there is still a need for greater awareness among domestic tourists. The construction of these camps will stimulate an increase in tourists as they will have good accommodation and food facilities,” she said.
She also mentioned that one of the efforts they are making is to set up camps and designate areas for wild barbecue and organize bicycle competitions through the existing paths within the reserve.
She further stated that there will be tents available for tourists who wish to spend several days resting inside the forest and enjoying its scenery.
Furthermore, she said that during weekends, groups will be allowed to do morning or evening workouts as a form of exercise, and through the paths within the reserve, people will be able to create running or cycling routes to avoid congestion in the town center and to enjoy fresh air.
“Various efforts are being made to promote and enhance domestic tourism in the Rau Forest Reserve, and one of those efforts is the construction of camps, which are expected to be completed in the next fiscal year,” she explained, adding:
“After the completion of these camps, there will be various activities, including children’s games, wild barbecue, and various youth groups providing entertainment within the forest, which will attract even more tourists.”
The conservator also mentioned, “There will also be running and cycling sports, and many people will enter to enjoy various things, including the beautiful scenery within the forest.”
On her part, the Forest Supervisor, Devotha Mushi, stated, “This forest is unique and we call it the ‘Lungs of the City of Moshi’ because it improves the air quality of Moshi by absorbing carbon dioxide, and it also conserves the land through the existing trees and preserves water sources used in homes and farms.”
Furthermore, Joseph Ally, a tourism officer in the reserve, said that the number of tourists visiting the reserve has been increasing every year, with over 4,000 tourists visiting the reserve from March 2022 to March this year.
“This reserve has captivating landscapes and various animals, including the giant Mahogany tree, known as the ‘Wonder Mahogany,’ which is the oldest in East Africa. There are also trees that cannot be found in any other part of East Africa but can be found here,” he said, adding:
“I encourage both domestic and international tourists to visit this natural reserve to experience new perspectives and witness the wonders of nature and its attractive landscapes with fresh air.
QUICK LINKS
Tanzania Forest Service Agency
Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
