Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
The Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari combines two contrasting northern Tanzania nature experiences within one flexible itinerary.
Rau Forest offers guided walking beneath a green forest canopy near Moshi, while Tarangire National Park introduces travellers to open wildlife landscapes, baobab trees and traditional safari game drives.
The forest section can focus on trees, monkeys, birds, butterflies, conservation and surrounding community landscapes.
The Tarangire section is explored by safari vehicle with a professional guide searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, antelopes, predators and birdlife where naturally encountered.
This combination is suitable for travellers who want to experience Tanzania both on foot and from a safari vehicle.
The itinerary can be arranged as a short 2 day program or incorporated into a longer Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar holiday.
Wildlife moves freely in both environments, so individual animal or bird sightings should never be guaranteed.
Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari at a Glance
- Main destinations: Rau Forest and Tarangire National Park.
- Starting point: Moshi or another agreed location.
- Forest activity: Guided nature walking.
- Forest wildlife: Monkeys, birds, butterflies and smaller wildlife where encountered.
- Safari activity: Tarangire wildlife game drive.
- Possible Tarangire wildlife: Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, antelopes and predators where encountered.
- Tour style: Private and customisable.
- Suggested duration: 2 days or longer.
Why Choose a Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari?
The combination allows travellers to experience two very different ecosystems during one northern Tanzania itinerary.
Rau Forest is explored slowly on foot, providing opportunities to notice plants, birds, monkeys and smaller details of the forest environment.
Tarangire is explored by 4x4 safari vehicle and offers larger scale wildlife viewing across woodland, riverine habitats and open landscapes.
The contrast makes this itinerary suitable for travellers who want more variety than a standard vehicle only safari.
Main Tour Highlights
- Guided Rau Forest nature walk
- Mature forest trees and vegetation
- Monkey viewing opportunities
- Birdwatching
- Butterflies and smaller wildlife
- Forest conservation learning
- Optional community experiences
- Tarangire wildlife game drive
- Elephant viewing opportunities
- Baobab landscapes
- Professional safari guide
- Private 4x4 safari arrangements
Suggested Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari Itinerary
DAY
01
MOSHI – RAU FOREST – MOSHI
Rau Forest Nature and Cultural Experience
Begin with pickup from your hotel or agreed location in Moshi and travel toward Rau Forest.
Meet your local guide and receive an introduction to the forest environment and planned walking route.
Start walking beneath the forest canopy while learning about trees, plants, wildlife habitats and conservation.
Possible Rau Forest Experiences
- Guided forest walking.
- Learn about mature trees and vegetation.
- Look for monkeys in the canopy.
- Listen and look for forest birds.
- Observe butterflies and smaller wildlife.
- Learn about conservation.
- Visit community or farming areas where included.
Your guide may also explain traditional knowledge connected with selected plants where appropriate.
The walking pace and duration can be selected according to the confirmed program and group ability.
A local food or community experience can be added where specifically included.
After completing the Rau Forest experience, return to Moshi or continue to accommodation according to the final itinerary.
Main Activity
Guided forest walking.
Wildlife
Monkeys, birds and smaller wildlife where encountered.
Guide
Local nature guide.
DAY
02
MOSHI – TARANGIRE – MOSHI OR ARUSHA
Tarangire Wildlife Safari Game Drive
Depart early and travel toward Tarangire National Park for the wildlife portion of the itinerary.
After completing the applicable park entry procedures, begin exploring Tarangire with a professional safari guide.
The park is known for its distinctive baobab landscapes and is particularly associated with elephant viewing, although all wildlife sightings remain natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Possible Tarangire Safari Experiences
- Morning and afternoon game viewing according to the itinerary.
- Search for elephants.
- Look for giraffes, zebras and wildebeest.
- Observe buffalo and antelopes where encountered.
- Look for lions and other predators where naturally present.
- Enjoy birdwatching opportunities.
- View baobab dominated landscapes.
Stop for lunch according to the confirmed package and continue the game drive through suitable wildlife areas.
Your safari guide can explain animal behaviour, habitats and the wider ecosystem while following park regulations.
After the safari, drive back to Moshi, continue to Arusha or travel to your next accommodation according to the confirmed itinerary.
Main Activity
Tarangire wildlife game drive.
Safari Vehicle
4x4 safari vehicle according to the package.
Wildlife
Sightings depend on natural animal movement.
Rau Forest Nature Experience
Rau Forest provides a very different wildlife experience from Tarangire.
Instead of searching for large animals from a safari vehicle, visitors explore on foot and focus on trees, plants, birds, monkeys and smaller wildlife.
The quieter walking environment allows time for interpretation and conservation learning.
Guided Rau Forest Walk
A local guide accompanies travellers along the selected route.
The guide can explain forest vegetation, wildlife habitats, conservation and selected traditional plant knowledge where appropriate.
The exact walking route depends on local conditions and the selected program.
Monkey Watching in Rau Forest
Monkeys may be encountered in the forest canopy during the walk.
Travellers should observe quietly and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife.
Because monkeys move freely, sightings cannot be guaranteed during every visit.
Birdwatching in Rau Forest
The forest provides opportunities to listen for and observe birds.
Binoculars can be useful for viewing birds higher in the canopy.
Bird activity varies according to weather, season and time of day.
Rau Forest Nature Highlights
- Mature forest trees
- Dense vegetation
- Monkey viewing opportunities
- Birdlife
- Butterflies
- Small forest wildlife
- Conservation learning
- Nature photography
Rau Forest Conservation Experience
A guided visit can introduce travellers to the importance of conserving trees, wildlife habitats and the surrounding environment.
Visitors should follow appropriate paths, avoid littering and never damage vegetation.
Wildlife should remain undisturbed throughout the tour.
Community Experience Around Rau Forest
The Rau Forest day can include community and farming activities according to the selected itinerary.
This allows travellers to learn about local livelihoods, crops and everyday life around the Kilimanjaro region.
Community visits should remain respectful and should be organised with local hosts or guides.
Local Food Experience
A locally prepared meal can be added to selected Rau Forest programs.
This provides a cultural element alongside the nature walk.
Dietary requirements should be communicated before travel.
Discover Tarangire National Park
Tarangire provides the classic safari component of the itinerary.
The park contains woodland, river influenced habitats, open areas and distinctive baobab scenery.
Wildlife distribution changes according to water, food availability, season and natural animal movement.
Elephants in Tarangire
Tarangire is strongly associated with elephant viewing and travellers may encounter individuals or family groups during a game drive.
However, elephants remain wild animals and their exact location changes throughout the day and year.
No individual sighting can be guaranteed.
Baobab Landscapes
Baobab trees form one of the distinctive visual features of Tarangire.
Their large trunks and unusual shapes create memorable safari landscapes and photography opportunities.
They also form part of the wider ecology of the park.
Wildlife You May See in Tarangire
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Buffalo
- Warthogs
- Different antelope species
- Baboons and monkeys in suitable habitats
- Lions where encountered
- Other predators where naturally present
- Many bird species
All wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and should be treated as possibilities rather than guarantees.
Predator Viewing in Tarangire
Lions and other predators live within the wider Tarangire ecosystem.
Your guide may search suitable habitats during the game drive, but predators can be difficult to locate and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Birdwatching in Tarangire
Birdlife can add significant variety to a Tarangire safari.
Travellers interested in birds should consider bringing binoculars.
Species and activity vary according to habitat, water, season and time of day.
Professional Safari Guide
The Tarangire game drive is led by a professional safari guide familiar with park roads, habitats and wildlife behaviour.
The guide manages the vehicle and helps interpret animal sightings while following applicable park rules.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
The Tarangire section is normally operated in a 4x4 safari vehicle suitable for game viewing.
A pop up roof or other appropriate viewing arrangement can provide improved visibility during the safari according to the vehicle used.
Private Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
The itinerary can be arranged privately for the confirmed travelling party.
Private arrangements provide dedicated guiding and transportation and allow the daily schedule to focus on your group within operational and park requirements.
Private Tour Advantages
- Dedicated Rau Forest guide
- Flexible forest walking pace
- Dedicated safari vehicle
- Professional safari guide
- Photography stops where safe
- Flexible accommodation options
Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari for Solo Travellers
Solo travellers can arrange the itinerary privately.
The program can focus on nature, photography, birdwatching and wildlife according to personal interests.
Private solo travel normally costs more per person because transport, guiding and safari vehicle costs are not shared.
Safari for Couples
Couples can enjoy a private forest experience followed by a Tarangire game drive.
The itinerary can also include lodge accommodation or further safari destinations according to available time.
Family Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
The combination can be suitable for families because it includes both walking and vehicle based wildlife viewing.
The Rau Forest walking distance can be adapted according to children's ages where possible.
Long safari driving hours should also be considered when planning for younger children.
Accommodation Options
The itinerary can be operated from Moshi or expanded to include an overnight stay closer to Tarangire or another safari area.
Possible Accommodation Styles
- Moshi hotel
- Budget guesthouse
- Camping safari
- Mid range lodge
- Tented safari camp
- Comfort lodge
- Higher comfort accommodation on request
Meals During the Tour
Meal arrangements depend on the selected package.
The Rau Forest section can include a local meal where specifically arranged.
The Tarangire safari normally includes lunch according to the confirmed itinerary, which may be packed or otherwise arranged.
Dietary requirements should be communicated before travel.
What to Wear
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- Lightweight trousers
- Comfortable shirt
- Light fleece or jacket
- Rain jacket when needed
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Neutral comfortable safari clothing
What to Bring
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Rain protection
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
Typical Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari Inclusions
- Transportation according to the confirmed itinerary
- Rau Forest local guide
- Guided Rau Forest walk
- Applicable Rau Forest arrangements included in the quotation
- Selected community activities where specifically included
- Professional safari guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle according to the package
- Tarangire park entry arrangements included in the quotation
- Tarangire game drive
- Meals specifically stated as included
- Drinking water according to the package
- Accommodation where specifically included
Typical Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed in the quotation
- Additional accommodation not specifically included
- Tips for guides and staff
- Services not specifically stated as included
Best Time for the Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
The combination can be organised during different periods of the year.
Rau Forest conditions change with rainfall, and wetter periods may produce greener vegetation but muddier walking trails.
Tarangire wildlife distribution also changes according to water, vegetation, food availability and seasonal animal movement.
No period guarantees individual wildlife sightings.
Responsible Rau Forest Tourism
Visitors should explore the forest in a way that protects wildlife and vegetation.
Responsible Nature and Safari Guidelines
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Do not chase animals for photographs.
- Avoid damaging forest vegetation.
- Do not leave litter.
- Follow instructions from guides.
- Observe wildlife from appropriate distances.
- Respect park and forest regulations.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing in Tarangire
Wildlife should be observed without unnecessary disturbance.
Animals should not be fed, surrounded or chased for photographs.
The safari guide determines appropriate game viewing positions and follows applicable park regulations.
Starting the Tour from Moshi
Moshi is a convenient starting point for the Rau Forest portion of the itinerary.
The Tarangire safari can depart from Moshi the following morning or be connected with an overnight arrangement depending on the package.
Starting or Finishing in Arusha
The itinerary can also incorporate Arusha when required by the wider travel program.
Travellers can finish the Tarangire safari in Arusha instead of returning to Moshi when this is arranged in advance.
Combine With Mount Kilimanjaro
The Rau Forest and Tarangire itinerary can be arranged before or after a Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
Before trekking, Rau Forest can provide a gentle nature introduction to the region.
After the climb, Tarangire offers a relaxing wildlife focused change from mountain trekking.
Combine With Ngorongoro
Travellers with additional time can continue from Tarangire toward Ngorongoro.
This creates a longer northern Tanzania safari with different wildlife habitats and landscapes.
Combine With Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara can be added to create a longer safari itinerary after Rau Forest.
The additional park provides another ecosystem and wildlife experience.
Combine With Serengeti
Serengeti can be added when several additional days are available.
This creates a longer Tanzania itinerary moving from Rau Forest into Tarangire and onward through the northern safari circuit.
Combine With Zanzibar
Zanzibar can be added after the forest and safari portion of the journey.
This creates a wider Tanzania holiday combining forest nature, wildlife and the Indian Ocean coast.
Customise Your Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
Possible Customisation Options
- Short Rau Forest walk
- Longer forest walking experience
- Birdwatching focus
- Community tourism activity
- Local food experience
- Private Tarangire safari
- Tarangire lodge overnight
- Lake Manyara extension
- Ngorongoro extension
- Serengeti extension
- Kilimanjaro climb or day hike
- Zanzibar extension
Important Information About the Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
The Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari combines a guided walking forest experience with a vehicle based wildlife safari.
The exact Rau Forest walking route and optional community activities should be confirmed before departure.
Monkeys, birds and other wildlife in Rau Forest cannot be guaranteed.
Elephants and other Tarangire wildlife also move naturally and cannot be guaranteed on an individual game drive.
Weather can affect forest trail conditions and safari road conditions.
Travellers should follow both local guide instructions and national park rules throughout the itinerary.
Why Book This Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari?
The Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari combines intimate forest exploration with classic northern Tanzania wildlife viewing.
Travellers can walk beneath the Rau Forest canopy, look for monkeys and birds and learn about conservation before travelling to Tarangire for elephants, baobab landscapes and game drives.
With local guiding, safari transportation and selected activities organised according to the confirmed package, the itinerary provides a flexible way to experience two different sides of Tanzania within a short trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari?
It is a combined itinerary featuring a guided Rau Forest walking experience followed by a wildlife safari in Tarangire National Park.
Can the tour start from Moshi?
Yes. Moshi is a convenient starting point for Rau Forest and can also be used for departure toward Tarangire.
How many days do you recommend?
A simple version can be arranged over 2 days, with Rau Forest on one day and Tarangire on the next. Longer safari extensions can also be added.
Will we see monkeys in Rau Forest?
Monkeys may be encountered, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they move freely through the forest.
Can we see birds in Rau Forest?
Yes. Birdwatching opportunities are possible, although individual species cannot be guaranteed.
Will we see elephants in Tarangire?
Elephants are strongly associated with Tarangire and are commonly sought during game drives, but sightings still depend on natural animal movement.
Can we see lions?
Lions live within the Tarangire ecosystem and may be encountered, but predator sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Will we see baobab trees?
Baobab landscapes are a distinctive feature of Tarangire and can form an important part of the park scenery during the game drive.
Is the tour private?
Yes. A private Rau Forest and Tarangire itinerary can be arranged for the confirmed travelling party.
Can solo travellers book the tour?
Yes. A private itinerary can be arranged for one traveller, although the per person cost is usually higher because fixed costs are not shared.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes. The Rau Forest walking distance can be adapted where possible, while family requirements should also be considered when planning safari driving hours.
Can local food be included at Rau Forest?
Yes. A local food experience can be included where specifically arranged in the cultural program.
Is lunch included in Tarangire?
Lunch can be included according to the confirmed safari package and should be clearly stated in the final itinerary.
Can we stay near Tarangire overnight?
Yes. A lodge, tented camp or other accommodation can be added depending on the preferred comfort level and itinerary.
Can Ngorongoro be added?
Yes. Ngorongoro can be added as part of a longer northern Tanzania safari.
Can Serengeti be added?
Yes. Serengeti can be included when several additional safari days are available.
Can this tour be combined with Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Rau Forest and Tarangire can be arranged before or after a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or combined with a permitted Kilimanjaro day hike.
Can Zanzibar be added?
Yes. Zanzibar can be added after the forest and safari portion of the itinerary.
How do I book the Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari?
Provide your preferred dates, number of travellers, pickup location, accommodation preference and any additional safari destinations so a personalised itinerary and quotation can be prepared.
Plan Your Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
Walk beneath the Rau Forest canopy, look for monkeys and birds and learn about conservation before continuing to Tarangire for elephants, baobab landscapes and a classic northern Tanzania wildlife game drive.
Book Your Rau Forest and Tarangire Safari
