Shaded forest track in Rau Forest near Moshi — 2400×1600

Moshi · Cycling & Forest

Rau Forest Cycling

The last lowland groundwater forest on Kilimanjaro's foot, on two wheels or on foot.

Duration

4 hrs

Start

08:30 from Moshi

Distance

12 – 18 km, flat

Bike

Hardtail MTB, helmet included

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Soft tracks under canopy — 1200×1600

Soft tracks under canopy

Where the canopy opens — 1200×1600

Where the canopy opens

Riding the forest boundary — 1200×1600

Riding the forest boundary

Chai at the village stop — 1200×1600

Chai at the village stop

Before You Go

Practical Notes

We would rather you booked something else than had a disappointing morning.

It's genuinely flat

Almost no climbing. If you can ride a bike at all, you can do this. It's the gentlest of our cycling options and suits nervous riders well.

Walking works too

The same route runs as a nature walk at the same price. Slower, more birds, better for anyone who'd rather not cycle. Say which you want when booking.

Bring insect repellent

It's a damp forest, and mosquitoes are present especially in the early morning and after rain. Long sleeves help as much as spray.

Mud after rain

Tracks get muddy in April, May and November. Still rideable, but you will get dirty. Wear clothes you don't mind splashing.

An Honest Word

Is This Your Day?

We would rather you booked something else than had a disappointing morning.

Choose this if

+Anyone with a spare morning in Moshi

+Nervous or occasional cyclists — the terrain is forgiving

+Birders, particularly for forest species

+Families with children over ten

+Travellers recovering from Kilimanjaro who want gentle movement

Maybe skip it if

−Riders wanting technical trails or real climbing

−Anyone hoping to see big game — there is none here

−Travellers with only one day who'd rather see Materuni

−People who dislike insects or humidity

Build a Trip

Combines With

A natural half-day companion to the bigger Moshi outings.

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee

The other Moshi classic. Two contrasting days: one steep and cultural, one flat and green.

Full day · from $75

Kilimanjaro Climb

Excellent as a gentle leg-loosener the day before you start, or a recovery ride afterwards.

6 – 9 days · from $3,800

Mkomazi National Park

If you have longer in the Moshi area, Mkomazi's rhino sanctuary is the natural extension.

2 hrs from Moshi

Questions

Answered Plainly

No. The route is flat, the tracks are soft and wide, and there's no traffic inside the forest. If you can ride a bike around a park at home you'll be comfortable here. We set the pace to the slowest rider, and there's no shame in walking a short stretch.

Yes, at the same price. The walking version covers less ground but you see considerably more — birds especially, since you're quiet and slow. Tell us which you'd prefer when you book, and mixed groups are fine as we can run both together for part of the route.

Birds, primarily — turacos, hornbills, kingfishers and a range of forest species. There are vervet and colobus monkeys, plus bushbuck and duiker if you're quiet and lucky. There is no big game in Rau, and anyone hoping for it should book a park day instead.

Hardtail mountain bikes with front suspension, maintained in Moshi and checked before every ride. Helmets are included and we ask you to wear them. If you're particularly tall or short, mention it when booking so we bring the right frame.

From around ten, provided they ride independently. The flat terrain makes it one of the more family-friendly options near Moshi. We don't carry child seats or trailers, so younger children are better suited to the walking version.

Morning, comfortably. It's cooler, the birds are active and the light through the canopy is at its best. We start at 08:30 as standard, and an earlier start is possible if you're keen on birding.

Shaded forest track in Rau Forest near Moshi — 2000×1200

Add This Day

A Green Half-Day Near Moshi

Tell us whether you'd rather ride or walk and which morning suits, and we'll set it up. No cost, no commitment.

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