10 Best African Forests: Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ancient Wonders

Africa is known for its savannahs and deserts, but its lush, dense, and often ancient forests are among the most ecologically important and breathtaking places on the continent. From the towering trees of the Congo Basin to the mist-shrouded trails of Bwindi and Nyungwe, the continent’s forests are home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, plant life, and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re looking to spot gorillas, hike through jungle trails, or marvel at birdlife and butterflies, these are ten of the best African forests to explore—and why they should be on every nature lover’s travel list.

1. Congo Rainforest – The Second Largest Rainforest on Earth

The vast Congo Rainforest spans six countries—Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea—and forms the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world after the Amazon. Rich in biodiversity, it houses over 10,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and iconic mammals such as lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and okapi.

Much of the Congo Basin remains untouched, making it an ecological treasure trove for researchers, photographers, and adventurous travelers alike. Key access points include Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo and Salonga National Park in the DRC—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite its remote nature, eco-tourism initiatives are helping to open up parts of this forest for responsible exploration while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Highlights:

• See endangered lowland gorillas in their natural habitat
• Explore some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet
• Remote forest lodges and guided expeditions

2. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Paradise

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s most famous forest destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient montane rainforest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, drawing trekkers from across the globe for unforgettable gorilla encounters.

But Bwindi is more than just gorillas. The forest is also home to over 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and more than 160 tree species, making it one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. Walking trails wind through steep hills, misty valleys, and densely vegetated paths that have remained largely unchanged for millennia.

Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking experiences and habituation safaris
• Birdwatching in the Ruhija sector
• Community-run lodges and cultural visits with the Batwa people

3. Kakamega Forest – Kenya’s Last Remnant Rainforest

While Kenya is best known for its savannahs, Kakamega Forest in the western part of the country offers a completely different experience. As the only remaining fragment of the once-vast Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya, it is a biodiversity hotspot unlike anything else in the region.

Kakamega is famous for its birdlife, butterflies, and primates. It hosts over 360 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco and Grey Parrot, and a variety of monkeys like the black-and-white colobus. The forest is accessible via well-marked trails and offers peaceful walks through thick canopies and tree-covered valleys.

Highlights:

• Excellent birdwatching and butterfly photography
• Home to rare species like the blue monkey
• Guided nature walks and canopy exploration

4. Arabuko Sokoke Forest – Coastal Rainforest with Endemic Birds

Located near the Kenyan coast between Malindi and Watamu, Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining patch of coastal dry forest in East Africa. This unique ecosystem is home to several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Sokoke scops owl, golden-rumped elephant shrew, and Clarke’s weaver.

The forest is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the best places in Africa to combine birdwatching with beach tourism. After exploring the forest trails, travelers can relax on the nearby Watamu Marine National Park beaches or snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean.

Highlights:

• See rare endemic birds and mammals
• Combine forest exploration with beach holidays
• Family-friendly and easily accessible from Malindi

5. Nyungwe Forest – Rwanda’s Chimpanzee Tracking Haven

Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a pristine Afro-montane rainforest offering an immersive experience in biodiversity and conservation. It’s one of the best places in Africa to go chimpanzee tracking, with daily treks into the forest to observe habituated troops in their natural environment.

Nyungwe is also known for its canopy walkway—a 60-meter-long suspension bridge above the forest that provides stunning views of the treetops and wildlife below. The park is home to 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and a botanical wonderland of orchids and giant ferns.

Highlights:

• Guided chimpanzee trekking and colobus monkey sightings
• Canopy walkway offering elevated forest views
• Birding, botany, and scenic hiking trails

Explore Related Blogs:

• Top Places to See Primates in Africa
• Best Rainforests for Birdwatching in Africa
• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes: Which Is Better?
• East Africa’s Lesser-Known Safari Spots
• National Parks to Combine with Beach Holidays

10 Best African Forests: Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ancient Wonders

Africa is known for its savannahs and deserts, but its lush, dense, and often ancient forests are among the most ecologically important and breathtaking places on the continent. From the towering trees of the Congo Basin to the mist-shrouded trails of Bwindi and Nyungwe, the continent’s forests are home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, plant life, and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re looking to spot gorillas, hike through jungle trails, or marvel at birdlife and butterflies, these are ten of the best African forests to explore—and why they should be on every nature lover’s travel list.

1. Congo Rainforest – The Second Largest Rainforest on Earth

The vast Congo Rainforest spans six countries—Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea—and forms the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world after the Amazon. Rich in biodiversity, it houses over 10,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and iconic mammals such as lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and okapi.

Much of the Congo Basin remains untouched, making it an ecological treasure trove for researchers, photographers, and adventurous travelers alike. Key access points include Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo and Salonga National Park in the DRC—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite its remote nature, eco-tourism initiatives are helping to open up parts of this forest for responsible exploration while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Highlights:

• See endangered lowland gorillas in their natural habitat
• Explore some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet
• Remote forest lodges and guided expeditions

2. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Paradise

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s most famous forest destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient montane rainforest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, drawing trekkers from across the globe for unforgettable gorilla encounters.

But Bwindi is more than just gorillas. The forest is also home to over 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and more than 160 tree species, making it one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. Walking trails wind through steep hills, misty valleys, and densely vegetated paths that have remained largely unchanged for millennia.

Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking experiences and habituation safaris
• Birdwatching in the Ruhija sector
• Community-run lodges and cultural visits with the Batwa people

3. Kakamega Forest – Kenya’s Last Remnant Rainforest

While Kenya is best known for its savannahs, Kakamega Forest in the western part of the country offers a completely different experience. As the only remaining fragment of the once-vast Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya, it is a biodiversity hotspot unlike anything else in the region.

Kakamega is famous for its birdlife, butterflies, and primates. It hosts over 360 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco and Grey Parrot, and a variety of monkeys like the black-and-white colobus. The forest is accessible via well-marked trails and offers peaceful walks through thick canopies and tree-covered valleys.

Highlights:

• Excellent birdwatching and butterfly photography
• Home to rare species like the blue monkey
• Guided nature walks and canopy exploration

4. Arabuko Sokoke Forest – Coastal Rainforest with Endemic Birds

Located near the Kenyan coast between Malindi and Watamu, Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining patch of coastal dry forest in East Africa. This unique ecosystem is home to several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Sokoke scops owl, golden-rumped elephant shrew, and Clarke’s weaver.

The forest is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the best places in Africa to combine birdwatching with beach tourism. After exploring the forest trails, travelers can relax on the nearby Watamu Marine National Park beaches or snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean.

Highlights:

• See rare endemic birds and mammals
• Combine forest exploration with beach holidays
• Family-friendly and easily accessible from Malindi

5. Nyungwe Forest – Rwanda’s Chimpanzee Tracking Haven

Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a pristine Afro-montane rainforest offering an immersive experience in biodiversity and conservation. It’s one of the best places in Africa to go chimpanzee tracking, with daily treks into the forest to observe habituated troops in their natural environment.

Nyungwe is also known for its canopy walkway—a 60-meter-long suspension bridge above the forest that provides stunning views of the treetops and wildlife below. The park is home to 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and a botanical wonderland of orchids and giant ferns.

Highlights:

• Guided chimpanzee trekking and colobus monkey sightings
• Canopy walkway offering elevated forest views
• Birding, botany, and scenic hiking trails

Explore Related Blogs:

• Top Places to See Primates in Africa
• Best Rainforests for Birdwatching in Africa
• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes: Which Is Better?
• East Africa’s Lesser-Known Safari Spots
• National Parks to Combine with Beach Holidays