Forests may not be what jumps to mind for most people when thinking of Africa, but actually great swathes of this diverse, beautiful continent are covered with forests. Teeming with life, these African forests and woodlands are home to a huge range of flora and fauna, with monkeys swinging from the branches and leopards lazing amongst the leaves.
From the towering canopies of equatorial rainforests in East Africa to the savannah woodlands and deciduous forests in more temperate areas of Southern Africa, here’s where to find the ten best African forests and woodlands…
Tucked away in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is made up of dense and ancient rainforest, high up in the mountains. As one of the most ecologically diverse African forests, Bwindi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most famous for being home to almost half of the globe’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi really is the world’s ultimate destination for gorilla trekking - a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other!
But while gorilla trekking is the star attraction there’s also loads more to see here in this top African forest.
Besides gorillas, you can spot elephants, playful chimpanzees and countless other tropical creatures; not to mention, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a paradise for bird lovers too - over 350 bird species flutter around here, many of which you won’t find anywhere else.
And the flora in Bwindi is just as captivating as the fauna.
Indeed the forest's dense vegetation creates an almost mystical atmosphere, with towering trees and thick undergrowth home to a continuous chorus of wildlife.
Taking a wander on one of the epic hiking trails through this wonderland of towering trees and vibrant ferns will quickly reveal the rich variety of plants that thrive here.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the dramatic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains in northwestern Rwanda, just across the border from Uganda, and not far from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanoes spanning Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and, along with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, are the last remaining natural home of the mountain gorillas.
Trekking through the park’s steep slopes and lush valleys in search of these majestic primates is a truly unforgettable experience.
But gorillas aren’t the only stars of this African forest - you can also spot golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, elephants and an impressive 178 bird species here.
The plant life in Volcanoes National Park is equally inspiring.
Covered with lush, tropical rainforests, this park is famous for its mist-covered mountains, making it one of the most stunning African forests you can visit.
Perched on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is famous for its wild chimpanzees.
This secluded sanctuary is home to one of the largest populations of chimps in Africa, allowing you to get up close with these fascinating primates.
Trekking through the dense forest, following the calls of chimpanzee troops echoing through the canopy, to then observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, is the stuff adventure dreams are made of!
But it’s not just chimps that make Mahale special.
The forest itself is a tropical wonderland, with towering trees, tangled vines and a huge diversity of plant life creating a magical, jungle-like atmosphere.
Along your hikes, you can also immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest, from large colourful butterflies flitting among the trees to the melodious songs of tropical birds.
Lake Tanganyika’s crystal-clear waters provide a stunning backdrop here and an opportunity for refreshing swims after a day of trekking. Winding down on the lake’s sandy beaches with a refreshing drink couldn't be a more idyllic end to the day’s adventures!
Located in western Uganda, Kibale National Park is a tropical rainforest paradise and another of the must-see African forests for anyone passionate about primates!
This dense, evergreen forest is famous for being home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkeys and the rare Ugandan red colobus monkeys.
In fact, Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places on the continent for primate tracking experiences, offering unbeatable chances to encounter our closest relatives in the wild.
Follow experienced guides as they lead you through the dense undergrowth in search of these fascinating creatures, and then immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this African forest as you witness firsthand the complex social dynamics of chimpanzee communities.
Along the way, take some time to admire the park’s jungle-like habitats, spotting some of the 375 bird species that swoop amongst the trees, along with the primates that swing between the branches!
Kenya's Arabuko-Sekoke Forest lies between Mombassa and Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast.
Arabuko-Sekoke Forest is the largest remnant of the dry East African Coastal Forest and covers an area of 420 km².
The birdlife in Arabuko-Sekoke Forest is impressive and attracts birdwatchers from around the world, with the endemic Sekoke Scops Owl being the star attraction.
The Arabuko-Sekoke Forest is home to the endemic golden-rumped sengi, the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, and the Ader’s duiker. Rare and elusive, these creatures are a delight to spot beneath the forest canopy.
The best time to visit Arabuko-Sekoke is during the dry season from June to September.
South Luangwa National Park, situated in eastern Zambia, is one of the continent's most iconic wildlife destinations.
Known as the ‘Valley of the Leopard’, this park is known worldwide for having one of the highest densities of leopards in all of Africa.
This makes it one of the best places across the entire continent to see these elusive big cats!
Notoriously hard to spot, leopards like to hide themselves away deep in the trees and woodlands of Africa and, in the South Luangwa Valley, can often be found lounging in the park's majestic ebony and ‘sausage’ trees.
But it's not only leopards that you can hope to spot here, as this park is world famous for its huge abundance of other wildlife too!
On game drives and walking safaris in South Luangwa, you also have a great chance to spot lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and herds of buffalo, as well as Thornicroft's giraffe (a species unique to the region) and over 400 bird species, from bee-eaters to majestic eagles.
The lush and diverse vegetation of this park includes giant red mahogany trees, black African ebony trees and miombo forests, which all create a picturesque African woodland backdrop for your safari adventures.
Meanwhile, the Luangwa River winds through the park, creating a lifeline for wildlife and adding to the park’s scenic beauty, with lush riverine vegetation lining the banks of the river.
Many travellers visit South Luangwa for the incredible walking safaris which were pioneered here, and which give you a unique opportunity to embrace the region’s awe-inspiring flora and fauna.
Nestled in northeastern Madagascar, Masoala National Park is the country's largest, sprawling over 2,300 km² / 888 miles² of lush, vibrant landscapes.
"Masoala" translates to "eyes of the forest," inspired by the aye-aye whose glowing eyes illuminate the dark jungle, creating a wonderfully eerie sight.
Masoala Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Madagascar’s largest national park.
This park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, featuring tropical rainforests, coastal and flooded forests, mangroves, and marshes.
Visitors are enchanted by over 15 species of lemurs, including the red-ruffed lemur and the captivating aye-aye. The park is also home to a variety of geckos, chameleons, frogs, and other reptiles and amphibians, with 60 species of reptiles, 44 frogs, 50 mammals, and 135 butterflies.
Bird watchers flock to Masoala Forest, drawn by around 140 species of birds, many of which are found only on the Island of Madagascar.
It's not just land, however, the park also includes over 100 km² of protected marine waters, offering a complete natural escape that includes pristine beaches. Offshore, Masoala has thriving coral reefs teeming with aquatic life that includes humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and gentle sea cows around the vibrant coral reefs.
The best time to visit Masoala National Park is between August and December, when there is less rain and the weather is more pleasant.
South Africa's famous Garden Route is dotted with small towns, fantastic activities, excellent restaurants, and bountiful accommodations.
It is also home to some of South Africa's impressive Afromontane coastal forests, notably the Tsitsikamma and Knysna Forests.
The Tsitsikamma Forest is located on a thin strip that runs parallel to the coast and is home to South Africa's most popular hike, the Otter Trail. This 5-day trail takes hikers through pristine forests and through rivers offering spectacular views of the ocean. For those on a tighter schedule, try the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour for some tree-top fun.
The Knysna Forest is famous for its elephants, though there is only a single matriarch known to haunt the woods today. Travellers can stop and explore the forest from the highway, do various day hikes through the Garden Route National Park, or sign up for the Outeniqua Trail another gruelling 5-day hike through the forest.
When visiting the forests of the Garden Route, keep an eye out for giant 1000-year-old yellow woods, the crimson Knysna Touracos, and the forest legends museum at Diepwalle.
Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is one of the oldest nature reserves in Africa.
Known for its incredible efforts in white rhino conservation, this game reserve played a huge role in saving the white rhino from extinction - an incredible achievement!
These days the park is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino and is one of the best places in the world to get a rare glimpse of these beautiful, rare creatures.
Besides rhinos, the park is home to all the Big 5, along with many other species including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and a wide variety of antelope.
Birdwatchers will also be delighted to see some of the 340 bird species that call this park home.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s flora is equally captivating. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include dense subtropical woodlands, made up of a mix of thorny acacia trees, fever trees and rich riverine forests.
These diverse habitats make this park one of the most interesting and scenic African forests, and provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable safari adventure.
Although not traditionally associated with African forests, Moremi Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, is a paradise of diverse landscapes, containing a unique blend of woodlands, floodplains, and savannahs.
While the park’s open savannahs, lagoons and waterways may steal the spotlight, Moremi's riverine forests and mopane woodlands offer a tranquil respite from the sun-drenched plains, providing sanctuary for elusive antelope species, colourful birdlife and playful primates.
The park’s mix of forests, lagoons and grasslands creates a rich life-giving habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna, drawing wildlife from far and wide.
This makes it a haven for big game… and a safari hotspot!
In Moremi, you can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and the elusive African wild dog here, along with 400 bird species drawn in by the waterways and lush vegetation.
Explore this magical reserve's mosaic of ecosystems by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) as you traverse winding canals and labyrinthine channels, immersing yourself in the sounds and sights of the Botswanan wilderness.
Speak to our team of African travel experts today to find out more about these beautiful African forests and woodlands, as well as the tours we run to visit them.
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