AFROTROPICAL
Southern Afrotemperate (coastal) Forest

The rainforest of Africa spans from the lowland tropical rainforest on the west coast of the continent, across the swamp forest of the Congo in central Africa, and to patches of monsoon seasonal rainforest along the east coast. The forest that climbs into the mountains is Afromontane Rainforest, and a subset of this is the more temperate forest along the coast in south-eastern Africa. It is often associated with coastal shrubland, including fynbos. This temperate forest is mostly found in small patches and is low in diversity compared to the tropical forests further north, however it is a pleasant ecosystem and easy to explore along the developed coast of southern South Africa.

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If you are walking along or across small freshwater creeks in the forest here, you might see Potamonautes crabs. This genus is the most common, widespread and speciose of freshwater crab in Africa, with over 60 species.

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The family Musophagidae (including 'Turacos') is one of the few families of birds endemic to Africa. They are large and often colourful birds that are mostly seen in forests. They eat fruit, with the family name meaning 'banana-eater'. The 'Knysna Turaco' mostly lives in the forest along the south-eastern coast of South Africa.

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Sunbirds are widespread across the Old World tropics of Asia and Africa, including some spectacular species in the temperate forests and shrublands along the southern African coast. Both the 'Greater Double-collared Sunbird' (image below, larger red band) and the 'Southern Double-collared Sunbird' are easy to see in this temperate forest and shrubland, and visits adjacent gardens.

Places to enjoy the temperate African forest

 Further south into the subtropical areas of southern Africa and you can enjoy the cooler rainforest along the Garden Route.