AFROTROPICAL
Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forest (Rainforest)

The rainforest of Africa spans from the west coast of the continent, across the Congo of central Africa, and to patches in the east. There are also areas of quite different rainforest in southern Africa. but with related species. While the African rainforest is not as diverse as the equivalent biomes in the Neotropical or Indo-Malayan regions, there are many species to be found in the lowland tropical and mountain forests. As with other mountain rainforest in other parts of the world, the birding is sometimes easier and more rewarding in the higher altitude forests of Africa than in the lowlands. The forest includes spectacular groups such as the Turacos. Unlike the neighbouring savanna, there are not as many of the larger mammals to be seen in the African rainforests. However, there is a great range of interesting smaller mammals, and a particularly rich range of primates, including iconic mammals such as chimpanzees and gorillas.

For the page on the plants of the African rainforest

For the page on the Invertebrates and 'Reptiles' of African rainforest

For the page on birds of the African rainforest

For the page on the mammals (including primates) of the African rainforest

Places to enjoy the African rainforest

Being Africa, there are lots of national parks and lodges to enjoy. One of the most famous is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda where you can track gorillas through the rainforest. Isunga Lodge, Kibale, Uganda is a beautiful lodge to stay at right on the edge of the national park, with great views and birding right in the gardens. Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda gives a taste of upland mountain rainforest and a cheap place to stay is Ruboni Camp. Further south into the subtropical area and you can enjoy the cooler rainforest of South Africa along the Garden Route.