Best forest destinations in Africa

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Africa's forests are less extensive than those of other major forested regions but include ecosystems of extraordinary ecological significance, from the ancient montane forests of the eastern highlands and the dense lowland rainforests of the central basin to the coastal forests of the east and the fynbos and afromontane woodland of the far south. The continent's forest environments support some of the world's most compelling wildlife, with great ape populations, forest elephants and exceptional birdlife found nowhere else.

Central African rainforests represent the continent's most significant forest wilderness, with gorilla and chimpanzee tracking programmes providing some of the most profound wildlife encounters available anywhere. Specialist operators and mandatory guides are required across most great ape destinations, with permit systems controlling visitor numbers to protect both wildlife and the forest ecosystems they depend on.

Heat, humidity and insects require appropriate preparation across lowland forest zones. Health precautions including vaccinations and malaria prevention are essential across most of the continent's significant forest destinations. Permit fees for great ape tracking are considerable but contribute directly to conservation programmes that have stabilised several critically endangered populations.