Congo Basin Rainforest

Africa's great rainforest, home to forest elephants and great apes.

The Congo Basin holds the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering parts of several central African countries. It is one of the least-known great wildernesses.

It stores vast amounts of carbon, including in its peatlands, and is home to many threatened species.

The Landscape

Dense lowland rainforest, swamp forest and rivers cover the basin, with the Congo River at its heart. Light barely reaches the forest floor, and life is concentrated in the canopy and along rivers and forest clearings.

Who Lives Here

Western Lowland Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Bonobos, which live only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, share the forest with African Forest Elephants and the elusive Okapi. African Grey Parrots and Mandrills are among many other species.

Through The Year

Rainfall is high throughout the year with drier spells, so the forest stays green. Fruiting trees draw animals through the seasons, and forest clearings attract elephants and gorillas.

Pressures And Care

Logging, mining, agriculture, hunting for bushmeat and conflict threaten wildlife, and roads open the forest to more pressure. Protected areas and community forestry are central to conservation.

Visiting Well

Visits are usually made through protected areas with guides, and trekking to see apes follows strict health rules to protect them.

Look for

Western Lowland Gorilla
African Forest Elephant
Bonobo
Okapi
African Grey Parrot

Often a good time to visit: June, July, August. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Woodland

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