Maiombe Forest

Maiombe is the Angolan section of the Mayombe forest block that runs across Cabinda into Congo and Gabon, dense lowland rainforest with mahogany and other hardwoods reaching a great size, and it is effectively the only true equatorial forest in the country. Western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees are present, along with forest elephant, and the flora includes species not found elsewhere in Angola. A national park was declared over part of it, and logging pressure on the surrounding forest is heavy.

The landscape

• The forest structure - closed-canopy lowland rainforest with very large hardwoods.
• The primates - gorillas and chimpanzees present, though rarely seen.
• The endemic flora - plants restricted to the Mayombe block.
• The scale of the trees - mahogany and other hardwoods of exceptional size.

When to go

May to September is the drier season and easier for access, though this forest is wet year round. The heaviest rains from October to April make tracks impassable. Mornings are best for wildlife.

Practical notes

Primates are extremely difficult to see and habituated groups do not exist here. Infrastructure is minimal and permits and guides must be arranged in advance. Reaching Cabinda requires a flight and separate travel documentation should be checked before setting out.

Nearby

Cabinda city is south, and the forest continues north across the border.