Mayombe Forest: The second largest in the world covering Angola, Congo, DRC and Gabon

Africa is the second largest continent in the world home to the second largest rainforest in the world. The forest is in turn home to Congo river which is the second largest river in the world by volume. The forest covers 1,780,000 km2 of land in Africa covering parts of Angola, Congo, DRC, Gabon and smaller portions of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.

In its central areas, the forest is widely known as the Mayombe forest with different spelling variations affected by indigenous languages. In Congo and DRC, it is known as “Mayombe.” In Angola, it is known as “Maiombe” while in Gabon it is known as “Mayumba.”

The evergreen rainforest in Central Africa is one of the world’s wealthiest areas for biological diversity with over 10,000 animal species including the existence of the human race. The forest is blessed with many rivers and mountains that give it a spectacular view.

Aside from the Congo River, the forest has three other large rivers namely the Shiloango, Lukalu and the Lubuzi rivers. It also has six high mountains including Mount Foungouti, Mount Bamba, Kinoumbou Mountains, Mount Foungouti, Ngouedi Mountains, Kanga Mountains, Mount Bombo and Pic Kiama.

As part of preserving the forest, the government put in place various laws as a means of protection. National Parks have also been set up to help keep the forest known and alive. In Angola, the National Park is called the Mayombe National Park while in DRC it is called the Luki National Park and the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve. Congo has two national parks namely Conkouati-Douli National Park and Tchimpounga National Reserve.

Railway links were also constructed, but the only existing one remains the Congo-Ocean Railway in Congo.

The forest serves as home to many forest tribes including the Yombe people of Congo and the Mayombe people spread across the four main countries. The people live in isolation from civilization and move around the forest depending on seasons.

Between the Gabon and Congo Border, a Mayombe Rainforest Safari exists serving as a tourist point and attraction for people to have a feel of the spectacular rainforest. The safari is safe and has a 2-week package that leaves tourist wanting to settle in the rainforest.