The red mahogany, Khaya nyasica, is particularly prominent, especially in the 'Valley of the Giants'. One specimen, believed to be 1 000 years old, stands almost 197 feet tall and is 52.5 feet in circumference at the base of its trunk. Other species include ironwoods, figs, mosses, ferns and the rare orchid, Calanthe natalensis.
Samango monkeys occur within the reserve and leopard are occasionally sighted. The reserve is also known for the diversty of its insect life.
In the reserve is a memorial tablet to the British naturalist, Charles Swynnerton, who worked in the area at the turn of the century and recorded many of its mammals, birds and insects. Chirinda Forest Reserve is open to visitors throughout the year but does not offer accommodation or other tourist facilities.