The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Réserve de Faune à Okapis) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Covering around 13,700 square kilometers of the Ituri Forest, it is one of the largest protected rainforests in Africa. This biologically rich reserve is home to about one-fifth of the world’s okapi population, along with forest elephants, chimpanzees, and over 370 bird species.

Brief History of Okapi Wildlife Reserve

The reserve was officially established in 1992 with support from the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and international partners like the Okapi Conservation Project. The area was chosen due to its critical role as a habitat for the elusive and endangered okapi, a unique mammal endemic to the DRC and the closest relative to the giraffe.

In 1996, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding biodiversity and cultural value. Despite ongoing threats from illegal mining, poaching, and deforestation, it remains a stronghold for conservation in the Congo Basin.

What to Do at Okapi Wildlife Reserve

While tourism infrastructure is limited due to its remote location and past security concerns, adventurous travelers, researchers, and conservationists can experience the following:

1. Wildlife Viewing
The reserve is a refuge for:

Okapis – rare and shy forest dwellers only found in the DRC

Forest elephants – smaller and more elusive than savannah elephants

Chimpanzees, leopards, duikers, and bongo antelope

The dense forest and low visitor numbers make sightings rare but rewarding.

2. Bird Watching
The reserve is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 370 recorded bird species, including:

Congo peafowl (endemic)

Great blue turaco

African grey parrots

3. Cultural Encounters
The Mbuti and Efe pygmies, traditional hunter-gatherer communities, inhabit the Ituri Forest. Cultural tours offer respectful insights into their ancestral way of life.

4. Forest Walks and River Exploration
Guided treks and boat trips through the Ituri River system allow visitors to explore the heart of the reserve’s rainforest ecosystem.

How to Get to Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Reaching the reserve requires careful planning:

From Kinshasa or Goma:
Fly to Kisangani or Bunia, the nearest major towns.

From Bunia, travel by road (approx. 500 km) to Epulu, the reserve’s main station.

Alternatively, charter flights may be available to Mambasa or Epulu airstrip.

Important Notes:
Road travel can be slow and rough due to poor infrastructure.

Security conditions may vary, so coordinate your trip through ICCN, the Okapi Conservation Project, or WildHorn Africa.

Accommodations at Okapi Wildlife Reserve

1. Epulu Conservation Station
Basic lodging for researchers and conservation workers

Limited guest facilities with rustic amenities

2. Community Guesthouses
Simple, locally run accommodations in nearby villages

Provide cultural immersion and support local livelihoods

3. Camping
Wilderness camping is possible with permits and guides

All gear and supplies must be brought in advance

Tourism is still under development, so any visit requires advance arrangements through conservation organizations.

Wildlife and Conservation Significance

Home of the Okapi
The reserve protects over 5,000 okapis, making it the largest stronghold for this endangered species. Okapis are rarely seen in the wild, and their survival is under constant threat from poaching and habitat destruction.

Other Conservation Highlights:
Over 100 mammal species, including primates and antelope

Part of the greater Congo Basin, one of Earth’s most important carbon sinks

Critical habitat for endemic plants, birds, and insects

Despite its importance, the reserve faces ongoing challenges from:

Illegal mining operations

Deforestation and charcoal production

Militia activity in some areas

The Okapi Conservation Project, ICCN, and global partners continue to work with local communities to protect this vital ecosystem.

Why Visit or Support Okapi Wildlife Reserve?

To explore one of Africa’s most ecologically significant rainforests

To see the iconic okapi in its natural habitat

To support conservation and community development

To experience the traditional cultures of the Ituri Forest

Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem of the Congo Basin. While it may not yet be a mainstream tourism destination, it plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation. Whether through research, responsible travel, or direct support, this remarkable reserve deserves international attention and protection.