Okapi Wildlife Reserve

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a large protected area in the Ituri Forest of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo established to protect the okapi and other forest biodiversity. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional biodiversity and forest ecosystems.

The reserve protects primary lowland rainforest, swamp areas, and fauna including the okapi, forest elephant, and numerous endemic and threatened species. Conservation work focuses on anti-poaching, community engagement, and habitat protection, while scientific teams document flora and fauna. The area is remote, with limited visitor infrastructure and operations often coordinated through conservation organizations and government agencies.

The reserve was created in the 1990s to formalize protection for critical okapi habitat and to respond to threats from hunting and habitat degradation. It remains one of the principal protected tracts of the Ituri rainforest and has been the focus of both conservation and, at times, security challenges.

Located in northeastern DRC within the Ituri administrative area, the reserve covers large tracts of tropical rainforest and is reached from regional towns by river and rough roads; the nearest larger towns provide the main logistical access points.

• UNESCO status: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for the protection of the okapi and the unique biodiversity of the Ituri lowland forest.
• Access: Access is limited and controlled due to conservation rules and regional security concerns; visits typically require permits and coordination with authorities.

What to See #

• Epulu: A remote village sector within the reserve that contains the Epulu station and facilities associated with okapi conservation and local administration.
• Ituri Forest: Extensive tracts of lowland tropical rainforest and swamp that constitute the core habitat for the okapi and many other forest species.