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Adventure Trek to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Published by Vanessa Boiser
The Experience
Deep in the Ituri rainforest in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a small population of a gentle, indigenous animal called “okapi” prevail. The okapi is the only known cousin of the giraffe, with a similar striped pattern on the hind and a deep purplish coat. The curious okapi have resided in the Reserve in the town of Epulu since 1952, when the sanctuary was established to breed the animals. Listed as an endangered species, this world heritage site was created in an effort to conserve the okapi species.
Travel to Congo and embark on a trek to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve which sprawls through 13,700 square kilometers of the Ituri Forest. Here, protected from human encroachment, the preserve contains not only 5000 okapi, but also leopards, chimpanzees, elephants and other native Congo River Basin species.
Access to this unique species of Congo wildlife was closed to tourists in 2002 when it was taken over by two warring groups who ransacked local villages belonging to the Mbuti and Efe pygmies. There is presently a peace treaty between the government and the mutineers, and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is open once again. However, peace remains volatile, and according to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve website, this is the reason why more adventurers go to the Reserve than general tourists. So, don’t miss out on the Congo wildlife, as it’s touted to have some of the best biodiversity in the world. If you fancy camping, bird watching, a vast cultural immersion, and more basic accommodation over posh hotels—then this world heritage site is for you.
Travel to Congo and embark on a trek to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve which sprawls through 13,700 square kilometers of the Ituri Forest. Here, protected from human encroachment, the preserve contains not only 5000 okapi, but also leopards, chimpanzees, elephants and other native Congo River Basin species.
Access to this unique species of Congo wildlife was closed to tourists in 2002 when it was taken over by two warring groups who ransacked local villages belonging to the Mbuti and Efe pygmies. There is presently a peace treaty between the government and the mutineers, and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is open once again. However, peace remains volatile, and according to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve website, this is the reason why more adventurers go to the Reserve than general tourists. So, don’t miss out on the Congo wildlife, as it’s touted to have some of the best biodiversity in the world. If you fancy camping, bird watching, a vast cultural immersion, and more basic accommodation over posh hotels—then this world heritage site is for you.
When to Go to Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The best time to travel to Congo and visit the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is from June to August when there is less rainfall in the region.
You’ll need to obtain your Republic of the Congo visa, and your malaria and yellow fever vaccination certificate, a week or two before. You will also need a trekking permit for the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and it is always preferable to travel in a group. Basic lodging is available at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, but don’t expect anything too fancy.
To get to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve from Kinshasa, fly to Bunia, and then head to Epulu, where the Okapi Wildlife Reserve can be reached by MAF flight. It may cost anywhere between $500-700 one-way for the whole charter, which is why it is best to travel in a small group who can split the bill. You may also fly from Kinshasa to Kinsangani, rent a 4x4 and drive to the town of Epulu for 8 hours, and trek to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
You’ll need to obtain your Republic of the Congo visa, and your malaria and yellow fever vaccination certificate, a week or two before. You will also need a trekking permit for the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and it is always preferable to travel in a group. Basic lodging is available at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, but don’t expect anything too fancy.
To get to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve from Kinshasa, fly to Bunia, and then head to Epulu, where the Okapi Wildlife Reserve can be reached by MAF flight. It may cost anywhere between $500-700 one-way for the whole charter, which is why it is best to travel in a small group who can split the bill. You may also fly from Kinshasa to Kinsangani, rent a 4x4 and drive to the town of Epulu for 8 hours, and trek to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Odds n' Ends
Make sure to travel with a local who knows the language and the area. It is usually safer to travel during daylight, so plan your activities all during the day. When dining, do not drink tap water. Bottled water is always available for sale in the Republic of the Congo. Respect the national flag when it is raised or lowered, and ask for a written total of all the expenses that you incur for the trip to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (if you are negotiating with tour operators), and always bring cash. US dollars are largely accepted, however, locals are fussy with the appearance of the bills, and tend to only accept crisp notes. Credit cards are only accepted in some establishments, and mostly only in the expat town in Kinshasa.
Leave the jewellery and expensive accessories behind, and wear clothes suitable only for very humid weather. Once you get there, don’t forget to buy from the pygmies and observe their daily living activities to sustain their alternative income, which keeps them from going back to poaching and relying mostly on the Okapi Wildlife Reserve game hunting. The Ituri forest is essential in the elimination of carbon emissions worldwide, and you can inquire at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve about how you can help sustain the forest:
Leave the jewellery and expensive accessories behind, and wear clothes suitable only for very humid weather. Once you get there, don’t forget to buy from the pygmies and observe their daily living activities to sustain their alternative income, which keeps them from going back to poaching and relying mostly on the Okapi Wildlife Reserve game hunting. The Ituri forest is essential in the elimination of carbon emissions worldwide, and you can inquire at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve about how you can help sustain the forest:
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