Wildlife Reserve · Ituri Forest, Northeastern DR Congo
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Protects roughly a fifth of the global okapi population — the elusive, striped relative of the giraffe that is one of DR Congo's national symbols.
Travel status: since M23 rebels took control of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, normal tourism in eastern DR Congo has been disrupted, and most governments advise against travel. We only arrange trips here when parks are officially open and we've confirmed it's safe.
How to get there
Reached via the town of Epulu in the Ituri Forest; logistically complex and not part of standard tourist routes.
What to find
Okapi, forest elephant, and one of the most biodiverse rainforest blocks in the Congo Basin.
Overview
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve covers about 13,700 km² of the Ituri Forest in northeastern DR Congo, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It protects a large share of the world's okapi, the shy forest relative of the giraffe and a national symbol of DR Congo.
The reserve is also home to forest elephants, chimpanzees and many other primates, and to Mbuti and Efe forest peoples, whose way of life is closely tied to the forest.
Highlights
- The okapi, one of Africa's most elusive mammals
- Ituri rainforest, rich in primates and birds
- The Epulu conservation station
- Traditional forest cultures
Things to do
Conservation visits
Special arrangements only, subject to security.
Best time to visit
Depends on access and conditions, not season.
Getting there
Via the town of Epulu. Logistics and security are complex.
Where to stay
Basic station accommodation when available.
See accommodation options in DR Congo →
Good to know
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.