Do you wish to visit a destination that offers nothing but beauty in its fullness? Try the Okapi Wildlife Reserve of the Democratic Republic of Congo and you will never imagine that such a beautiful place even exists in this World. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is situated in the North-Eastern side of Democratic Republic of Congo, was established in 1992 and was added in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1996. This must visit Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 14,000 square Kilometers (representing one-fifth of the area covered by Ituri Forest). The main reason for gazzeting this magnificent Forest Reserve was to conserve/preserve the Endangered Okapi, and currently there estimated number stands at 5000 of the estimated 30,000 Okapi in the wild.

This mysterious mammal species is only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and looks to be half zebra, but as a matter of fact, they are the only relatives to the giraffes. Besides the okapi that are popular in this place, this reserve is also a haven to several other wildlife species that include more than 4000 forest elephants, 17 resident primate species including the Chimpanzees and Anubis baboon, water chevrotain, Giant ground pangolin, forest buffaloes, Bongo Antelopes, over 200 leopards, African golden cats, Giant forest hogs, African dwarf Crocodiles and other indigenous Congo River Basin species, and is also a home to over 300 bird species hence it is a real bird watcher’s Paradise.  With all these interesting attractions, sit and envision how this place might look. With these authentic tourism attractions, what genuine reason do you have for not visiting this wonderful tourism destination?

Best time to visit Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Initially, this riveting destination was closed due to the rebel activities in the area, but with the restoration of Peace in the area, tourists are now encouraged to visit the area. Even with the restoration of peace in the area, some tourists still fear to visit except for the adventurous tourists and those who know that sometimes you ought to take risks to explore some interesting things. In terms of weather/climate. The best time to visit this site is the dry season from June to August when there are less rains.

How to reach the Okapi Wildlife Reserve

This Park can be accessed through road and air transport. After landing at Kinshasa, domestic chartered flights (cost between $500 and $700 for one-way) can be arranged by MAF light to Bunia then to Epulu town where this Reserve is situated. It is advisable for tourists to travel in a group in order to share the costs). With road transport, after landing in Kinshasa, you proceed to Kinsangani then use a 4WD vehicle to drive to Epulu town, and then proceed to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and this journey take about 8-9 hours.

In conclusion, with an interesting destination like the Okapi Wildlife Reserve-the home to 5000 endangered Okapi found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, several elephants, Leopards, Bongo Antelopes and Anubis baboons among others, you have to make a trip to DRC to experience wildlife safaris in an unexplored destination.