Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Location: Ituri Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering an area of approximately 13,700 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered okapi, a forest-dwelling giraffe species. The reserve is also home to a number of other endangered species, such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, and leopards.
Prominent Features: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is characterized by its dense tropical forests, savannas, and rivers. The reserve is home to a number of important rivers, including the Ituri and Epulu rivers, which support a diverse range of aquatic life. Visitors can take guided tours of the reserve to observe its wildlife, including the elusive okapi, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the reserve's biodiversity.
History: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was established in 1992 to protect the region's unique biodiversity, including the endangered okapi. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, in recognition of its outstanding natural and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve offers several family-friendly activities, including guided tours of the reserve, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with the local Mbuti and Bantu communities. Children will also enjoy learning about the reserve's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The okapi is sometimes referred to as the "forest giraffe" due to its long neck and legs, but it is actually more closely related to the giraffe's distant cousin, the okapi is the only living member of the Giraffidae family.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Okapi Wildlife Reserve varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the reserve is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The easiest way to reach the reserve is by flying into Kisangani Airport, which is the closest major airport. From there, you can take a private car or hire a local guide to drive you to the reserve. It is also possible to reach the reserve by boat along the Congo River.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. However, due to security concerns in the region, it is recommended to stay in the nearby city of Kisangani and arrange a guided tour of the reserve from there. Some recommended accommodation options in Kisangani include the Hotel Palm Beach and the Hotel Venus.
Next Stop: Garamba National Park
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering an area of approximately 13,700 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered okapi, a forest-dwelling giraffe species. The reserve is also home to a number of other endangered species, such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, and leopards.
Prominent Features: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is characterized by its dense tropical forests, savannas, and rivers. The reserve is home to a number of important rivers, including the Ituri and Epulu rivers, which support a diverse range of aquatic life. Visitors can take guided tours of the reserve to observe its wildlife, including the elusive okapi, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the reserve's biodiversity.
History: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was established in 1992 to protect the region's unique biodiversity, including the endangered okapi. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, in recognition of its outstanding natural and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve offers several family-friendly activities, including guided tours of the reserve, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with the local Mbuti and Bantu communities. Children will also enjoy learning about the reserve's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The okapi is sometimes referred to as the "forest giraffe" due to its long neck and legs, but it is actually more closely related to the giraffe's distant cousin, the okapi is the only living member of the Giraffidae family.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Okapi Wildlife Reserve varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the reserve is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The easiest way to reach the reserve is by flying into Kisangani Airport, which is the closest major airport. From there, you can take a private car or hire a local guide to drive you to the reserve. It is also possible to reach the reserve by boat along the Congo River.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. However, due to security concerns in the region, it is recommended to stay in the nearby city of Kisangani and arrange a guided tour of the reserve from there. Some recommended accommodation options in Kisangani include the Hotel Palm Beach and the Hotel Venus.
Next Stop: Garamba National Park