Okapi Wildlife Reserve - Nyumbu Beyond Journeys

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the Ituri Rainforest in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It was established in 1992 to safeguard the okapi, an endangered species native to the region. The reserve covers over 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles) of lush, dense rainforest, and is home to a rich biodiversity, including various species of primates, elephants, and birds.

The okapi itself, often referred to as the “forest giraffe,” is a unique and elusive animal, resembling a cross between a giraffe and a zebra, with its long neck and striking stripes on its legs. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is one of the few places in the world where this species can be found in the wild.

The reserve is not only important for conservation but also has cultural significance to the local Hutu and Lendu communities, who have lived in the area for centuries. The Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique ecological value.

Efforts to protect the reserve include patrols, research, and community engagement, as the area has been under threat from illegal hunting, logging, and mining activities. Despite these challenges, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve remains a key focal point for the conservation of the okapi and other endangered species within the Congo Basin.