Okapi
Okapi are perhaps the most striking, and elusive, mammals on the African continent. Endemic to the depths of the Congolese rainforest, these animals are part of the giraffe family, but are nowhere near as easy to spot. They move through the dense foliage of their jungle habitat in near-silence, and intense poaching pressure has reduce their population greatly. Any sighting is a rare privilege - and here are our top three spots for sightings.
1. Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DR Congo
Other species seen here:
- Oubangui Red Colobus
- De Brazza's Monkey
- Dent's Monkey
- Owl-Faced Monkey
- Chimpanzee
How to visit:
Location:
The security situation in the Okapi WR does not currently allow a visit. Contact us at contact@pictus-safaris.com to be waitlisted for a trip. In the meantime, check out our other destinations below.
2. Maiko National Park, DR Congo
A stronghold for okapi, Maiko is perhaps one of the most inaccessible national parks in Africa. Continuous rebel activity since the early 2000s has prevented surveys from taking place, and there is a complete absence of infrastructure within the park. For now, the park is off-limits, but watch this space!
Other species seen here:
- Semliki Red Colobus
- Owl-Faced Monkey
- Chimpanzee
- Dent's Monkey
- De Brazza's Monkey
How to visit:
Location:
The security situation in Maiko prevents a visit for now. Contact us at contact@pictus-safaris.com to be kept updated. For now, take a look at our other destinations below!
3. Lomami National Park, DR Congo
The 'new kid on the block', Lomami National Park has a huge amount to offer wildlife lovers. Only established in 2016, this expansive wilderness boasts populations of bonobo and okapi, as well as the endemic Lesula. Tourism is non-existent here, but we are working hard to design an itinerary that can showcase the very best of this wonderful area.
Other species seen here:
- Lesula
- Dryas Monkey
- Bonobo
- Forest Elephant
- Wolf's Monkey
How to visit:
Location:
We are working hard to design a 2023 itinerary to Lomami. Contact us by email to secure a place on the waitlist. In the meantime, check out our many other tours below.
Based on your interest in spotting an okapi, you may also be interested in our top destinations for several other ultra-rare mammals:
Contact us today to book any of our incredible safaris:
​
Email: contact@pictus-safaris.com
Phone: +44 (0) 2034888362
​
Mail: 117 Canfield Gardens, London, NW6 3DY, United Kingdom
By far the finest area in which to search for okapi is the eponymous Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Specifically set aside to protect wild okapi, this forest reserve has a turbulent recent history. In 2012 and 2017, rebels attacked the park, killing many rangers, as well as the captive okapi at the park headquarters. Nowadays, the park is secure, although the surrounding area is not, and okapi sighting here remain tantalisingly out of reach.