Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

Upper Orashi Forest Reserve is a protected area in Nigeria.

Upper Orashi Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Niger Delta Wetlands, Nigeria, West Africa
Coordinates
4.886830, 6.510149
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for game reserves in the north. Year-round for southern rainforests.

Getting to Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Malabo (SSG), 274 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Malabo (SSG), 274 km away.

Weather & Climate in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve occur in February, averaging 28.7°C (up to 35.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 24.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 26.4mm. Average humidity: 72.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.6°C (rainfall: 32.7mm)
  • February: 28.7°C (rainfall: 26.4mm)
  • March: 27.4°C (rainfall: 151.0mm)
  • April: 27.0°C (rainfall: 181.7mm)
  • May: 26.5°C (rainfall: 231.4mm)
  • June: 25.2°C (rainfall: 299.2mm)
  • July: 24.7°C (rainfall: 333.4mm)
  • August: 25.0°C (rainfall: 241.1mm)
  • September: 24.8°C (rainfall: 354.3mm)
  • October: 25.1°C (rainfall: 359.6mm)
  • November: 25.9°C (rainfall: 139.0mm)
  • December: 27.0°C (rainfall: 45.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

The best months to visit Upper Orashi Forest Reserve are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.64°C, rainfall 32.7mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 72.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.7°C, rainfall 26.4mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 27.42°C, rainfall 151mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 83.4%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.02°C, rainfall 181.7mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.46°C, rainfall 231.4mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.17°C, rainfall 299.2mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 89.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 24.74°C, rainfall 333.4mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.02°C, rainfall 241.1mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • September: Poor, temperature 24.83°C, rainfall 354.3mm, sunshine 5.9 hrs, humidity 89.7%
  • October: Poor, temperature 25.13°C, rainfall 359.6mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 90.4%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.88°C, rainfall 139mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 86.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.03°C, rainfall 45.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77.7%

Wildlife in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

Based on average temperature of 26.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 84%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Niger Delta Wetlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Nigeria

Travel advisory for Nigeria

Upper Orashi Forest Reserve FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Upper Orashi Forest Reserve for wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from November to March, offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve. During this period, vegetation is less dense, and animals congregate around fewer water sources, making them easier to spot along trails.

What specific wildlife can visitors expect to encounter in Upper Orashi Forest Reserve?

Upper Orashi Forest Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly primates like mona monkeys and red-capped mangabeys, alongside various forest antelopes. Birdwatchers will also find a diverse array of species, making it a prime location for avian enthusiasts.

What are the recommended safety measures and logistical tips for exploring Upper Orashi Forest Reserve?

Beyond standard health precautions, it's crucial to arrange for a local guide familiar with the terrain and wildlife paths within Upper Orashi Forest Reserve. Ensure your transportation is reliable, as infrastructure around the reserve can be basic, and always inform local authorities or your accommodation of your travel plans.

What kind of visitor experience and activities are available at Upper Orashi Forest Reserve?

Visitors to Upper Orashi Forest Reserve can primarily expect an immersive nature experience focused on guided forest walks and birdwatching expeditions. Unlike traditional savanna safaris, the emphasis here is on discovering smaller, elusive forest creatures and appreciating the dense tropical ecosystem.

What are the typical costs and accessibility challenges when planning a trip to Upper Orashi Forest Reserve?

Costs for Upper Orashi Forest Reserve typically include park entry fees, which are generally modest, and fees for local guides, which are highly recommended for navigation and safety. Accessibility can be challenging, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the wet season, as roads leading to the reserve may be unpaved and difficult to navigate.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.