A Guide to Pian Upe Game Reserve

A Complete Guide to going on safari in Pian Upe Game Reserve. This guide is packed with travel information on what to do, where to go, things to see, maps & guides, where to stay, tips & advice.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of Uganda’s best kept secret. It is that one protected area that has not been fully explored by many and paying a visit here means a great opportunity for you to get the best of African experiential safari holiday.

Set strategically in northeastern Uganda, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of kind safari destinations that still offer authentic African experiences. It is that one protected area that has not been fully explored by many and paying a visit here means a great opportunity for you to get the best of African experiential safari holiday. This reserve lies within the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda and it is regarded as the second largest conservation area in the country after Murchison Falls National Park. It covers an area of 2788 square kilometers and lies north of Mount Elgon and currently falls under the management of Mount Elgon Conservation Area.

Things to See in Pian Upe

A Uganda safari to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve rewards you with astonishing views over diverse wildlife species like zebras, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, greater Kudus, Topis, Oribis, Hartebeests, dik-dik, roan antelopes, jackals, aardvark, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, elands, hedgehogs, birds such as Ostriches, Jackson’s hornbills, white headed buffalo weaver, hartlaub’s bustard as well as primates like olive baboons, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys and others.

About 44 mammal species call this reserve a home most of which are within Uganda and limited to this reserve as well as the Karamoja sub-region.

On the other side, approximately 242 bird species are confined in this wildlife reserve.

The reptiles include rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, lizards and others. It is dominated by tree species in red acacia, desert date, harrisonia Abyssinia, red spike thorns; shrubs like butterfly pea, wooly caper bush and others.

Things to Do in Pian Upe

Game Viewing

Game/Wildlife Viewing is undoubtedly the main reason most Uganda holidaymakers visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This vast savanna reserve is best explored on a game drive using a 4×4 safari vehicle with open roof for you to enjoy excellent view of wildlife including giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, impalas, zebras, duikers.

Birding

When it comes the best birding safari destinations, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is never left out. The reserve is an expansive protected area, sheltering over 242 bird species. The reserve is a true birder’s haven, protecting interesting bird species such as the Karamoja apalis, secretary birds, superb starlings, ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbill, fox weavers, Jackson’s hornbill, Great hartlaub’s bustard and others.

Sight Seeing

Pian Upe hiking adventures provide amazing sightseeing experiences especially at Napedet Cave. The cave is a famous ancient recreational site for the first occupants of this area. While on guided walks/hiking tour at Napedet Cave, it is possible to see incredible paintings of baboons, giraffes, hartebeest, roan antelopes.

Mountain Hikes

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains worth hiking through. You can embark on the less challenging hiking experiences on Mount Napak (2538m), Mt. Kadam (3063m) or go for Mount Moroto hiking adventures to challenge yourself on elevation of 3083m.

Cultural/community walks/tours

Pian Upe Wildlife safaris also offer a great opportunity for you to learn in depth about the Karamojong cultures, traditions and other practices. Your community tour in the Karamojong community also includes entertainment from local residents and your interaction with them is amazingly so rewarding.

Travel Planner

Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Uganda

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Uganda is estimated to be 90kms away from Mbale. To get here, you drive along Mbale-Moroto route and if you are to begin your trip from Kampala, expect to spend at least 8 hours’ drive. By air, Amudat airstrip is the nearest place to land in. This airstrip serves flights setting off from Entebbe Airport (EBB)/Kajjansi airfield.

When is the Best Time to go to Pian Upe

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve like other destination has the best time visitors can go enjoy their Uganda safaris. Pian Upe wildlife safaris are perfectly done during the dry months of the year; from January, February to March-these are characterized by clear game views due to less dense vegetation or from November to December when there is a lush vegetation. Heavy rains in Pian Upe begin from April to October and majority of Uganda holidaymakers avoid these months due to challenges they come with when navigating through the reserve.

Places to stay in and around Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Uganda has affordable places for visitor stay while on Uganda safari holiday. They include Karamoja Overland Camp, Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas or Camping. Other nearby accommodation choices include Lavender Inn, Shalosa Hotel, Mount Moroto Hotel and Hotel Leslona Limited.