If you are looking for that one exceptional tourist destination to experience something unusual on Uganda safari holiday then look no further than Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve! Lying within the Karamoja region in the extreme North-Eastern part of Uganda, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is undoubtedly one magical wilderness destination with plenty of things or unique attractions for holidaymakers on Uganda holiday safari to see.
The 2788sq.kms protected area makes up the extensive Mt. Elgon Conservation Area and it borders the Bokora Wildlife Reserve & Matheniko Game Reserve. It remains untapped tourist destination in Uganda-East Africa and visiting it on Uganda tour guarantees you authentic African wilderness experiences of a lifetime. This vast nature reserve is endowed with countless species of mammals, bird species, primates, reptiles, hot springs to mention but a few. Its natural endowment means there is something for everyone on Uganda safari to see, explore and experience which is why it is undoubtedly a bucket-list travel destination.
Here are the interesting things to see in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve-Uganda
Flora
This area of northeastern Uganda is without doubt one of the remotest, but also one of the most charming expanses of distinct wildlands in the country, dominated by plateaus carpeted by green and golden undisturbed and wooded savannah plains ringed by mountains and cut in-between by rock-strewn ridges and Kopjes.
The reserve’s plains are dominated by thatching grass, but they also feature bristle species, lemon grasses, and beard grasses. The sweeping plains are decorated with red acacia, desert date, bush willows and shrubs like the wooly caper bush and the butterfly pea.
Wildlife/faunal species
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is an exceptional Uganda safari destination with countless savanna dwellers. The reserve’s habitat is largely dominated by plateaus, mountains, kopjes, vast grasslands on the gentle plains. These harbor a range of amazing mammal species including the Cape buffaloes, zebras, the common elands, cheetahs, Gunther’s dik-dik, impalas, hartebeests, duikers, Uganda Kobs, spotted hyenas, leopards, rock hyrax, lions.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve-Uganda also has a huge profusion of other species of wildlife including serval cats, wild cats, civets, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, aardvarks crested porcupine, vervet monkeys, four toed hedgehogs. These make Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve a remarkable game viewing destination in Uganda-East Africa.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also blessed with a significant population of reptile species, most of which range within its extensive savannas and shrub dominated plains. They include among others rock pythons, venomous puff adders, geckos, the common agama, crocodiles, savanna monitors, skinks. The crocodiles thrive in River Girik.
Birds of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
An estimated population of about 242 bird species call Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve their home which makes it one of the best bird watching safari destinations in Uganda-East Africa. The reserve is partially dominated by Loporokocho Swamp which shelters significant species of birds such as ostriches, shoebill storks, the great hartlaub’s bustards, Jackson’s hornbill, white headed buffalo weavers. In addition, there are also endemic Karamoja apalis, superb sterling, Abyssinian ground hornbills, fox’s weavers, secretary birds.
Mt. Kadam & the rocky hills
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve isn’t only a distinct game viewing destination but also a home to magical physical features. The reserve shelters Mount Kadam which is found at the Karamoja border rising at an altitude range of 3063m. This make Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve a preferred destination not for wildlife viewing but also for hiking/mountain climbing adventures for visitors on Uganda safari.
Cheposukunya Hot Springs
Cheposukunya Hot Springs are among the unique features Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has to offer the world. It is an amazing tourist attraction that holidaymakers on Uganda safari shouldn’t miss to explore not only to witness its powerfulness but also to enjoy interesting birds that range in this area.
Lake Opeta
Lake Opeta is another significant physical feature you should expect to explore while on Uganda safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This lake is set in the southern side of Pian Upe and remarkably features extensive wetland system. It protects diversity of birds and wildlife. In 2006, it became part of the Ramsar-Listed wetland of international importance and features among the 33 Important Birding Areas in Uganda.