Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
The beautiful Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is worth a day visit on your way from Jinja/Sipi Falls/Mount Elgon to Kidepo Valley National Park.
This Uganda wildlife reserve is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! If you are looking for a pristine and adventurous Uganda safari experience, this is the perfect destination for you.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeastern Uganda, in the remote Karamoja region, between Sipi Falls and Moroto. It covers an area of approximately 2,788km2.
It is Uganda’s second-largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park. Pian Upe is bordered by the Bokora-Corridor Wildlife Reserve and Matheniko Wildlife Game Reserve.
The reserve is surrounded by stunning mountains and hills, including Mount Moroto to the west and the Pian Upe Mountains to the east. These scenic landscapes enhance the beauty of the reserve and provide opportunities for walking safaris and breathtaking views.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is traversed by several rivers and water sources, including the Matheniko River and the Kadam River. These water bodies not only attract wildlife but also provide an essential water source in this semi-arid region.
This massive nature reserve contains an amazing variety of Ugandan wildlife. Besides zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffalo, Pian Upe also hosts animals that are not or rarely found in other parts of Uganda, such as the Elands, Roan Antelopes, Ostriches, and Cheetahs.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is visited by less than 1% of all tourists, and there is a good chance that you will have this park to yourself. But the roads through the park are not well-maintained, and you cannot always do your safaris by vehicle. If that is the case, there is no need to worry, as you can always take a walking safari. Those are fantastic!
Wildlife in Pian Upe Reserve
Pian Upe is home to a diverse range of wildlife species which include the following;
- Buffalos
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Leopards
- Spotted hyenas
- Zebras
- Uganda kobs
- Mountain reedbuck
- Roan antelope
- Jackson’s hartebeest
- Oribi
- Common eland
- Topi
- Jackals
- Vervet monkeys
- Elephants
- Patas monkeys
- Blue and common duiker
- Günther’s dik-dik
- Klipspringer
- Waterbuck
Birds In Pian Upe
Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve boasts an impressive population of Ugandan birds, with over 300 different bird species documented, making it an ideal destination for birding tours in Uganda. The most attractive bird species here include the;
- Common ostrich
- Karamoja Apalis
- Superb sterling
- Secretary bird
- Abyssinian ground hornbill
- Abyssinian roller
- Abyssinian Scimitarbill
- Black-breasted barbet
- Chestnut weaver
- D’Arnaud’s barbet
- Fox kestrel
- Greater kestrel
- Jackson’s hornbill
- Northern carmine bee-eater
- Purple grenadier
- Pygmy falcon
- Red-throated bee-eater
Activities In Pian Upe Game Reserve
- Wildlife Game Drives
You can go on scenic game drives led by experienced local rangers in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. These safaris take you through the reserve’s diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, woodlands, and hills. Keep an eye out for iconic African wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and various antelope species.
2. Bird Watching Tours
Bird enthusiasts will enjoy Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve’s rich birdlife. Here, you will see over 300 bird species, including giant ostriches, raptors, and unique African birds. Bring your binoculars and camera to capture these birds in their natural environment.
3. Guided Walking Safaris
You can also join a guided nature walk in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve to connect more closely with its ecosystem. Guided by knowledgeable staff, the walk reveals the subtle aspects of the reserve’s ecology. You will learn about native plants, track wildlife, and gain insights into their behaviors.
4. Community Cultural Tours
Exploring Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve provides a special chance to engage with the well-known Karimojong people and learn about their traditional way of life. This cultural experience includes traditional dances, craft demonstrations, and storytelling.
Traditional dances share history and community bonds, craft demonstrations display artisan skills, and storytelling offers insights into their worldview. Engaging with the Karimojong promotes cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation for Uganda’s rich cultural heritage diversity.
What Conservation Measures Are In Place To Protect Pian Upe Reserve & Its Wildlife?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) works closely with various groups to protect the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. There are strong anti-poaching programs staffed by well-trained rangers who patrol the reserve’s borders to stop illegal hunting.
Pian Upe also promotes sustainable tourism to strike a balance between allowing visitors to enjoy Pian Upe’s natural beauty and preserving the environment in the process. This includes the need for compulsory guided tours, strict visitor rules, and responsible campsite management.
How many days do I need for the Pian Upe Safari?
The duration of time you plan to spend at Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve varies depending on your interests and the number of activities on your safari itinerary.
However, to explore the key highlights, a full day to 3 is recommended.
This time frame allows you to spend quality time on game drives and nature walks to encounter a variety of wildlife and enhance your chances of sightings, as many animals have different patterns during the day. You will also have the time to partake in multiple safari activities as well as some well-deserved relaxation time to enjoy your surroundings.
What more attractions are near Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
Besides the captivating landscapes and wildlife of Pian Upe, other nearby attractions add to the charm of the region, offering diverse experiences to enrich your tour.
Mount Elgon National Park
Just a stone’s throw away from Pian Upe is Mount Elgon, Uganda’s second-highest mountain after the Rwenzori Mountains. This Uganda mountain park invites you to explore its ancient volcano, adorned with verdant forests, rare plant life, fast-flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Hiking trails crisscross the park, leading you to the summit where you will encounter the world’s largest mountain caldera.
Sipi Falls
A short drive from Pian Upe, Sipi Falls is a series of three picturesque waterfalls nestled in the foothills of Mount Elgon. Whether you are hiking to the upper falls, enjoying a peaceful picnic by the lower falls, or simply relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere, the Sipi Waterfall area promises a rejuvenating escape into nature’s embrace.
Mount Moroto
Situated approximately 2 2-hour’ drive from Pian Upe, Mount Moroto offers amazing day hikes with no requirement for technical equipment. And during the hike, you have great interaction with the Tepeth people and learn about culture, spirits, gods, and sacred sites of these fascinating mountain people.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Around 4 4-hour drive from Pian Upe is Kidepo Valley National Park, which is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Set below a range of craggy peaks bordering South Sudan, this park protects an atmospheric tract of savannah.
Despite its remote location, Kidepo offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including 4 of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo; no rhino), with large herds of buffalo. This park boasts a more untrammeled wilderness feel than any of Uganda’s 10 national parks.
How To Get To Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve in Uganda typically involves a combination of road and sometimes air travel. Here are the general steps to reach Pian Upe:
If you are traveling from abroad, you will first need to reach Uganda. Most international travelers arrive at Entebbe International Airport in Entebbe town near the capital city, Kampala.
- Kampala/Entebbe to Mbale
From Kampala, the nearest town to Pian Upe is Mbale, located in the eastern part of Uganda. You can travel to Mbale by road, which is the most common mode of transport.
The journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Mbale takes around 4 to 6 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Mbale to Pian Upe
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located to the northeast of Mbale town. You will need to continue your journey from Mbale to reach the reserve. You can hire a local guide or driver who is familiar with the area to take you to the reserve. The journey from Mbale to the reserve takes around 2 to 4 hours.
Best Time to Visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
The best time to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is during the dry season, December to March, and June to September. Wildlife enthusiasts find this period particularly enticing as it offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The reduced availability of water sources prompts animals to congregate around the remaining ones, making them more accessible for observation.
Also, the weather is generally pleasant, with lower chances of rainfall, ensuring comfortable conditions for outdoor activities like game drives and nature walks. Birdwatchers will also find the dry season beneficial, as it often coincides with the presence of migratory bird species.
