A Guide to Pian Upe Game Reserve
Second only to the Murchison Falls National Park in size, Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of Uganda’s biggest sites for animal conservation. It’s in the northeastern area of Uganda, in the Karamoja region.
Situated between Kidepo National Park and Mount Elgon National Park, the reserve occupies an approximate area of 2,788 square kilometers. Pian Upe is bounded in various directions by the Matheniko Game Reserve and the Bokora Wildlife Reserve.
In contrast to Matheniko and Bokora, the Mount Elgon Conservation Area includes the Pian Upe game reserve.
Mbale, a town in Eastern Africa, is extremely close to Pian Upe. From Mbale town, it takes around two hours to get to the reserve, and from Kampala, it takes about six. In 1958, the region was established as an animal sanctuary, and in the 1960s, it was upgraded to become a wildlife reserve.
Pian Upe Game Reserve has one significant wet/rainy season every year and semi-arid weather. The discovered flora and fauna have evolved to endure extended periods of time without water on specific days of the year.
There are large, undeveloped grasslands and forests among the flora. Red acacia and desert dates are the two prominent tree species. Red spike-thorns, bush willows, and Harrisonia Abyssinian are some of the other species.
A large portion of the area is covered in shrubs like butterfly plea and woolly caper bush. The large plains are home to a variety of other plant species, such as bristle grasses, lemon grasses, thatching grass, beard grass, and red nut sedge.
Large grasslands, rocky outcrops, and mountains make up Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve’s most outstanding landscape feature. Large mammals, birds, and reptiles can all be found in reasonable numbers in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
Zebras, elands, gazelles, and oribi are common sights for visitors to the reserve. Spotted hyenas, civets, jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, leopards, Topi, wildcats, buffaloes, roan antelopes, reedbucks, Duikers, Dik-dik, Uganda Kob, waterbucks, hares, porcupines, the rock hyrax, aardvark, and hedgehogs are among the other creatures. Vervet monkeys, Patas monkeys, and Olive baboons are among the primates.
Reptiles such as rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, skinks, geckos, chameleons, and monitor lizards can also be found in Pian Upe game reserve. The ostrich is the most beautiful bird in this area.
The Pian, a subdivision of the Karamojong, and the Upe, a hybrid of the Karamojong and Kalenjin, are the two primary tribes that inhabit the area surrounding this enormous wilderness. The name of the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve comes from these two native African tribes.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
Things to See in Pian Upe
Enjoy breathtaking views of a wide variety of wildlife species on a Uganda safari to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, including zebras, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, greater Kudus, Topis, Oribis, Hartebeests, dik-dik, roan antelopes, jackals, aardvark, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, elands, hedgehogs, birds like Ostriches, Jackson’s hornbills, white-headed buffalo weavers, Hartlaub’s bustard, and primates like olive baboons, Patas monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others.
This reserve is home to over 44 mammal species, the majority of which are found only in this reserve and the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda. On the other hand, this nature reserve contains about 242 different species of birds.
Among the reptiles are lizards, puff adders, water snakes, rock pythons, and others. Red acacia tree species predominate there.
Things to Do in Pian Upe
Game Viewing
Undoubtedly, the primary reason most tourists from Uganda come to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is to view game and other wildlife.
The ideal way to experience this expansive savanna reserve is to go on a game drive in a 4×4 safari car with an open top. This will allow you to see a variety of animals, such as giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, impalas, zebras, and duikers.
Birding
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve consistently ranks among the top sites for birdwatching safaris. With over 242 different bird species found there, the reserve is a sizable, protected area.
With its protection of fascinating bird species like the Karamoja apalis, secretary birds, splendid starlings, ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbill, fox weavers, Jackson’s hornbill, Great Hartlaub’s bustard, and others; the reserve is a veritable birder’s paradise.
Sight Seeing
Hiking excursions along the Pian Upe offer amazing views, particularly at Napedet Cave. For the first people to live in this area, the cave was a well-known ancient recreation spot. During guided walks or hiking tours in Napedet Cave, one can witness amazing murals featuring baboons, giraffes, hartebeests, and roan antelopes.
Mountain Hikes
Additionally, there are stunning hills and mountains that are worth hiking through all around Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. To push yourself to an elevation of 3083 meters, you can take on less strenuous trekking expeditions on Mount Napak (2538 meters), Mt. Kadam (3063 meters), or Mount Moroto (1583 meters).
Cultural/community walks/tours
A fantastic way to gain extensive knowledge about the customs, traditions, and other practices of the Karamojong people is through Pian Upe Wildlife safaris. The Karamojong village offers entertainment during your community tour, and interacting with the locals is incredibly fulfilling.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
8 Days
Private
8 Days River Nile, Murchison Falls & Kidepo Wilderness Safari
from
$ 2400
per person
11 Days
Private
11 days Uganda Premium Gorilla, Wildlife & River Nile Adventure
from
$ 2900
per personGetting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Mbale and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Uganda, are thought to be 90 kilometers apart. You use the Mbale-Moroto highway to get here, and if you’re coming from Kampala, the drive should take you at least eight hours. The closest airstrip for landings is Amudat airstrip. Flights departing from Entebbe Airport (EBB)/Kajjansi airport use this airstrip.
When is the Best Time to go to Pian Upe?
The optimal time for travelers to enjoy their Uganda safari is, like any other place, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The best times to go on a Pian Upe wildlife safari are in the dry months of January, February, and March, when there is less dense vegetation and clear views of the game or in November and December, when there is abundant vegetation.
Because of the difficulties in navigating the reserve during these months, most tourists to Uganda avoid April through October when Pian Upe has heavy rains.
Places to stay in and around Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
While on a safari vacation in Uganda, travelers can choose reasonably priced accommodations at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Among these are Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas or Camping and Karamoja Overland Camp. Lavender Inn, Shalosa Hotel, Mount Moroto Hotel, and Hotel Leslona Limited are a few more options for lodging in the area.
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Uganda gorilla trekking specialists focusing on delivering unforgettable gorilla experiences at unbeatable prices.
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