Pian Upe Game Reserve
Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle across 14,763 km² of open savannah — Without a doubt, this park is Uganda’s crown jewel.
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Minimum stay
3-4 days
Top Sightings
Roan Antelope, Cheetah & Ostrich
Distance from Capital
329 Kms2
Location
Nakapiripiriti & Moroto
Best for
Friends, Family and Groups
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe is located in the Karamoja sub-region of northern Uganda, covering an area of 2788 km2, making it Uganda’s second-largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of Uganda’s splendid protected areas, and it was first gazetted in 1958 as an Animal Sanctuary in the northern part of Uganda.
This wildlife reserve was then extended northwards in 1964 and obtained its current name, Pian Upe, which was derived from the Karamojong local dialect and means “Friendly Enemy.”
The Name Pian Upe originated from the two most popular neighboring pastoral tribes. The Pian is one of the Karamojong groups, and the Upe- a Kalenjin-speaking people also commonly known as the Pakot, located in Kenya and Uganda. And this is the name Pian Upe.
Pian Upe Safari activities
COMBINE 01
Bird watching safaris
What do you know about Uganda birding, what birds do you know in Uganda birding
COMBINE 01
Game Drives in Uganda: The Ultimate Safari Experience
Game drive is one of the best experience to have in Uganda as you have a glance at the animals
Attractions in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve features hot springs as one of its incredible attractions, with the mercury wells, and it is situated at Mount Kadam. The area is comprised of intact woodland and grassland, kopjes, riverine woodland, among others, including remarkable tree species like the bush willows, red acacia, Harrisonia abyssinica, desert date, red spike thorns, and shrubs like the wooly caper bush and butterfly pea.
Pian Upe is also a proud home of various species of mammals like elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, oribis, common elands, and the roan antelope, which is only remaining in Uganda among other wildlife mammals.
There are also remarkable reptiles that can be sighted in this wildlife reserve, such as the puff adders, rock pythons, and harmless water snakes. Other reptiles like the chameleons, geckos, skinks and common agama also inhabit Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
Pian Upe wildlife reserve is also a remarkable paradise for avid birders because of the various bird species that dwell in the area. Such as the rare Ostrich, white-headed buffalo weaver, great hartlaub’s bustard, and Jackson’s hornbill all of which can be sighted in Loporokocho swamp. The area is also home to common primate species like vervet monkeys and olive baboons
Selected Pian Upe Sightings & Attractions
African Cape Buffalo
African Fish Eagle
Giraffes
African Elephant
Best Time to visit Pian Upe
Like any other national park or wildlife reserve in Africa, and particularly in Uganda, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve can be visited all year round. The following shows the best time to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
From January to March, the vegetation is usually dry, which allows splendid views of wildlife as they gather around water sources to quench their thirst. This is the best time of all to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
From April to October, the rainy season can make roads impassable due to mud, and game drive tracks hard to navigate. The lush vegetation also hinders clear views of wildlife.
From November to December, this is another dry season; the only difference is that the vegetation is still lush, and wildlife views are not very clear.
How to get to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
The headquarters of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located about 100km away from Mbale town along the Mbale-Moroto road. From the headquarters, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is just 11 km away. A total of a 5-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Selected Pian Upe Safari Packages
10 Days
Private
10 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Masai Mara Safari
from
$ 1700
per person
The major activities in Pian Upe
Wildlife safaris
The plains of Pian Upe Wildlife are dotted with various animals which can be explored on guided game drives. Expect to encounter animals such as the rare roan antelope, cheetahs, dik-dik, black-backed and side-striped jackals, greater kudu, buffaloes, hartebeests, eland, zebras, among others. A 4×4-wheel drive is recommended for game drives in Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
Bird watching safaris in Pian Upe
Pian Upe is a famous destination for avid birders in Uganda, with a massive number of at least 242 confirmed bird species, including the ostrich- the land’s largest bird- also found in Kidepo Valley National Park
Mountaineering and Scenic Viewing in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe features less challenging but most rewarding hills that travelers can undertake for a remarkable experience in the northern part of Uganda. Mt. Kadam is one of the areas with high altitude in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and its peak allows magnificent views of the plains of this game reserve.
Guided nature walks in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe is one of the few destinations in Uganda where visitors can get close to the wilderness on guided nature walks. Search for animals like antelopes, zebras, baboons, and many species of birds, among others, while on your nature walk guided by a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Pian Upe in Summary
Best Attractions
Roan Antelope, Cheetah & Ostrich
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Best Attractions
Wildlife, river scenery and game drives
Top activities
Game drives, Bird watching & Guided nature walk
How to Get there.
Head east from Kampala through Jinja and Iganga to Mbale town, which takes about 5 hours, Continue north along the Mbale–Moroto highway for about 90 kilometers and Pass the Chepsukunya Trading Centre, look out for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signpost, and turn off onto the unpaved dirt access road leading directly to the reserve checkpoint.
Recommended duration
Karamoja Safari Camp (Budget), Karamoja overland camp & Mount Moroto Eco camp
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pian Upe located?
It sits in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, north of Mount Elgon, covering roughly 2,200 to 2,788 square kilometers. It can be accessed from different directions and different locations, and therefore, from every part you arrive from, you can access the national park, mostly from the east and northern parts of the country.
When is the best time to visit?
Every time is good to visit in Uganda depending on your availability and plannng of the activities and preferences depending on your schedule. Both the rainy and the dry season are good to visit Uganda. The dry months from December to March (and June to September) offer the best game-viewing conditions and accessible tracks.
What activities can visitors do?
The activities to get involved in are very many in the arae depending on the amount of time that you have and number of days to spend. Popular activities include guided game drives, bird watching, nature walks, mountain climbing, and Karamojong cultural community tours
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Why Choose Friendly Gorillas Safaris.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises. Your quotation explains accommodation, permits, park fees, transport, meals and exclusions before you book.
Responsible Travel
Your journey supports conservation areas, local guides, porters, lodges and communities connected to wildlife tourism.
Expert Local guides
We only work with knowledgeable guides who value wildlife, safety, hospitality and meaningful guest experiences.
With you always
You receive personal support from start to finish. Before arrival and reliable assistance throughout your safari.
Guaranteed Departures
After booking, no surprising changes. Your tours depart when, how and from the same location we mentioned it would.
Your Safari your way
All our safaris are strictly designed around your interests, travel dates, comfort level and budget shape every itinerary.
DON'T WAIT
Book your Pian Upe adventure safari today
Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people are joining you and what you want to experience. We will help you build a private safari around your destination, accommodation preferences and available time.
Low Season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak Season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec
Recommended Stay
Buhoma Gorilla Camp,
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