Pian Upe Wild Reserve is located in the northeastern part of Uganda (situated in the Karamoja region) approximately 416 kilometers away from Kampala the capital city of Uganda which takes about 8 to 9 hours to get there by road transport. Ater Murchison Falls National Park, Pian Upe happens to be the second largest conservation area in Uganda covering an area of approximately 2,275 square kilometers which covers about 8 districts which include Amudat, Moroto, Napak, Kumi, Kween, Bukedia, Bulambuli, and Katakwi. This conservation area is under the management of Mount Elgon Conservation Department. Pian Upe National Reserve was originally before turning into a reserve was known to be a battle ground for cattle wrestling between for the Karamojong people and it was latter on gazette as a Debasien Animal Sanctuary though by then the boundaries of the reserve were still under threat when the agricultural produce project was established by the government in the south of Girik River. The threats of this area forced the government of Uganda to expand it northwards and named it a Pian Upe Wild Reserve and it also shows interest in upgrading it into a National Park. The name Pian means (calm hearted people and Upe means enemy, when combined together this name means friendly enemies due to the peace that came along with the tourism that was introduced to this area.

What attractions can I see in Pian Upe?

There are a variety or a number of attractions that you can see or spot in Pian Upe Wild Reserve when you visit there and these include

Land scape in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Pian Upe is made up or mostly covered woodland savannah plains which are made of short trees, lemon grass, bristle species, beard grass, thatching grass, to mention a few and are surrounded by mountains giving it a good back drop.  Photographers or tourists who love unique and beautiful photos of beautiful sceneries, Pian Upe is the way to go.

Wild life in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Pian Upe has a number of wildlife that you can spot on a Uganda safari while doing a game drive or a guide nature walk. Some of the animals you should look forward to spotting include, cheetahs, the only remaining Roan antelopes, wildcats, jackals, spotted hyenas, Civets, Serval cats, common Eland, Oribis, impalas, hartebeest, duikers, to name a few. Pian Upe is also a home to primates like baboons, pattas monkeys, and vervet monkeys. You can also spot reptiles there such as rock pythons, monitor lizards, geckos, water snakes, chameleons to name a few.

Birds in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

When it comes to bird life, Pian Upe is called home by approximately 250 different bird species which include ostriches, fox weaver, secretary birds, white headed buffalo, superb sterling, yellow billed shrike, Karamoja apalis, Jackson’s horn bill, green bitta, to name a few. You can spot these bird flying around during game drives and guided nature walks in Pian Upe Wild Reserve.

Community tours near Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Being close to homes of the nomadic pastoralists tribes which are Karamojong’s and the Kalenjin’s who are both known for being cattle keepers and their rich culture which you should not miss out on experiencing during your Uganda Safari. You can also visit the Karamojong’s Museum which is filled up with their art crafts telling their stories, heritage and history to tourists or visitors who visit.

Mountain Kadam in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Mountain Kadam is one of the stunning attractions in Pian Upe Wild Reserve standing on an elevation of approximately 3,063 meters above the sea level offering hiking opportunities to tourists or visitors who happen to visit the reserve. The visitors or tourists who hike Mountain Kadam are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the wild reserve.

Activities to do / carry out in Pian Upe Wild Reserve

Just as the attractions, there a number of tourist activities that you can do or carry out when you visit Pain Upe Wild Reserve and these include guided community tours, game drives, birding, hiking Mountain Kadam, to list a few.

What is the best time to visit Pian Upe Wild Reserve?

Pian Upe is open to tourists or visitors throughout the whole year but the best time to visit or recommended time to visit is during the dry season of the year (June to September and December to February). The dry season is the best time to visit Pian Upe because during this period or time of the year the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities like game drives, birding, guided nature walks and community visits. Also, during the dry season the walking and driving trails are more accessible than during the wet or rainy seasons where the trails are filled with mud and are slippery.

What to pack when visiting Pian Upe Wild Reserve

There are a variety of items or things you should consider packing or bringing along for your visit to Pian Upe Wild Reserve include, hat or cape, raincoat or jacket, a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, light clothes with neutral colors, refillable drinking water bottle, bag pack, to list a few.

Despite the fact that Pian Upe is a newly discovered or recognized tourist destination, this travel destination offers the best safari experience with its raw attractions that have not yet been discovered as much by many tourists. Why don’t you book now with us and be among the few lucky people to explore this travel destination in Uganda.