Pian-Upe Game Reserve Uganda – A Secret Gem

 The fascinating Pian-Upe game reserve is one of the largest wildlife-reserved areas in Uganda. Tour operators and tourists have recently recognized it as a top tourist destination. This mysterious land is a perfect combination of photogenic sceneries and epic African wildlife.

This game reserve is in the North Eastern part of Uganda in the Nakapiripiti district. It joins two other wildlife-protected areas namely; the Matheninko and Bokora Wildlife Reserves. The authorities named it after two local tribes; the Pian (the sub-group of Karamojong) and the Upe (known as Pakot). With less number of tourists, this wildlife reserve is a peaceful safari destination on your Uganda Safaris

How To Visit Pian Upe?

Pian Upe is an 8-9 hour drive from the capital city of Uganda, Kampala. This drive will go through Mbale city and Soroti town. Pian Upe is about 90 kilometers from Mbale town.

You can fly to the nearest airstrip located at Amudat. It will take a 2.5-hour flight to reach Pian Upe.

The Best Time To Visit Pian Upe

Pian Upe is a semi-arid forest. Though rain is unpredictable in this region, it receives heavy rainfall in the rainy season. The climate of the game reserve throughout the year is as follows:

• January- March: It is the dry season in this region. The vegetation is dry and hence you will get a clear view of animals.
• April to October: During this time of the month, this region receives heavy rain. Muddy roads and long grass make it difficult to go into the forest. Animals easily hide in the lush vegetation.
• November- December: Though it is a dry season, the lush vegetation is a big obstacle to tracking the animals. The dry season is just done and thus, vegetation is still thick.

However, to get an exact weather update, you can contact the reserve management or trusted Uganda Safari Tour Operators.

Wildlife At Pian Upe Game Reserve Uganda

This game reserve is mostly covered with wooded savannah grassland. It is a perfect habitat for many birds, reptiles, and a huge deal of rare animals.

• Animals:

During your game drive, you will find many common animals. These include; lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, and Uganda kob. Mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and others are in this game reserve.

Eland, topi, and zebra migrate here during their breeding season from North Bokora and Matheninko reserves. One can see The only remaining roan antelope in Uganda here.

Except these, numerous primates such as Vervet monkeys and unique olive baboons live here.

• Birds:

Many common and uncommon species of birds such as the uncommon ostrich, great hartlaub’s bustard, white-headed buffalo weaver, secretary bird Sagittarius, and uncommon yellow-billed shrike and Jackson’s hornbill are in this reserve.

• Reptiles:

Pian Upe is a perfect habitat for enormous reptiles. These include rock pythons, puff adders, and harmless water snakes. Other reptiles are common Agama and skinks, chameleons and geckos, etc.

• Plants:

Plants like red acacia, desert dates, bush willows, Harrisonia abyssinia, and red spike thorns are in the reserve.

Grasses like thatching grass, bristle species, red nut sedge, lemon grasses, and beard grasses make the land look like a green carpet.

Entry Fees

To get permission to visit the game reserve, a visitor has to pay a certain amount. This will generate revenue for wildlife conservation activity.

Some general costs to be paid are:

• Park entry per person- 35 and 25 US dollars per head for Foreign non-residents and Foreign residents respectively.
• Guided nature walks per person-30 dollars per head
• Game drives- 30 dollars per vehicle

Things To Do At Pian-Upe Game Reserve Uganda

Pian Upe is a less visited Uganda Safari Destination. So, if you want to avoid crowds, add Pian Upe to your Uganda Safari Tours.

There are many safari activities to do in this game reserve.

• Game Drives

The game drive is one of the reasons why tourists have an interest in Pian Upe. Having a game drive on a 4×4 safari vehicle with an open roof shows surprising views of animals. You’ll see animals grazing and hunting in the savannah grasslands.

• Birds Watching

Sheltering over 242 bird species, Pian Upe is a great place for bird watchers. You see many common and uncommon birds in the protected area. So get your binoculars ready for bird watching!

• Mountain Hike And Natural Walk

Beautiful hills and mountains surround Pian Upe. It is worth visiting for its scenic views. At the same time, the place is best for hiking Mount Napak (2538m), Mt. Kadam (3063m) or Mount Moroto (3083).

With the guidance of the ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you can walk near animals. These animals include zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, etc. This will be during your nature walk in the game reserve.

• Cave Exploration

Visit Napedet Cave to explore the ancient recreation center. Drawings of animals like baboons, roan antelope, and other animals by ancient people are still visible.

• Cultural Tour

Do not forget to visit the local communities. It is a great chance to know their vibrant culture. The people are very warm-hearted. It will create unforgettable moments for you.

Accommodation In Pian-Upe Game Reserve Uganda

Accommodations near the reserved area are limited. But, there are a lot of options within a little distance. Most accommodations are available near Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park, and Mbale Town. Within the reserve area, you can rest in the cottages and tents by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Likewise, a visitor can choose to camp around park headquarters with their tent or hire one from the park.

Some Essential Tips

Pian Upe is a semi-arid forest. As you are visiting a new place, you never know what awaits you. For a comfortable trip to Pian Upe Game Reserve on your Uganda Safari, here are some essential tips:

1. It is recommendable to pack light neutral color clothes. Also, get some warm clothes for the chilly morning and evening.
2. Wear comfortable closed shoes for the game drive and natural walk.
3. It is advisable to pack sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, and a sunhat. These protect you from heat and insects.
4. For those who are planning to camp, they must get camping equipment. This includes a tent, bedding, cup, plate, toiletries, and other necessary things.
5. Carry your cameras and binoculars to capture and see the views from a distance.
6. Do not forget an extra battery, a flashlight, and a universal adaptor for emergencies.

Safari Vacations and Travel Services is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. We are a full member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. We feature on Safari Bookings and are reviewed positively on Tripadvisor, a worldwide recommended travel review website.

Get ready with your backpack to visit Pian Upe Game Reserve! Feel free to Contact Us for your Uganda Safaris plan. Our team is happy to help you with your plan and query.

Pian Upe Game Reserve is worth visiting for its peaceful safari activity. Though it is under development, you will experience the beautiful wilderness of Uganda Safari in Pian Upe.