Pian Upe Game Reserve; Wildlife, Animals, Activities & Tours.

Pian Upe Game Reserve, also known as the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, is located within the remote semi-arid plains of northeastern Uganda. Covering an impressive area of 2,043 square kilometers, it is the largest wildlife reserve and the second-largest protected area in the country, second only to Murchison Falls National Park.

This expansive wildlife reserve, along with the Bokora Corridor and Matheniko Wildlife Reserves, as well as Mount Elgon National Park, forms part of the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, which is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Established as a game reserve in 1964, Pian Upe is about an 8 to 9-hour drive from the capital city of Kampala. It is also conveniently located just a 3-hour drive from the spectacular Sipi Falls, a 5-hour drive from Kidepo Valley National Park, and only 90 kilometers from the charming town of Mbale.

This strategic location makes it an exciting destination for tourists, offering the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions.

Wildlife in Pian Upe Game Reserve:

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is undeniably remote, yet it is home to an array of captivating wildlife species that inhabit its diverse landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, rocky kopjes, and hills.

This vast reserve offers an extraordinary variety of ecosystems, each supporting unique species that thrive within these natural habitats.

Birds.

Pian Upe’s vast and diverse landscapes also provide sanctuary to over 250 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Among the reserve’s notable avian inhabitants are the Somali ostriches, the world’s largest bird species, and the striking Secretary birds, known for their distinctive long legs and powerful hunting skills.

The reserve is also home to Uganda’s only endemic bird species, the Fox’s weaver, along with a variety of other fascinating birds such as the Kori bustard, Eastern grey plantain-eater, Karamoja apalis, and Jackson’s hornbill.

For keen birdwatchers, Pian Upe offers a unique opportunity to spot a range of species, including vibrant songbirds, formidable raptors, and elegant waterfowl.

The combination of savannah, woodlands, and riverine habitats creates ideal conditions for birdwatching, ensuring a rewarding experience for visitors seeking to explore Uganda’s rich avian diversity.

Mammals.

The reserve’s rich biodiversity includes a multitude of mammals such as Cape buffaloes, civets, leopards, aardvarks, African hares, spotted hyenas, and zebras.

You may also encounter common elands, vervet monkeys, cheetahs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda kobs, oribis, mountain reedbucks, Grant’s gazelles, Defassa waterbucks, duikers, striped hyenas, jackals, rock hyraxes, dik-diks, serval cats, crested porcupines, klipspringers, impalas, olive baboons, and many others.

Reptiles.

The wildlife experience extends to reptiles, as the reserve harbors significant populations of African rock pythons, savannah monitors, skinks, chameleons geckos, and crocodiles, which are commonly found near the tranquil waters of Pian Upe’s River Girik.

The remote and rugged beauty of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, coupled with its stunning array of wildlife, offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Best Things/Activities to Do in Pian Upe Game Reserve:

Game Drives.

Embark on thrilling game drives with customized 4WD vehicles along some of the reserve’s designated tracks.

These excursions reward tourists with the opportunity to see rare wildlife species such as zebras, Rothschild giraffes, roan antelopes, buffaloes, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, elands, and waterbucks, among others.

The game drives offer a fantastic way to experience the diverse animal life and breathtaking landscapes of Pian Upe.

Bird Watching (Birding).

Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of Uganda’s premier birding paradises, boasting a wide array of bird species. Among the highlights are the Somali ostriches, a rare species found only in two places in the country.

Enthusiastic bird watchers can also spot other fascinating species like the Secretary bird, Fox’s weaver, and Karamoja apalis, making Pian Upe a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts.

Guided Nature Walks.

Guided nature walks allow tourists to get up close with nature, offering a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the reserve.

These walks provide insights into the diverse tree species and wildlife, and they often include cultural walks that allow visitors to engage with local communities, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Mountain Climbing,

Mountain climbing is another exciting activity for tourists visiting Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Climbing Mount Kadam, a prominent feature in the area, is particularly popular among visitors.

This adventure offers stunning panoramic views and a challenging yet rewarding experience for hiking enthusiasts.

Cave Exploration.

A visit to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic Napendio Cave. Located near the local communities, this ancient cave is steeped in history and once served as a recreational spot for creating art drawings.

Exploring Napendio Cave provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and historical significance of the region, making it a unique and enriching part of your journey.

Best Time to Visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve:

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is a destination that can be explored year-round, despite being located in a semi-arid region with one main rainy season that many travelers prefer to avoid for safaris.

This vast protected area boasts an endless array of natural beauty that requires a minimum of two days to explore thoroughly and enjoy to the fullest.

The ideal time to visit Pian Upe is during the dry months of December, January, February, June, July, August, and September.

During these months, the vegetation is shorter, which makes wildlife easier to spot. Animals congregate around the main water sources, offering visitors excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The dry conditions also make for easier travel on the reserve’s roads and paths, enhancing the overall safari experience.

On the other hand, the rainy months of March, April, May, October, and November are generally avoided by tourists. During these months, the roads, paths, and game tracks can become muddy and impassable, making navigation challenging.

Additionally, the vegetation becomes taller and denser, which makes wildlife spotting more difficult. However, for those interested in birdwatching, these months can be rewarding as the reserve becomes lush and vibrant, attracting a wide variety of bird species.

How to Get to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located about an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala City and can be reached by both road and air transport. Here’s how you can access this remarkable reserve:

By Road:

Traveling by road is the most common way to reach Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The reserve’s strategic location makes it accessible from several towns:

Mbale: From Mbale Town, you can access the southern part of the reserve via Chepsikunya Trading Center. This route offers picturesque views and a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside.
Moroto: To reach the northern side of the reserve, travel from Moroto Town through Namalu Trading Center. This path provides a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the region’s local communities.
Kapchorwa and Kotido: These towns also serve as gateways to Pian Upe, offering different routes that connect you to various parts of the reserve.

By Air:

For those who prefer air travel, flights can be arranged to the nearest operational airstrip in Amudat. From there, visitors can continue their journey to the reserve by road. This option offers a quicker alternative and allows you to enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s landscape.

Whether you choose to travel by road or air, reaching Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is an adventure in itself, promising a memorable journey through one of Uganda’s most captivating natural destinations.