This reserve is located in Northeastern Uganda and is known to be the second largest protected area in Uganda, covering an area of 2,275 square kilometres after Murchison Falls National Park which covers an area of 3,893 square kilometres. Pian Upe is located in the Karamoja sub-region, neighbouring Kenya, and has a great history of being among the oldest protected areas in Uganda.
In 1958, the reserve was established as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary (DAS) to protect animals like antelopes that were under threat from poaching. In the 1960s, the sanctuary was expanded to the land owned by Upe and Pian tribes hence the name of the sanctuary changed to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. This was so in recognition of the two pastoralist tribes who used to live in the reserve.
The reserve is unique in its way that the remoteness and raw wilderness feel. Unlike national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve receives fewer numbers of visitors creating an intimate and less commercialized experience. The ecosystems of the reserve are comprised of semi-arid plains, savannahs, woodlands and grasslands, making it one of Uganda’s beautiful scenic landscapes.
The Karamoja region where the reserve is located, receives less rainfall in all parts of the country making it to be a dry savannah environment with scattered trees of acacia and shrubs and this supports the presence of unique wildlife species like lesser kudu and other antelopes which cannot be traced in any protected area in Uganda.
Since the reserve is located in the Karamoja sub-region, it allows tourists to experience the unique culture in the northeastern part of this beautiful country. The rich cultural experience involves music dance drama, beadwork, tasting traditional food and more. The combination of wildlife, culture and unique geography makes Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve a perfect destination for tourists looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is home to diverse wildlife species including the rare ones that are not found in Uganda’s national parks. Some of the wild animals in this park are lesser kudu, elands, hartebeests, lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals and more birds like the Abyssinian ground hornbills, ostriches and more.
What to do in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve?
Game drives are the main activities in the reserve since they boost diverse wildlife. Game drives are normally in two shifts and these are morning and afternoon game drives though, our company organize a full-day game drive accompanied by bush breakfast and picnic lunch. The game drives offer a chance to explore wildlife such as ostriches, Jackson’s hornbill, lesser kudu, elands, leopards, lions, cheetahs and more.
Guided nature walks offer an intimate way to explore wildlife and nature in style. These walks are done with the guidance of the park ranger guide well-armed to protect you from wild animals in case of any attack. Expect to meet birds, animals, butterflies and more on this 2 to 3-hour experience.
Bird watching since Pian Upe game reserve has a unique location that is home to over 300 bird species especially birds that inhabit semi-arid climates in the dry season, more of the migratory birds are common here hence calling for bird watching.
Cultural experiences allow tourists to learn more about the culture of the local people who live at the edge of the reserve. Here, tourists learn about the traditional dances and music, take part in traditional cooking classes, grazing cattle and more. The Karamajong culture will be visited on the tour and this will be a combined safari of wildlife and culture.
Best time to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
The best time to visit Pian Upe is the dry season which occurs in the months of November to February and June to August. During this time, animals are easy to spot since they congregate at water sources. Also in this period, activities can be conducted since the roads are passable compared to the rainy season which occurs from March to May and September to October when the roads are impassable.
How to access the Reserve?
Pian Upe is about 360 kilometres from Uganda’s capital city, a drive taking about 7 to 8 hours via Jinja, Mbale Soroti Road. Those who are in Moroto town, the main town in the Karamoja region, can access the reserve within 3-hour drive. We normally combine visiting Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve with a safari to Kidepo Valley National Park to understand the beauty of Uganda’s True wilderness.
Contact our tour consultant team today and we organise your memorable tour to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve today.