Principal Activities in Pian Upe Game Reserve
Primary activities in Pian Upe Game Reserve: Pian Upe Game Reserve is the second largest animal conservation area in Uganda, following Murchison Falls National Park. It is situated in the Karamoja region in the northeastern section of Uganda, between Kidepo Valley National Park and Mount Elgon National Park. The game reserve encompasses an area of 2,788 square kilometers, consisting of grasslands, riverine woodlands, and wooded grasslands that serve as habitats for numerous wildlife species, including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, greater kudus, oribi, lions, leopards, roan antelopes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, reedbucks, duikers, Jackson’s hartebeest, and primates such as vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, and olive baboons, as well as a variety of bird species, including ostriches, white-headed buffalo weavers, secretary birds, and Hartlaub’s bustards, among others.
Safari excursions within the reserve
This is a principal activity in the reserve, allowing guests to traverse the plains in a 4WD pop-up safari vehicle accompanied by a professional guide. During the game drive, conducted either in the early morning or afternoon, you will traverse various game trails within the reserve, providing excellent vistas of wildlife such as zebras, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, elands, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, greater kudus, roan antelopes, and reedbucks, as well as waterbucks. Additionally, you may encounter predators like leopards, lions, side-striped jackals, and hyenas, contingent upon fortune, along with a diverse array of avian species.
Avian observation at Pian Upe Game Reserve
The reserve is home to over 242 documented bird species, rendering it a great location for birdwatching. While birdwatching, either during a game drive or nature walk, one can observe various avian species, including secretary birds, ostriches, shoebills, white-headed buffalo weavers, Jackson’s hornbills, Karamoja apalises, great Hartlaub’s bustards, fox weavers, superb starlings, and Abyssinian ground hornbills, among others.
Nature excursion/hiking in Pian Upe Game Reserve
The reserve provides an adventurous nature walk, allowing you to leave the comfort of a safari vehicle and explore the area on foot, accompanied by an armed park ranger and a knowledgeable park guide familiar with the hiking routes. During the guided nature walk, you will have the opportunity to observe various animals, including zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elands, and primates such as baboons and vervet monkeys. You will also encounter a diversity of bird species, appreciate the picturesque scenery, enjoy the refreshing breeze, listen to the melodious songs of birds in the trees, unwind in a tranquil setting, and capture stunning photographs, among other activities.
Cultural excursions in Pian Upe Game Reserve
Two cultural tribes, the Karamajong and the Kalenjin, inhabit the vicinity of the reserve. During the cultural tour, you will have the opportunity to engage with the Karamajong or Kalenjin people, visit their homesteads, explore their distinctive culture and traditions, sample their local cuisine, experience their marriage ceremonies, enjoy traditional entertainment such as dance and drama, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs, among other activities.
Accommodation options for your safari in Pian Upe Game Reserve
The game reserve offers limited accommodation options; thus, during your safari, you may reside in cottages or tents provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or opt for lodgings outside the reserve, which is situated near Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park, and Mbale town.
Wildlife in Pian
Wildlife in Pian Upe: Optimal Visiting Period for the Game Reserve
Pian Upe Game Reserve is accessible year-round, although the optimal visiting period occurs during the dry season, specifically from January to March and November to December. In the dry season, reduced rainfall in the game reserve results in accessible roads, leading to a congregation of various wildlife species around water sources, providing opportunities for observation and photography. During the dry season, the sparse vegetation facilitates wildlife observation.
Directions to Pian Upe Game Reserve
The reserve is situated in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda and is accessible by road. The journey from Kampala to the park headquarters via Mbale takes around 8 to 9 hours in a 4WD safari vehicle. The game reserve is accessible from Kidepo Valley National Park, requiring around a 6-hour journey, and from Mbale Town, necessitating a 2 to 3-hour drive.
