PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE. A 2788square kilometer reserve is the second largest wildlife conservation area in Uganda after Murchison Falls National. It is located in the North Eastern part of Uganda between Kidepo Valley National Park and Mount Elgon National Park. The reserve is composed of grassland, riverine woodlands and wooded grasslands which act as habitats for several wildlife and birds.
Things to do in Pian Upe Game Reserve
Game drives in the reserve
Can either be done in the morning or evening along paths demarcated for this activity in the presence of an experienced game ranger to take you in the best spots for viewing particular game like elephants, leopards, lions, the Uganda kob, and various birds among others at an up-close distance. Game drives are best done in a pop up 4WD safari vehicle.
Bird watching in Pian Upe game reserve
Pian Upe is home to over 242 recorded bird species. During the nature walk you can see these birds. Among the birds are the secretary bird, karamoja apalis, fox weaver, shoe bill, ostrich and many more.
Nature walk/ hiking in Pian Upe
The adventurous nature walk will require you to move out of the comfort of the safari vehicle so as to explore the different animals and birds on foot at an up-close distance. The animals you are most likely to encounter are zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys and more.
Cultural tours in Pian Upe game reserve
The Kalenjin and the Karamajong are the people living close to Pian-Upe reserve. They are such a vision and interesting to learn about through their culture, foods, dressing and the crafts they make.
Where to stay during your safari in the Pian Upe game reserve
The game reserve has limited accommodation facilities in it. Most facilities are outside the reserve, since it is located near Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park and Mbale Town. In the reserve are cottages and tents from Uganda Wildlife Authority in which you can spend the night.
Best time to visit Pian Upe game reserve
The months of January to March and November to December are the best times to access the park because they are generally more dry making their paths navigable. Also, the grass is shorter and it is easier to view the different wild animals, some of which will be seen coming to the streams to get water, as well as birds. However, the reserve is open and welcoming all year through.
How to get to There
Located in Karamoja region in the North Eastern Part of Uganda, Pian Upe is an 8-9 hours drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda via Mbale to its headquarters. From Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe is a 6hours drive.
