Nestled in northeastern Uganda (Karamoja sub-region), in Moroto district, is arguably the second largest conservation protected area in Uganda covering a total area of approximately 2,275 square kilometers, only next to Murchison Falls National Park which covers an area of 3,893 square kilometers. Pian Upe is one of the best wildlife reserves to explore in East Africa and always expect a massive wildlife safari in the reserve. The reserve will surely give you a run for your money simply because you will be amid a large number of wildlife species – Kidepo Valley National Park (The True African Wilderness) is a stone’s throw away from the reserve.
Accessibility
The reserve’s headquarters are located along the Mbale-Moroto road which covers about 90 kilometers from Mbale and 11 kilometers north of the reserve’s northern boundary. At this point, you can then be able to perceive the entry point to the reserves’ headquarters as soon as you cross Chepsukunya Trading Centre which will take you almost a 2 hours’ drive. However, accessing Mbale from Kampala (Uganda’s capital city) will take you almost a 4 and half hours’ drive – almost 224.8 kilometers. The Park entrance fee is relatively cheap and very affordable.
What to explore in the Reserve
Pian Upe will offer you a great opportunity to see and experience some of Africa wildlife species, including; oribis, common elands, zebras, waterbucks, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, servals, civets, jackals, topis, blue and common duikers, cape buffaloes, Gunther’s dik dik, Uganda Kob, Klipspringers, Bohor and Mountain Reedbucks, hares, and many others including various primate species such as; olive baboons, patas monkeys, and vervet monkeys. However, the area once supported a very large number of lions, elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes but due to heavy poaching, they are now locally extinct. The reserve is of course a home to various reptile species including; the enormous pythons, harmless water snakes, venomous puff adders, common agama, savanna monitor lizards, chameleons, geckoes, and skinks. Pian Upe is not only for wildlife lovers but it is also ideal for birders and among the notable bird species to be viewed in the reserve include; Ostriches (only found here and Kidepo, in Uganda), the Jackson’s Hornbills, the white headed buffalo-weaver, among others but for the superb birding experience head to the swamp known as; Loporokocho where you will see very many birds. The other interesting activities that you will get engaged in include; guided nature walks, hiking Mount Kadam, and cultural encounters.
Where to stay
Pian Upe comprises of various accommodations that its visitors can stay in and some of them include; Karamoja safari camp, Hotel Leslona, Shalosa hotel, Mount Moroto hotel, Lavender Inn, Hotel D’Andrias, 7 Elven Hotel, and others.
When to visit the reserve
Basically the reserve can be visited all year round but the dry season is again more convenient to visit the reserve because the vegetation is dry hence conducting clear views of animals gathering at the water points to drink water. Usually Uganda has two dry seasons, which are; from January to March, and then June to August. The other months consist of both rains and sunshine but due to the unpredictable weather and climate in Africa, it is also very possible to see some rains during the dry seasons though it is indeed rare and it just happens abruptly. For the fantastic adventure safaris to Pian Upe Game Reserve, and other protected areas all over Uganda and East Africa just inquire with selected tour operators in drafting the best travel itinerary that will suit your visit in any of the East African destination you would wish to go!!