Pian-Upe Game Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Uganda the pearl of Africa. It’s located in the northeastern part neighboring Mount Elgon National Park. It covers an area of approximately 2,788 square kilometers. It is the second largest protected area in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park. Its wild landscape, diverse wildlife, rich history, and untouched cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure in Uganda and Africa at large.
This reserve was originally part of a much larger conservation area that is the north Karamoja-controlled hunting area which was established in 1958. During the colonial time, Pian-Upe was gazetted to be a hunting zone where specific wildlife species were protected from overhunting. Due to increased population, the reserve boundaries were reduced in need for land for settlement and agriculture.
The name Pian-Upe is a combination of two local Karamoja sub-clans Pian and Upe who were the indigenous settlers of this area. These clans are mainly pastoralists who live together in harmony with wildlife. These clans play a big role in the conservation efforts of wildlife together working alongside the Uganda Wildlife Authority and this has promoted sustainable tourism.
The reserve is always referred to as Uganda’s untouched wilderness and home to varieties of wildlife that have attracted a large number of tourists who love nature but are less popular than Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Pian-Upe Game Reserve offers a unique experience to watch some of the rare wildlife species in their natural habitat while on a Uganda safari.
Large and small mammals call the Pian-Upe Game Reserve home. These include Rothschild giraffes, Uganda kobs, buffalos, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, elands, jackals, greater kudu, leopards, lions, cheetahs and more. The reserve boasts over 300 bird species including ostriches, secretary birds, Abyssinian ground hornbill, white-headed buffalo weavers, Karamoja Apalis, and more. While in this reserve, travelers can take part in the following activities.
Game drives
Game drives are the most popular experiences in this reserve and this offers tourists a chance to explore the endless savannahs with their wildlife. They are normally conducted early in the morning and late evening are the best times to spot more wildlife. These game drives are normally conducted under the guidance of the game ranger knowledgeable about everything that is sighted.
Guided nature walks
Nature walks give a clear picture of the wildlife experience outside the safari vehicle. The guided walking safaris help tourists to understand the flora and fauna of the reserve as they bring travelers up close to the ecosystem. Knowledgeable armed ranger guides are the ones who lead these walks as tourists spot animals, plants, and more.
Bird watching
This is another great adventurous experience to enjoy in Pian-Upe since the reserve boosts over 300 bird species. Bird watching in this reserve is normally done early morning or late evening. Most of the birds here are savannah birds like secretary birds, ostriches, vultures, Abyssinian ground hornbills, white-headed buffalo weavers, and more.
Cultural encounters
Experiencing the Karamajong culture through the community walking trail is another way to enjoy a visit to the Pian-Upe Game Reserve. This takes tourists into a deep understanding of a unique African culture through traditional dressing, music, dance, drama, and dishes. Participating in grazing livestock (cattle, goats, and sheep) and hand-milking cows creates great memories. Therefore, a visit to Pian-Upe Game Reserve is not complete without taking a cultural tour.
When to visit the Pian-Upe Game reserve
This reserve can be visited year-round but the best time remains the dry season which occurs in December to February and June to September. The roads in the reserve are more accessible and animals are easy to spot since they congregate around the water sources.
During the wet seasons of October to November and March to May, the roads become difficult to navigate since they are muddy though they bring lush green vegetation and more food for the grazers. For bird watchers, this period is the best as many migratory birds flock to the reserve.
Are you planning to visit the Pian-Upe Game reserve in Uganda, we are here to take you there and create memories together.
