Uganda Safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve

Uganda Safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve : Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve is among the largest protected areas for wildlife conservation in Uganda, ranking just after Murchison Falls National Park. The location is in the northeastern part of Uganda, specifically in the Karamoja region. The reserve spans roughly 2,788 square kilometers and is located between the secluded Kidepo Valley National Park and Mount Elgon National Park. Additionally, this stunning reserve is situated at the border of Bokora Game Reserve and Matheniko Game Reserve. The reserve was named after the two primary tribes residing close to this beautiful wilderness. The Pian, a subgroup of the Karamojong, and the Upe, which is a blend of both the Karamojong and Kalenjin. The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve gets its name from these two native African tribes.

Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve is one of the top destinations in Uganda for wildlife viewing, featuring an impressive array of large mammals, birds, and reptiles. Tourists can encounter various animals such as zebras, elands, gazelles, and oribi. Additional animals consist of spotted hyenas, civets, jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, leopards, topi, wildcats, buffaloes, roan antelopes, reedbucks, and duikers, including dik-dik. The reserve is home to primates like vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and patas monkeys, along with a variety of colorful bird species.

Amazing things to do while on a safari in Pian-Upe Wildlife Game Reserve

Birdwatching

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has emerged as one of Uganda’s premier birding spots. The area boasts over 242 bird species, including 9 that are part of the Masai-Somali biome, making it a captivating spot for bird enthusiasts. The variety of habitats in the reserve provides a perfect setting for both common and rare bird species. On your birding tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of vibrant bird species, including the rare Ostriches and the Karamoja Apalis, an endemic bird found exclusively in the north-eastern region of Uganda. In the reserve, you might also encounter various other bird species, including the Somali-breasted bunting, Bristle-crowned starling, three-streaked tchagra, Hemprich’s hornbill, pink-breasted lark, Acacia tit, Hunter’s sunbird, yellow-billed shrike, yellow-vented eromomela, buff-breasted bustard, Burce’s Green pigeons, red-cheeked cordon-blue, stone partridge, Marico sunbird, African grey hornbill, silver bird, African paradise flycatcher, and white-faced whistling ducks, among others. Birding in Pian-Upe provides the chance to explore the nearby Lake Bisina-Opeta wetlands, renowned for being home to the Fox’s weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird.

Game viewing

When you set out on a safari in Pian-Upe Game Reserve, make sure that game viewing is at the top of your list of things to do. This experience in the breathtaking reserve is typically enjoyed on a safari open vehicle or through guided nature walks and hikes. The park hosts one of the rare animals not found in other protected areas of Uganda, including cheetahs, roan antelopes, Grant’s gazelles, Bohor and mountain reedbucks, white-eared Kobs, ostriches, and Gunther’s dik-diks. The reserve features open grassland plains interspersed with volcanic kopjes, making it easy to observe endangered wildlife species.

On your game viewing safari, you’ll have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife species, including big cats like cheetahs, leopards, and lions, as well as plains zebras, giraffes, buffalo, eland, impala, ostrich, hartebeest, oribi, klipspringer, waterbucks, Uganda Kob, topi, and both blue and common duikers, among others. You will also have the opportunity to see primate species such as patas monkeys, olive baboons, and velvet monkeys, along with various bird species and breathtaking landscapes. Game viewing in Pian-Upe Reserve typically occurs along the Loporokocho tracks, where the lush grass attracts a variety of large mammals.

Community Visit

Connecting with the local communities close to Pian-Upe Game Reserve provides a rewarding experience that extends beyond just wildlife. A trip to a nearby Karamojong village offers an opportunity to discover the traditional lifestyle of the people who inhabit this region. This indigenous group possesses a rich culture and tradition that is captivating to witness, despite having been labeled as hostile during the early days of their settlement. On your cultural visit, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of traditional activities, including local music, dance, and drama performances, particularly the renowned Edonga dance.

During your fortunate visit, you may have the opportunity to explore the kraal, where you can engage in milking, tour their homes (Manyattas), enjoy storytelling with the herders and elders, witness traditional marriages, and learn about their rich history and culture, among other experiences. Engaging in these experiences allows you to support sustainable tourism, benefiting local communities and fostering meaningful connections. This experience enhances your safari, adding a personal element to the journey and increasing your appreciation for the surroundings.

Mountain Hikes

If you’re looking for some excitement, mountain hiking in and around Pian-Upe Game Reserve is a thrilling choice. The trails provide incredible views of the vast Savannah plains, dotted with Acacias trees, along with rocky ridges. The landscape features stunning distant hills and mountains, ideal for hiking safaris, including Mount Kadam, Mount Napak, and Mount Elgon. One of the premier hiking trails in this extraordinary reserve is the trek to Mount Kadam. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a hike to Napedet cave, where you’ll encounter the ancient artistry of both animals and humans. While hiking, you’ll be thrilled by the sight of various wildlife species, including reptiles like the African rock python, puff adders, and savannah lizards, among others.

Packing list for a safari to Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve

When planning a camping trip, it’s essential to bring along all the necessary gear, such as kitchenware, a tent, bedding, and other items you might use regularly. It is advisable for tourists to bring along essential items like a camera and binoculars to capture breathtaking moments. Additionally, insect repellent, sunscreen, a sunhat, sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a torch, a portable charger, and toiletries are also recommended.

Best accommodation facilities of Pian-Upe Wildlife Game Reserve

The Pian Upe wildlife reserve currently offers limited accommodations as it is still in the development phase. You can also stay at Karamoja Overland Camp, which features self-contained units with en-suite facilities, including showers and electricity. The most sought-after lodging is at the Headquarters, featuring four Bandas named after various local animals.

How to get Pian-Upe Wildlife Game Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve can be reached by both air and road transportation.

Via air

Air transport is the fastest way to reach this remote reserve. Domestic chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala to nearby airstrips like Moroto Airstrip or Amudat Airstrip. Then connect to the reserve on the road. Charter flights offer a quicker and more convenient option, especially for those with time constraints.

Via road

You can also drive from Kampala, taking the eastern route to reach Pian Upe Wildlife Game Reserve. Driving from Moroto through the Namalu trading center to the Game reserve .