Uganda safari attractions and Uganda Safari activities in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Uganda

Pian Upe, is a protected area in the Karamoja sub region in Northeastern Uganda. Pian Upe is positioned between Mountain Elgon and the Kidepo Valley National Park. This reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Uganda with an area of about 2,788km and the second largest protected area after Murchison falls that covers an area of about 3,893km². Pian Upe was gazetted as the Debasien animal sanctuary in the southern part in 1958 and was expanded northwards and renamed Pian Upe in 1964. It has several attractions as well as activities done inside the reserve;

Wildlife

Pian Upe has diverse eco systems despite its semi-arid climate conditions. The animal inhabitants, and their creation is what makes Pian Upe unique. Animals that attract tourists include Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Buffaloes, Elands, Hell’s Zebra, Harte beast, Greater Kudu, Topi, Dik-Dik, Oribi, Uganda’s last population of Roan, Vervet Monkeys, Olive baboons, Pata Monkeys and a small population of Lions.

Alongside the animals, there are also several birds in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve for people that love birding like Lemon Dove, White headed Buffalo weaver, Black throated wattle eye, the Mountain Yellow warbler, the Hartlarb’s Turaco, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, the Eastern bronze napped Pigeon, Jackson’s Hornbill, the Alpine chat, Thick-billed honey guide, the Africa Hill babbler, the Dusky turtle Bove and the Ostriches.

Guided wildlife safari game drives

If you want to avoid crowds, organize a perfect Uganda tour to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve that offers spectacular Uganda wildlife safari experiences. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has Savannah grasslands and shrubs that act as homes to the wildlife that exists there. The presence of wildlife offers game drives in the reserve that enable you have a perfect view of some of the incredible wildlife such as the last population of Uganda’s Roan Antelopes, the uncommon ostriches, great hartlarb’s bustard, white headed buffalo, weaver, Jackson’s hornbill, protected within the Laporokocho swamp, vervet monkeys and unique olive baboons.

Bird watching safaris

As an ultimate birder, there is a lot to see while in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. It hosts over 242 bird species some of which you will be able to view as they whistle in the trees and other vegetation for example; Lemon Dove, White headed Buffalo weaver, Black throated wattle eye, the Mountain Yellow warbler, the Hartlarb’s Turaco, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, the Eastern bronze napped Pigeon, Jackson’s Hornbill, the Alpine chat, Thick-billed honey guide, the Africa Hill babbler, the Dusky turtle Bove and the Ostriches that are only found in Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe. Uganda birding safaris can be done alongside nature walks and the game drives as well.

Mountain climbing

Nature walks through the savannas may not be enough for your tour in Uganda to Pian Upe. Taking a mountain climbing safari to Mountain Kadam found near Pian Upe is more exploratory. Mountain Kadam is about 3083 meters above sea level. Hiking to the top is less challenging compared to other mountains in Uganda. Its takes you about 2-3 days to hike to the top when hiking for about 10 hours a day. While climbing to the top, tourists are able to have the best view of Pian Upe as well as its Wildlife.

Cultural encounters

Pian Upe is home to the famous pastoralist tribe in Uganda known as the Karamojong. The Karamojong are divided into different tribes like the Pian, the Matheniko, the Bokora and the Upe. These tribes are located in areas that have gazetted Wildlife Reserves after which they were named. The Pian Upe Wildlife reserve was named after the Pian and the Upe, Matheniko Wild Reserve was named after the Matheniko tribe, while Bokora Wildlife Reserve was named after the Bokora tribe. Taking a Uganda cultural safari will enable you know the history of the area, their pastoral way of life of the Karamojong, dress code, marriage customs, food among others.

Safari accommodation to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Uganda

There are no well-built safari accommodation areas in Pian Upe Wildlife reserve. Those that are available are in Moroto yet there is a long distance to drive. Therefore, the best accommodation options are camping. Camping sites are available but tourists are advised to carry their safari tents for example; Uganda wildlife bandas, self-contained safari tents, self-contained cottages.

Best time to safari Pian Upe Wild Reserve, Uganda

The best time to safari to Pian Upe is in the dry seasons. The dry seasons happen the months of January – march. During the seasons, the roads are dry as well as the vegetation which and offers clear views of animals. Animals also gather at water sources which makes it easy for game viewing.

During the wet season, the roads are impassable because they get muddy and can be challenging especially if you don’t have a 4WD  safari car. The wet months are in the months of April- October.