• Pian Upe Game Reserve - Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of Uganda’s hidden gems. This stunning, untouched, and less frequented reserve is the second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park. Spanning approximately 2,788 km², it lies north of Mount Elgon and is overseen by the Mountain Elgon Conservation department. Located in the northeastern part of Uganda in Nakapiripirit, it is accessible by road from Kampala in about 8 ½ hours, 2 ½ hours from Mbale, and 6 hours from Pian Upe to Kidepo Valley National Park. The reserve boasts breathtaking landscapes with surrounding mountains, often giving visitors the feeling of having the entire reserve to themselves. The southern part of the reserve was designated as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1958, and in 1964, it was expanded northward.

• Origin of the Reserve’s Name

• The reserve is named after two prominent pastoralist tribes in the area: the Pian, a subgroup of the Karamoja, and the Upe, a Kalenjin-speaking people also known as the Pokots in Kenya and Uganda. Thus, Pian Upe translates to ‘friendly enemies.’

• Extending Your Visit

• Travelers can extend their visit to Pian Upe from Sipi Falls and continue their safari into the wilderness.

• Best Time to Visit Pian Upe

• Like many national parks and wildlife reserves in Africa, Pian Upe has optimal visiting times. The best periods for a wildlife safari in Pian Upe are as follows:

• January – March: This is the prime time to visit Pian Upe. The vegetation is dry, offering clear views, and animals congregate at water sources, making game viewing easier.

• April – October: This is the rainy season, which can result in muddy or impassable roads and game drive tracks. The tracks are not well-developed, so navigating them can be challenging during the wet season. The vegetation is lush, but visibility is poor.

• November – December: This is a dry season, but the vegetation remains lush, making it difficult to spot animals hidden in the grass and treetops.

• Discover Sipi recommends spending at least two days in Pian Upe Game Reserve to fully explore the area. Early morning game drives are preferable as afternoon rain showers are common.

Activities and Attractions in Pian Upe Game Reserve

• For travelers seeking solitude, Pian Upe Game Reserve is ideal. On a guided safari, you can expect to see jackals, hyenas, Rothschild’s giraffes, cheetahs, cape buffalo, roan antelope (the only conservation area in Uganda where this species is found), dik-diks, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, velvet and patas monkeys, olive baboons, and birds like the giant ostrich.

• Discover Sipi highlights the top activities in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. You can combine a safari to Pian Upe with a visit to Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda and Kidepo Valley National Park (6 hours away) in Northeastern Uganda. Contact us for these combination tours.

• Major Activities in Pian Upe:

• Guided Wildlife Safaris: Embark on guided game drives in the reserve’s plains, where you can spot the roan antelope, cheetahs, zebras, greater kudu, dik-dik, buffalo, black-backed and side-striped jackals, eland, and Jackson’s hartebeest. A 4x4 customized safari vehicle is essential as many tracks are unclear and not yet open, allowing you to create your own game drive paths.

• Bird Watching Safaris: Pian Upe is a birdwatcher’s paradise with around 242 confirmed and 11 unconfirmed bird species. It ranks second to Queen Elizabeth National Park in bird species density. The reserve is home to the land’s largest bird, the ostrich, found only here and in Kidepo Valley National Park.

• Mountain Climbing and Viewing Physical Features: Travelers can climb the less challenging hills in the area, such as Mt. Kadam.

• Guided Nature Walks: These walks offer a close-up experience of the wilderness in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Look out for antelopes, baboons, and numerous bird species. The walks are guided by a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• Cultural Community Visits: To learn about the local culture, go on a guided community visit. Discover traditional weddings, dances, and cattle raiding activities.

• Visit to Napendio Cave: This ancient cave holds significant cultural value. It was historically used for recreational art, with drawings of baboons and other animals still visible today.

• What to Pack for a Safari to Pian Upe:

• Light Clothing: Pian Upe is very hot, so pack light safari clothing like shorts and sleeveless tops, and cotton underwear.

• Insect Repellents: A good insect repellent is essential to keep bugs and insects at bay.

• Warm Clothes: Nights can get chilly, so bring warm clothing. There is usually a campfire at night.

• Wide-Rimmed Hat: Protect yourself from the scorching sun with a wide-rimmed hat.

• Hiking Shoes: These are useful for guided walks and hikes.

• Discover Sipi provides a pre-departure guide with all the details to help you prepare for your safari, including clothing recommendations.

• Accommodation in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve:

• Uganda Wildlife Bandas: There are two options: self-contained safari tents and self-contained cottages. Both are clean and affordable. Meals are basic, including rice, chicken, spaghetti, rolex, and chapatti. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and hire someone at the reserve to prepare your meals.

• Camping: For the adventurous traveler, camping is an option. Bring your own tents and camp at the reserve for about $5.

• Accommodation Near the Game Reserve:

• Sipi Falls: On your safari to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, you can stay around Sipi Falls. There are many lodges in the Sipi area, about 1-2 hours’ drive from the reserve.

• Mbale Town: You can also stay in Mbale town and leave early for Pian Upe, which is about 2 ½ hours away.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Parking fees

• Airfare and Gratuity