One of Uganda’s largest conservation areas, Pian Upe Game Reserve is ranked second in size to the larger Murchison Falls National Park. Pian Upe is mostly composed of shrubs and savanna vegetation. Given the fascinating biodiversity it possesses, it is the most well-known and often visited game reserve in Uganda.

The game reserve is located north of Mount Elgon National Park and occupies an area of nearly 2275 square kilometers. Furthermore, it spans eight districts: Bulamburi, Bukedea, Kumi, Kween, Napak, Katakwi, Moroto, and Amudat. It is situated in the Nakapiripiriti area in northern Uganda.

A brief History of Pian Upe game reserve.

The region surrounding Pian Upe was once a hotbed of conflict between the Pokot people of Kenya and the indigenous Karamojong pastoral communities, who lived in northeastern Uganda. The communities’ practice of cattle raiding was the main cause of their clashes. In 1958, the southern portion of the Pian Upe game reserve was designated as a Debasien animal sanctuary to safeguard the local wildlife species.  The animals were in danger of going extinct as a result of human activity, including poaching, hunting, and encroachment onto land for cow grazing.

Additionally, the government’s introduction of an agricultural project in the region endangered the lives of the local wild animals. As a result, conservationists took action, forcing the government to rename the area Pian Upe in 1964 and demarcate it as an animal sanctuary. In a bid to improve community development and tourism prospects, the government is currently looking into the prospect of converting the game reserve to a national park.

Distinctiveness of Pian Upe Game Reserve.

Being the only reserve in the nation where visitors can see ostriches and cheetahs, Pian Upe stands out from the other game results. Its enormous size, which distinguishes it and allows access to uncharted territory for an even more thrilling encounter, is another thing that makes it special. Among the elements that make the game reserve special is its breathtaking scenery, which should not be overlooked. Additionally is its lovely scenery that stems from Savannah grasslands, beard grass, and sporadic short trees.

Tourist Attractions in Pian Upe game reserve.

Many tourists visit the game reserve to explore it and get a firsthand look at the fascinating wildlife that call it home. Among the attractions in the reserve are;

The peculiar vegetation. Firstly, the greater part of the Pian Upe game reserve is composed of wooden Savannah plains. In addition, small trees, bushes, lemon grass, red acacia, bristle species, and beard grass predominate.

Reptiles. A variety of reptiles, for example geckos, agamas, venomous puff adders, rock pythons, chameleons, crocodiles, and Savannah monitors, may be found in the game reserve.

Other wildlife. Several animals that are uncommon in other reserves can be found in the reserve, for instance; spotted hyenas, aardvarks, olive baboons, common duikers, vervets, serval cats, leopards, lions, jackals, cheetahs, and zebras.

Activities done in Pian Upe game reserve.

Game drives. To enjoy gazing at the park’s animals, visitors to the game reserve can take game drives through its varied landscapes.

Community Tours. Typically, these go to Karamojong communities. They assist in providing entertainment for the guests and sharing their firsthand experiences of living near wildlife.

Bird Watching Safaris. Many bird species can be seen in the reserve, particularly in the areas allocated for bird viewing. Visitors can use binoculars to see both close and far-off birds.

Mountain hiking. Visitors to the reserve have the option of hiking up mountains. Additionally, this opens up stunning views of the reserve’s arid plains.

How to get there.

By Air, Pian Upe can be accessed through Amudat airport. From the Kajjansi airfield, passengers can board planes to Amudat, where they can continue their adventure within the reserve. Certainly, by car: it takes eight to nine hours to reach the reserve. That is via the Kampala, Mbale, and Soroti road from Kidepo National Park. It takes four to five hours from Mbale town.

When to visit. 

The dry seasons, which are characterized by less mud and less rainfall, are the best times to explore the Game Reserve. Therefore, the optimum times to visit the reserve are from January to March and from June to July. Travelers should be aware, though, that they can go on exploratory trips in the game reserve year-round.

You can contact us directly at; +256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918 or email us at  info@ibuthsafaris.com to speak with one of our knowledgeable tour consultants. Alternatively, you may use one of our inquiry platforms to arrange a trip to Pian Upe Game Reserve.