Pian Upe Wildlife reserve is a marvelous wilderness in the Karamoja region in eastern Uganda. It is an undiscovered gem located in Nakapiripirit district, at the start of the Karamoja plains right after leaving the Elgon Mountains and sprawling highlands of Kapchorwa.
Pian Upe is Uganda’s second largest protected area (after Murchison Falls National Park) measuring 2043 square kilometers of vast grasslands, woodlands, and forest. This beautiful wilderness spreads out from the base of Mt. Kadam and the foothills of Mt Elgon, giving breathtaking views from across the plains to mountain backdrops.
The hidden gem has plenty of wildlife including some of the rare animals and birds you will not easily see elsewhere.
For a long time Pian Upe was off the grid, with only the most daring adventurers overcome with curiosity going over there to discover what this hidden wilderness had to offer, or to look for certain wildlife that Pian Upe was known to give the best chance of spotting such as the Cheetah.
The bad reputation of the region being unsafe due to cattle rustlers and the poor roads were key legitimate reasons why it was a region to avoid. However, the region has been near pacified of the cattle rustlers bringing security to Karamoja, and the road is tarmac all the way to Kampala.
What makes Pian Upe stand out?
Cheetahs
Cheetahs, like the rest of the cat family i.e. lions, hyenas, and leopards are some of the prized game to -see on safari. However there are few left in the wild and are so not easy to find. The semi arid habitats of Karamoja region is the home of the cheetahs in Uganda.
Pian Upe so far provides the best chances of seeing cheetahs in Uganda. It is not guaranteed to see the cheetahs, but you stand fifty percent chances of seeing them, more so if you stay longer. The reserve overtook Kidepo Valley National Park as the more reliable place to find cheetahs.
Ostriches
Ostriches are some of the fascinating creatures to see on safari. Like the big cats,elephants, and other big game, Ostriches are icons of the African plains.
Unfortunately you cannot find them in many places. The semi arid plains of eastern Uganda is their natural habitat . The other place you will find good sightings of Ostriches is the Matheniko Bokora Wildlife reserve in Moroto
Roan Antelope
The roan antelop is one of the special sighting of Pian Upe wildlife reserve. The roan antelope can only spotted in Pian Upe.
This huge antelope should be one of the reasons to visit Pian Upe
Foxy’s Weaver
The Foxy’s Weaver is one of the only two endemic birds of Uganda. Pian Upe by far is the best place to tick off this lifer. The reserve provides guaranteed sightings as the bird can be seen in a number of spots. Scan the acacia right opposit the airstrip and you will surely spot a couple.
Karamoja Apalis
The Karamoja Apalis is the other of the only two endemic birds of Uganda. Pian Upe has been found to provide the best chances of spotting this very rare bird. It is not as abundant as the Foxy’s Weaver in the reserve and therefore you would need to plan to have more time birding here.
Napedet Cave
Napedet cave is a signficant landmark not only in Pian Upe but the whole of karamoja. It is a very important cultural site of the Karamajongs and the eastern region. It is at Napedet cave where the Karamojongs assembled and decided to split with the group that became the Atesots.
It is was also an assembly point of the tribe elders where they came to discuss important matters and execute certain decision. It is interesting listeningto the guide narrate all about the cultural importance of the cave that still hosts the karimojong for cultural rituals during certain times of the year.
The cave also gives shelter to a wildlife during harsh weather.
Black Mamba country
The black mamba is one of the most reputed snakes of the world, known for its incredible speed and highly toxic venom, making it one of the most dangerous snakes in the world. On the African continent it is the master! As reputed as it is, it keeps a near mythical profile as it is rarely seen in the wild (thanks to its speed). Karamoja region is black mamba country and Pian Upe is one of the places to go looking if you are a snake lover. You will almost not fail to see it. Check for it in the rocks and you will find it chilling from the hot sun. The rocks of Napedet cave is one of places you can get to see the black mamba
Mountains and the Landscape
The amazing landscape of plains and rocky outcrops of Pian Upe is spiced by amazing views of three mountains – Mt. Kadam, Mt Elgon foothills and in the distance Mt. Napak
Top things to do in Pian Upe Wildlife reserve
Game drives
A game drive is the best way to explore this vast wilderness. The game reserve has wide tracks and are easy to navigate even during the rains.
You can spot of plenty of big game. One funny thing though about the animals here is that since they have not been exposed to humans or visitors, they are quite shy and flee as far away as possible. So expect distant views of most animals.
The reserve receives very few visitors and so you will most likely be all by yourself.
Birding
Pian Upe is where your birding trail through eastern Uganda should start. So far the best place to tick off Uganda’s only two endemics, Foxy’s Weaver and Karamoja Apalis, Pian Upe should definitely be included on your birding holiday through Uganda.
Another special to look for is the Stone Patridge at one of the rocky outcrops.
Hiking
Hiking is done on Mt. Kadam (3063m) from which you access stunning views of Pian Upe and the surrounding regions.
As you hike you go through local communities and get to meet the tribes giving you a culture experience during the hike
Spot Hunting
Pian Upe is one of the places where spot hunting is done in Uganda. The largely flat terrain makes for good hunting grounds, while the shy animals provide a good challenge and hunting adventure in Pian Upe. Animals to hunt include among others Buffalo, Roan, Topi, Warthog, Leopard, Baboon, Eland, Reedback etc…
Karimojong community tour
Take a tour through the neighboring Karimojong community and learn so much about their unique cultures and traditions as well as history. The Karimojong have been known for their notorious cattle rustling culture which is central to their traditions and cultures.
Nature walk
Taking a nature walk is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful wilderness of Pian Upe. The wildlife will not be easily startled when approached on foot compared to when driving in the car. Along the trail or track you observe antelopes, giraffes, birds and vegetation.
Where to stay in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe has very limited accommodation options. You are either staying at the Uganda Wildlife Education (UWA) run budget facility which is self catering or at nicier KOS Hunters Camp which is next door.
UWA bandas and house
The UWA accommodation faciliy has a few thatched huts and a big roofed house with a number of self contained rooms. The UWA facility is self catering meaning you will need to carry own food and cooking equipment, and prepare your own meals.
You can also carry own tents and camp
KOS Hunters Camp
The camp run by a spot hunting company is right next to the UWA run facility. The camp has nice tented bandas, ensuite. You must however book early as they are limited in number and are the only decent accommodation at Pian Upe.
Stay at Sipi Falls and visit Pian Upe
The other alternative is to stay at Sipi Falls where there is a variety of accommodation, and drive to Pian Upe for a day safari.
It is only one hour’s drive from Sipi Falls to Pian Upe.
You can stay at Sipi River Lodge, Rafiki Safari Lodge, Lacam Lodge etc…
Getting to Pian Upe
By Road
You can get to Pian Upe by road, driving through Jinja, Mbale, Kapchorwa. It is a 7-hour journey from Kampala to Pian Upe
By Air
You can take a charter flight to Pian Upe as the game reserve has a an airstrip.
Book a safari trip to experience Pian Upe
