Pian Upe Game Reserve

Pian Upe Game Reserve is a highly desired tourist destination located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda. This expansive reserve covers an area of approximately 2,788 square kilometers, making it the second-largest protected area in the country.

Pian Upe is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Location:Pian Upe Game Reserve is situated in the eastern part of Uganda, 1.8385° N, 34.2422° E bordering Kenya to the east. It is located within the districts of Nakapiripirit and Amudat, approximately 9 hr 47 min (609.0 km) from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. via Kampala - Gulu Highway And 7 hr 54 min (446.2 km) via the eastern circuit.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach Pian Upe Game Reserve. The most common route is by road from Kampala. Visitors can take a private vehicle or hire a tour operator to drive them to the reserve. The journey takes around 7-9 hours and offers picturesque views of the Ugandan countryside. There are basically no available decent public means.

Alternatively, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Moroto Airstrip and Pian Upe airstrip which is the closest airstrip located in Pian Upe. in the event of landing in Moroto, visitors can arrange ground transportation to reach the reserve.

Accommodation in Pian Upe Game Reserve

Pian Upe Game Reserve provides three accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. These include tented camp, and camping site within or near the reserve and visitors center.

1. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Campsite: Located within the reserve, this campsite offers basic facilities for camping enthusiasts who prefer a closer connection with nature.

2. Visitors center: Located just next to Pian Upe visitors information center and booking office, this facility is an inhouse version with self contained rooms, you don't need hot water since weather is generally hot, food is very scarce you need to take snacks with you or if you are spending more days, take with you cooking equipment and food, optionally reserve personnel can help you get food, but all in all the accommodation provide comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

3. Karimojong overland camp: located just below the visitor information center, is predominantly for hunters, you must be possessing a hunting permit from uganda wildlife authority to be allowed in here, its relatively an upmarket campsite, with basic facilities but frequented by hunters from all over the world, send in your reservation ahead of time if you prefer to stay here or practicing hunting.

Activities that can be done in Pian Upe Game Reserve

Pian Upe Game Reserve offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Some of the notable activities include:

1. Game Drives: Embark on thrilling game drives through the reserve to spot a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and numerous antelope species.

2. Bird Watching: Pian Upe is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area. Visitors can enjoy bird watching tours and spot unique species such as the Karamoja apalis, Jackson's hornbill, and the ostrich, other notable avifaunal species of Pian Upe Uganda include cranes, herons, cormorants, African eagles, egrets, horn bills, darters, weavers, Abyssinian ground hornbill, superb starling and secretary bird which is also endemic to the region in Uganda.

3. Nature Walks: Explore the diverse landscapes of Pian Upe on foot with guided nature walks. Discover hidden waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and learn about the local flora and fauna from experienced guides, walking in pian is more rewarding since there is chance to spot wildlife at close range,

4. Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Karamojong people who inhabit the region surrounding Pian Upe. Engage in traditional dances, visit local communities, and learn about their way of life.

The principal ethnic groups of Karamoja as identified within the “Karamojong Cluster,” include the Dodoth in Kabong, the Jie in the center around Mt Moroto, and the Karimojong towards the south of northeast.

The Karimojong further divide themselves into three major regional and ethnic subgroups, ie; the Matheniko, Bokora, and Pian. from these we get the three major game reserves in the region, that is Bokora, Matheniko and Pianupe game reserves, all these are rich birding havens, they are isolated wildernesses and will offer you a feeling on ‘in the middle of nowhere’.

The Karamojong warriors are stubborn and very violent people, this group of people still living and practicing traditional lifestyles, such as nomadis, cattle rustling, nakedness, traditional households, resentment to western education and the simplest materialistic life.

5. Photography Safaris: Capture breathtaking moments and stunning widest landscapes as you traverse through Pian Upe Game Reserve. The reserve's scenic beauty provides ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts, the only place in Uganda where you can spot cheater, white eared kob, the Karamoja apalis, the greater kudu and the roan antelope.

Other wildlife available to your lens include leopard, ostrich, large herds of errands, zebras, giraffes and heartbeats and Topis, these against the vast open savannah and unique lighting will surely offer you a chance to shoot award winning shots.

What Sets Pian Upe apart

Pian Upe Game Reserve stands out as a desired tourist destination due to several factors:

1. Untouched Wilderness: Pian Upe remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, allowing visitors to experience pristine wilderness and authentic encounters with wildlife.

2. Biodiversity: The reserve boasts an impressive array of wildlife species, including some rare and endangered ones. Its diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

3. Cultural Immersion: Pian Upe offers visitors the chance to engage with the local Karamojong community and learn about their traditional way of life. This cultural immersion adds a unique dimension to the overall experience.