Things to do in Pian Upe wildlife reserve

Things to do in Pian Upe wildlife reserve: Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest conservation areas situated in the northeastern portion of Uganda, namely in Karamoja. The wildlife reserve encompasses an area of 2,788 square kilometers and serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, including waterbucks, Uganda kobs, mountain reedbucks, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elands, impalas, topi, zebras, roan antelopes, oribi, and a diverse array of bird species. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve provides intriguing activities for guests to partake in throughout their Uganda safari, including

Top things to do in pian upe wildlife reserve

Game  Drive

A game drive is a primary activity in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, allowing exploration of the expansive savannah plains in a comfortable pop-up safari vehicle accompanied by a trained driver-guide. Game drives in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve can be conducted either at dawn or in the afternoon along various game tracks, where one may observe animals such as zebras, buffaloes, elands, greater kudus, cheetahs, roan antelopes, Uganda kobs, giraffes, dik-diks, jackals, elephants, lions, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeests, and mountain reedbucks, among others.

Mountain climbing

The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve consists of three mountains: Mount Kadam, Mount Napak, and Mount Elgon. While ascending in the Pian Upe wildlife reserve, one can also scale the Napedet cave, an ancient recreational site where the region’s earliest residents congregated to engage in painting prior to its designation as a wildlife reserve. Travelers ascending Napedete cave will have the opportunity to view ancient depictions of roan antelopes, hartebeests, giraffes, baboons, among others.

Bird Watching

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve hosts approximately 242 documented bird species, encompassing savannah, migratory, and forest birds, rendering it the second premier birding destination in Uganda, following Queen Elizabeth National Park. While observing birds in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable bird guide who will assist you in identifying various species, including the ostrich, Abyssinian ground hornbill, superb starling, Karamoja Apalis, Great Hartlaub’s Bustard, Secretary Bird, Jackson’s Hornbill, Green Bitta, Dusky Turtle Dove, Black-throated Wattle Eye, Shoebill Stork, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, African Hill Babbler, Yellow-billed Shrike, and Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, among others.

Nature Walks

A nature walk is an engaging activity at Pian Upe Wildlife area, allowing visitors to explore the area on foot accompanied by an experienced park guide and an armed ranger for safety. During the guided nature walk, participants will encounter various animals, listen to the melodious calls of bird species, appreciate the picturesque surroundings, enjoy the refreshing wind, and capture clear photographs, among other activities.

Cultural tour

The cultural tour in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve offers travelers the opportunity to engage with the Karamajong and Kalenjin communities residing in the vicinity. On the cultural tour, you will acquire knowledge about the local populace’s culture, lifestyle, traditions, attire, visit their traditional Manyatas, explore craft centers selling art and craft items, and experience their traditional entertainment through music, dance, and drama, among other activities.

Best time to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is accessible year-round; however, the optimal visiting period is during the dry season, specifically in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During this time, minimal rainfall results in shorter vegetation, facilitating clearer animal visibility. In the dry season, game drive routes will be accessible, and animals congregate near water sources, providing an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife species.

Directions to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is situated in the northeastern region of Uganda and is accessible by road, requiring approximately 8 to 9 hours of travel from Kampala, around 6 hours from Kidepo Valley National Park, 2 to 3 hours from Mbale, and 1 to 2 hours from Sipi Falls to the park headquarters.

Accommodation options in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Limited accommodation options exist in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas, for your safari stay. Travelers may also reside in lodgings near the game reserve, such as hotels in Mbale town and lodges adjacent to Sipi Falls.