Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets! This beautiful, raw, and less visited game reserve is the second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park. It covers an area of about 2,788 sqkm to the north of Mountain Elgon and is managed by the Mountain Elgon Conservation Department. | Prices | Location | Things to do | Lodges
It is located in Nakapiripiti, in the north-eastern part of Uganda and can easily be accessed by road from Kampala in about 8 hours. It takes about 2 hours from Mbale while 6 hours are from Pian Upe to Kidepo Valley National Park.
The beauty of this Game Reserve are the stunning landscape sceneries with surrounding mountains and most of the time you will have the whole Game Reserve to yourself. It is here that you’re most likely to understand why Uganda was nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Africa’ by Sir Winston Churchill.
So, as you plan to visit Pian Upe Game Reserve, consider preparing yourself for the following activities:-
Bird-watching safaris in Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Pian Upe is a birder’s paradise because there are a massive number of bird species, with about 242 confirmed, and 11 unconfirmed. This makes the reserve second to Queen Elizabeth National Park in terms of the density of bird species. While here, you are likely to see the land’s largest bird – the Ostrich, which is only found here and in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Mountain climbing and viewing physical features in Pian Upe.
A traveler can go mountain climbing to the less challenging hills of the area like Mt. Kadam, but you can also go on one of our mountaineering adventures safaris to Rwenzori Mountains, up to Margherita Peak. This is the only place with snow in Uganda.
Guided nature walks in Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Guided nature walks are a great way to get up close and personal with the wilderness at Pian Upe Game Reserve. For sightseeing, look out for zebras, antelopes, baboons, and the many birds in the reserve. The walks are guided by a ranger from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Cultural community visits.
To learn about the culture and ways of the people living around Pian Upe, go for a guided community visit. You will learn about traditional weddings and marriages, traditional dances that you can take part in, and their raiding activities for cattle.
Visit Napendio cave.
This is an old cave that is close to the hearts of people around the area. During ancient days, the cave was used as a recreational place, especially for art. Drawings of baboons and other animals by the first people who stayed here are still visible to date, among other activities.
A traveler can extend a visit to Pian Upe to Sipi Falls and continue on a safari to the wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. We can organize a tailor-made Uganda and Rwanda safari for you to include this less-visited wildlife reserve.
