Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda covering about 2788 sq.km (231400 ha) located in the semi-arid Karamoja region north eastern Uganda. The terrain of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve is characterized by spectacular landscape comprising of open acacia and woodland savannah, riverine forests, salty springs, wetlands around Lake Opeta and isolated caves and volcanic rocks kopjes (inselbergs) rising above the plains from 1086m to the foothills of Mount Napak and Kadam (3068m) along the eastern boundary of the reserve near the border with Kenya.
The reserve’s habitat similar to ones in Ambosseli – Tsavo ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania supports rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Pian Upe is home to 44 mammal species of which 6 including cheetahs, roan antelopes, white-eared kob, Grant ’s gazelles, Bohor and mountain reedbucks are not found in other national parks in western Uganda; over 242 species of birds of which 9 are Somali-Masai biome endemic species including Somali-Breasted bunting, Bristle-crowned starling, three-streaked tchagra, Hemprich’s hornbill, pink-breasted lark, Acacia tit, Hunter’s sunbird, yellow-billed shrike, yellow-vented eromomela, buff-breasted bustard among others such as ostrich and shoebill stork. Pian Upe is an important natural and cultural site and was recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as category IV Species Management Area.
The reserve was first established in 1958 as Debasien Animal Sanctuary, a government led agricultural project, in an attempt to turn the southern part adjacent to Greek River into fruit farmland. In favor of conservation, the proposal was rejected by the Uganda Game Department. In 1964 the reserve was expanded northwards and renamed Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in honor of the rural communities living around the reserve who are majorly semi-nomadic pastoralists and Nilotic ethnic tribes including the Karamojong in Uganda and the Kelenjin from Pokot north-west of Kenya. “Pian meaning good hearted people” is a clan among the Karamojong while ‘Upe’ meaning enemy are Kelenjin speaking people.
Most of the reserve is covered by undisturbed grassland and wooded grassland. Small areas of riverine woodland, kopjes also exist. Some land is cultivated, and especially the area near the Greek River is threatened by conversion.
Dominant tree species are red acacia and desert date. Also present are bushwillows, Harrisonia abyssinica and red spike-thorns. Shrubs include butterfly pea and wooly caper bush. Cultivated areas have many live fences of yellow oleander.
Common grasses in the grassland are thatching grass and bristle species. Less common are beard grasses and lemon grasses. Along the rivers Vlei bristle grass and red nut sedge dominate. The lower vegetation layer burns every year.
The most commonly sighted mammal in the reserve is the oribi. Others known to inhabit the area (as of 1996) include.
Carnivores
Jackals
Civets
Spotted hyenas
Servals
Leopards
Cheetah
Wildcats
Primates
Vervet monkeys
Patas monkeys
Olive baboons
Ungulates
Topi
Cape buffalo
Common eland
Roan antelope
Blue and common duiker
Günther’s dik-dik
Klipspringer
Waterbuck
Ugandan kob
Bohor and mountain reebuck
Giraffe
Impala
Rock hyrax
Aardvark
Crested porcupine
Hare
Four-toed hedgehog
Reptiles
Pian Upe is home to enormous rock pythons and smaller but venomous puff adders. Harmless water snakes are also found there. The largest lizards in Pian Upe are the Savannah monitors. Others in the reserve include the common agama as well as skinks, chameleons and geckos.
Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the reserve was opened for tourism with development of accommodation facilities including self and non-contained Bandas at Moruajore the park headquarters, creation of Loporokocho game viewing and nature walk trails and hiking Mount Kadam. Muruajole hill, also, is home to striped hyenas and an important cultural site used by the Karamojong warriors as a meeting point for planning cattle raids against the Pokot.
UWA has an ongoing plan of turning the reserve into a fully developed national park by including the Ramsar sites of Lake Opeta and Bisina wetland system famous for harboring Fox’s weaver, the only endemic bird in Uganda. In 2019, 15 Rothschild’s giraffes and several impalas were reintroduced into the reserve and have since been increasing in number.
Attractions in Pian Upe Game Reserve
Wildlife
Rwanda safaris
The flat terrain (1100m) characterized by open grassland plains dotted with volcanic kopjes makes it easy to spot endangered wildlife species including cheetah, roan antelope, Grant’s gazelles, Bohor and mountain reedbuck, white-eared kob, ostrich, Gunther’s dik-dik which are not found in other protected areas of Uganda. Visitors expect an off-beaten path game experience with a chance to spot among the 44 mammal species found in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve the big cats such as the cheetahs, leopards and lions; plains zebras, giraffes, buffalo, eland, impala, ostrich, hartebeest, oribi, klipspringer, waterbucks, Uganda kob, topi, blue and common duiker etc.; small cats, also, found in the reserve include side striped jackals, spotted hyenas, civets, serval and wild cats and primate species including patas monkeys, olive baboons and velvet monkeys. Game drives in Pian Upe reserve take place along the Loporokocho trucks with abundance of grass that attract large mammals and angulates.
There are several hills and rocks in the reserve offering a chance to enjoy scenery and spot birds and reptiles such as Lomu (twin hills), Moru a bird habitat, Moruangibuin (hill for hyenas) and Kelekede rock which looks like it is nodding as one walks towards it. The see-through rock caves including Napeded and Namorotot caves offer a chance to spot the reptile species such as African rock python, puff adders and savannah lizards.
Bird species in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe is a must visit bird watchers paradise, with 242 species of birds of which 9 are Masai-Somali biome species including Somali-breasted bunting, Bristle-crowned starling, three-streaked tchagra, Hemprich’s hornbill, pink-breasted lark, Acacia tit, Hunter’s sunbird, yellow-billed shrike, yellow-vented eromomela, buff-breasted bustard among others such as common ostrich, 4-banded Sandgrouse, spot-flanked barbet, Greyish eagle owl, Burce’s Green pigeons, red-cheeked cordon-blue, stone partridge, Marico sunbird, African grey hornbill, silver bird, African paradise flycatcher, white-faced whistling ducks etc. Birding in Pian Upe offers a chance to visit the nearby Lake Bisina-Opeta wetlands famous for the Fox’s weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird.
How to get to Pian Upe wildlife reserve
Pian Upe wildlife reserve is 398 km (7-hour drive) north east of Kampala via Mbale-Soroti road. The major towns along the way include Jinja, Mbale city, and Soroti. Stopovers for refreshments and photoshoots include Jinja Nile river bridge, Namawojjoro trading center in Mabira forest and Mbale city.
Visitors may choose to drive through Mbale by turning left at Terinyi or continue direct to Soroti town which is 110 km (2-hours’ drive) to the park. Pian Upe is
212 km (3-hour drive) north of Mbale city. The protected area can also be reached by air through the Pian Upe airstrip.
Those intending to explore the best of north eastern Uganda
destinations can visit Pian Upe wildlife reserve along with Kidepo valley and Mount Elgon
national parks, Sipi falls in Kapchorwa, and hiking in Mount Moroto, Mount Kadam, and Mount
Morungole. Pian Upe is 251 km (5-hour drive) south of Kidepo valley national park via Moroto town.
3 Day itinerary tour from Kampala to Piane Upe wildlife reserve
Day 1: Kampala to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Departure: Start early from Kampala around 6:00 AM for the long drive to Pian Upe. The distance is approximately 400 km and takes around 7 to 8 hours, depending on the road conditions.
Arrival: Expected to arrive in the early afternoon around 2:00 PM. Check into the accommodation near the reserve. Options include lodges or campsites, depending on the preferences.
Relax & Settle In: After a long drive, take some time to relax, refresh, and have lunch.
Evening Game Drive: Depending on the arrival time, one can opt for an evening game drive in the reserve. Pian Upe is home to a variety of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and lions. Evening drives provide a chance to see animals as they are more active.
Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Ugandan meal at the lodge or campsite.
Day 2: Full Day in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Early Morning Game Drive: Head out early around 6:00 AM for a morning game drive. This is when wildlife is most active, and you can spot more animals like elephants, hartebeests, and several bird species.
Midday: Visit to the Salt Licks or Watering
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the park or back at the accommodation.
Afternoon: Explore the Reserve, visit other areas of the reserve to spot more wildlife or take a nature walk with a guide. The reserve is also known for its diverse birdlife, so birdwatchers will enjoy it.
Evening: Sunset views, Pian Upe offers beautiful sunset views, so consider finding a spot with a panoramic view to watch the sun set over the reserve.
Dinner & Relaxation: After an eventful day, have a leisurely dinner and relax under the stars.
Day 3: Departure from Pian Upe to Kampala
Morning: Optional morning activity.
Late Morning: Pack up & check-out after the morning activities, pack up and check out of the accommodation.
Afternoon: Drive Back to Kampala: Begin your drive back to Kampala, which will take about 7 to 8 hours.
Stopover: Along the way for lunch or at any interesting spots you may have missed on the way to Pian Upe.
Evening: Arrival in Kampala: Depending on your departure time, you should arrive back in Kampala by evening (around 6:00 PM).
Accommodation Suggestions Near Pian Upe:
There are basic camping sites within the reserve for those who prefer to be closer to nature.
Kidepo Savannah Lodge: Located about an hour from Pian Upe, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with a chance to explore nearby areas.
Mountain of the Moon Hotel in Mbale: If you’re making a stop in Mbale for a night before heading to Pian Upe, this is a good option for a more relaxed stay.
Things to Pack:
4×4 Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is capable of handling rough roads.
Comfortable Clothing: Light and breathable clothing for the daytime, and warm layers for early mornings and evenings.
Binoculars & Camera: For wildlife viewing and photography.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: To protect against the sun and insects.
Water & Snacks: Keep plenty of water and snacks in the car, especially for the long drive.
Write Your Review