Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, located in north-eastern Uganda, is one of the largest and least explored wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It covers an area of around 2,788 square kilometers and lies within the Karamoja region, bordering Kidepo Valley National Park to the north.
Despite being lesser-known in comparison to other parks like Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth, Pian Upe is gaining popularity for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unspoilt wilderness.
With its vast savannah plains, scenic hills, and rocky outcrops, Pian Upe is home to a variety of animals including zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide range of antelope species. The reserve is also an important spot for birding and has several species that are unique to the semi-arid Karamoja region.
For those looking to explore beyond the beaten path, Pian Upe gives you and intimate adventure to a beautiful world known by few.
Things to Do in Pian Upe
Pian Upe offers a variety of activities that appeal to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in experiencing Uganda’s wild beauty:
Wildlife Viewing Game Drives
Pian Upe is best explored by vehicle, and game drives are one of the top activities here. During these safari game drives, visitors can see zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, several antelope species, and sometimes the rare cheetahs that roam the reserve.
Early morning and late afternoon to evening are the ideal times of the day to see animals as they tend to be more active at such times.
Bird Watching
Birders will be delighted by the diverse birdlife in Pian Upe. The reserve is home to rare bird species such as the ostrich, secretary bird, and the Karamoja apalis, which is endemic to this region.
Whether you are an avid birder, or a more casual one, you should be on the look out for some special birds when visiting Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
Related article: Top places to visit for birding in Uganda
Guided Nature Walks
For a more intimate exploration of the reserve, consider taking on a guided nature walk. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll walk through the savannah and get up close to the flora and fauna.
This is a great way to observe smaller creatures like reptiles, as well as to learn about the local vegetation.
For photographers, this might be the perfect way to fully immerse yourself and capture the nature around you.
Cultural Experiences
The region surrounding Pian Upe is home to the Karamojong people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist community with a rich cultural heritage.
Visits to to Karamojong villages are a good way of learning about the traditions of the people through stories, myths, food, music and dance. While Pian Upe is primarily visited for the wild nature, understanding the people near this wildlife reserve will elevate your appreciation of the place.
Hiking & Rock Climbing
Pian Upe has many hills and rocky outcrops that dot the otherwise flat savannah. These are great for hiking and some rock climbing.
Unlike other parks which get more visitors - making their activities more structures, Pian Upe offer a deeper sense of adventure and discovery.
Seasons & Best Time to Visit
Pian Upe has a semi-arid climate with two dry and wet seasons in a year. Here are the weather patterns to help you understand the ideal time you should visit, depending on your own preferences.
Dry Season (December to February, June to August)
The dry season is the best time for most people to visit Pian Upe. During this time, the savannah is more accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot as many animals gather around the remaining water sources.
The temperatures are warm, averaging around 25°C to 30°C during the day, with cooler nights. Game drives and bird watching are particularly rewarding during this time.
Wet Season (March to May, September to November)
The wet season brings more greenery to the landscape, transforming the savannah into a lush environment.
While rain showers can make some roads difficult to navigate, this is a great time for bird watching as many species breed and are more visible.
Some visitors prefer the wet season for its vibrant scenery, but wildlife viewing is a bit more challenging as the animals spread out and the lush vegetation hides them really well.
Related article: Best time to visit Uganda for a safari
Getting to Pian Upe
Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve involves a bit of an adventure, but the journey is worth it. Here’s how you can reach the reserve.
By Road
Pian Upe is located about 360 km from Kampala - Uganda’s capital city, and the journey by road can take around 7 hours. The route takes you through Mbale town, just outside of Mount Elgon National Park.
From Mbale, it’s another 2-3 hours to reach the reserve. Having a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially if you are visiting during the wet season when roads/tracks in the park will be muddy and challenging.
By Air
For those who prefer to cut down on travel time, you can opt for a domestic flight from Entebbe to Soroti or Kidepo airstrip. From either of these locations, it’s a few hours’ drive to Pian Upe.
There are no direct flights to Pian Upe itself, but chartered flights to Kidepo and other airstrips are available.
While these domestic flights are more expensive than going by road, they cut down the required time to around 4 hours.
Connections from Other Attractions
Pian Upe is well-positioned to be included in an extended itinerary with other nearby attractions.
If you’re coming from Kidepo Valley National Park, the drive takes about 4 hours. From Sipi Falls, another popular attraction in the region, it’s roughly a 3-hour drive to Pian Upe.
Combining these destinations allows for a rich, varied travel experience in north-eastern Uganda.
A common and efficient way of combining these destinations is Starting from Kampala, going to Jinja, the Sipi, the Pian Upe and the Kidepo for a full experience of Uganda's Eastern wing.
Where to Stay
As one of the less-explore wildlife areas in Uganda, Pian Upe is still developing its infrastructure to the level of other Ugandan parks. However, there are great nearby alternatives to alleviate this challenge.
- Mid-Range Lodges For those seeking more budget-friendly options, there are mid-range lodges and camps in the Mbale and Nakapiripirit areas. These offer basic but comfortable facilities, often with stunning views of the surrounding hills and plains.
- Camping If you’re up for an adventure, camping is an option within the reserve itself. There are basic camping facilities available for those who want a truly immersive wilderness experience. Bringing your own camping gear and supplies is recommended, as services are limited.
Nearby Attractions
For travellers looking to combine their visit to Pian Upe with other destinations, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
Sipi Falls (120 km, about 3-hour drive)
Located near the town of Kapchorwa, Sipi Falls is a beautiful series of three waterfalls along the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Sipi is a popular destination for hiking, and coffee tours. The falls are a perfect addition to your trip after a few days of wildlife viewing in Pian Upe.
Kidepo Valley National Park (250 km, about 4 hours)
If you’re already exploring Uganda’s north-eastern region, Kidepo Valley National Park is a must-see.
Known for its dramatic landscapes and large herds of wildlife, Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most remote and unspoiled parks. It offers a more established infrastructure for tourists, including high-end lodges and well-marked trails.
Mount Elgon National Park (160 km, about 4 hours)
Another nearby gem is Mount Elgon National Park, home to Uganda’s second-highest mountain.
The park offers opportunities for mountain climbing, hiking , wildlife viewing, and exploring ancient caves. The cool climate and stunning views from the mountain make it on of Uganda's top hiking spots.
Closing Thoughts
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is a hidden treasure for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience in Uganda.
With diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and unexplored purity, it offers a unique alternative to the more popular national parks.
Whether you're spotting zebras on a game drive, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Karamojong, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the vast savannah, Pian Upe is something special.
And while the infrastructure is still developing, the reserve’s raw, untouched beauty makes it a worthwhile destination for the adventurous souls.
Combined with nearby attractions like Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Mount Elgon, Pian Upe can easily fit into a broader Ugandan itinerary, offering even more opportunities for exploration. Whether you're visiting during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing or in the wet season for lush scenery and solitude, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve will leave you with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s wild, untamed side.
For those who know the magic of paths less trodden, Pian Upe should be on your bucket list for Uganda - especially as a perfect combination with Mount Elgon and Kidepo.