Pian Upe Game Reserve is located in far northern Uganda. Karamoja is the second-largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda. Although Pian Upe is beautiful, raw, pristine, and less visited, Pian Upe covers an area of about 2,788 sq. km. click here to view our mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

Pian Upe game reserve got its name from a local Karamojong word that means "friendly enemy." Pian Upe Game Reserve has hot springs and mercury walls like Mount Kadam, which make it an incredible destination for tourism activities. click here to see our most recommended mountain gorilla trekking safari

Pian Upe wildlife reserve is within the Mount Elgon Conservation Area (MECA). This area is semi-arid, with heavy rainfall in April and lighter rainfall from June to early September each year. Most parts of the Pian Upe are occupied by short grassland.

Pian Upe is home to several species of wildlife, such as lions, giraffes, the Harte beast, buffaloes, greater Kudu, topis, antelopes, Oribi, and Rothschild’s giraffe. Bird species here include Jackson’s Hornbill, white-headed buffalo –waver, Ostrich, Hartlaub’s Bustard, and primate species like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, with all mentioned above makes Pian Upe a great destination for a Uganda Safari

Game Viewing

Game and wildlife viewing is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why most travelers visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in Uganda. Pain Upe Game Reserve is Uganda’s other vast savanna reserve, which is best explored on either a morning or an evening game drive using a 4×4 safari vehicle with an open roof for travelers to discover an excellent view of wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, lions, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, impalas, and duikers.

Birding

When it comes to the best birding safari destinations in Uganda, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is always considered. Pain Upe Game Reserve is an expansive protected area, accommodating over 242 bird species. Pian Upe Reserve is a true birder’s haven, protecting interesting bird species including the Karamoja Apalis, ostriches, secretary birds, superb starlings, Jackson’s hornbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, fox weavers, Great Hartlaub’s bustard, among others.

Sight Seeing

Pian Upe hiking adventures offer amazing sightseeing encounters, especially at Napedet Cave. The cave is a famous ancient recreational site that used to be occupied by the first occupants of this area. While on guided walks at Napedet Cave, travelers can spot the incredible paintings of baboons, roan antelopes, giraffes, and hartebeests.

Mountain Hiking

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is surrounded by beautiful hills and small mountains that are worth hiking while in Pain Upe. Travelers can embark on less challenging hiking encounters on Mount Napak, standing at 2538m above sea level, Mt. Kadam (3063 m), or go on Mount Moroto hiking adventures to challenge themselves at an elevation of 3083m above sea level.

Cultural/community walks/tours

Pian Upe Wildlife Tours also gives a traveler a great opportunity to learn in-depth about the Karamojong cultures, customs, traditions, and other practices. The community tour in the Karamojong community keeps travelers entertained by the residents, and you are allowed to interact with them, which is amazingly rewarding.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is like other tourist destinations in Uganda, where the best time is for visitors to participate in their Uganda safaris. Pian Upe wildlife tours are well done during the dry months of June, July, August, and September yearly, and December, January, and February are also characterized by clear excellent views due to less dense vegetation. November offers lush vegetation due to heavy rainfalls, as well as from March to April, but is the best for bird watching.