SAFARI IN UGANDA

What makes Pian Upe Safari Uganda special?

Animals you won’t easily spot elsewhere. Zebras, buffalo, giraffes, greater kudus, topis, and rare antelopes like roan and Jackson’s hartebeest roam freely. Predators like cheetahs and hyenas lurk in the grasslands, while unique birds and primates olive baboons, patas monkeys, and vervet monkeys, add to the diversity.

For wildlife photography, it’s a dream.

The reserve is an easy trip from Sipi. We can arrange an early morning departure from your lodge, with a return after your safari.

Not a morning person? Opt for an afternoon drive instead, or even spend the night—Pian Upe has affordable lodging.

Its remote location means zero light pollution, perfect for night sky photography. Stay overnight, and you can head out at dawn for a game drive, where cheetahs on the hunt might just steal the show before you return to Sipi.

Activities In Pian Upe Safari Uganda

If you’re travelling through Uganda, make sure to include Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve in your Uganda itinerary. It’s perfect for a short visit of one to two days stopover when travelling between areas like Jinja, Sipi Falls, or Mount Elgon and destinations like Moroto or Kidepo Valley.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second biggest conservation area in Uganda. It’s framed by stunning mountain scenery and waterways that create an exceptional birdwatching destination. What sets it apart are its unique residents, wildlife like the rare Roan Antelope and fascinating ancient rock art sites that add historical intrigue to your safari experience.

Pian Upe Safari Game Drive

Game drives are the star attraction in Pian Upe, best enjoyed in the morning when wildlife is mostly active or during golden afternoon hours. You’ll explore the park in 2-3 hours, following animal trails to spot Uganda kobs, giraffes, roan antelopes, zebras, and various antelope species. With some luck, you might also see predators like cheetahs, plus numerous bird species going about their daily routines.

Cultural Tours

Step into the world of the Karamajong and Kalenjin [ Sebei ] communities during your tour of the Pian Upe safari in Uganda. You’ll have a chance to visit traditional homesteads and learn ancestral cooking methods. Karamongo people and their energetic dance performances tell stories of their rich heritage through amazing dances and music.

Birdwatching

Pian Upe is a feathered paradise. During your game drive, you can see some incredible species of birds such as ostriches across plains, colourful Jackson’s hornbills, and the elegant secretary bird. The story doesn’t end there. Look for specials like the white-headed buffalo weaver, great Hartlaub’s bustard, and the vibrant yellow-billed shrike. The rare Karamoja apalis and stunning superb starling add to this beautiful wonderland.

Cave Explorations

The area’s ancient caves reveal fascinating rock art, like Napedet Cave, where hunters once gathered to roast meat, or Napedio Cave with its sacred animal paintings that local communities still revere today. These archaeological treasures provide a true connection to the region’s rich heritage.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PIAN UPE BEFORE YOU GO

PIAN UPE SAFARI UGANDA, a destination where beauty and serenity meet

Where is Pian Upe located?

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is Uganda’s second-largest protected area. Located in the northeastern Karamoja region, north of Mount Elgon, this breathtaking reserve covers an area of 2,788 square kilometres,
The reserve features savannah grasslands, woodlands, scattered shrubs, and lemon grasses, creating the perfect habitat for wildlife. During the game drive, you’ll have the chance to spot endemic wildlife species like the rare Roan Antelope, mountain reedbuck, oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, giraffes, Uganda kobs, zebras, and cheetahs roaming freely. At the same time, primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and patas monkeys add life to the treetops.

What is the meaning of Pian Upe?

The name Pian Upe comes from the local communities surrounding the game reserve. Pian refers to a clan of the Karamojong people in northeastern Uganda, known as the calm-hearted ones.

At the same time, Upe traces back to the Kalenjin-speaking pastoralists linked to Kenya’s Pokot tribe. Who now settled near the game reserve in the Amudat district. Their name, which means friendly enemies, looks at their complex history.
These semi-nomadic herders live traditionally, their lives revolving around cattle, near the Pian Upe game reserve.

What is the best time to visit Pian Upe, Uganda

Like all African wilderness areas, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has its ideal visiting window. For the ultimate game-viewing experience, plan your Pian Upe safari in Uganda between January and March.

During these dry months, the vegetation thins out, visibility improves dramatically, and wildlife clusters around water sources like the Girik River in the reserve’s southern part.

While November and December are technically dry months, the landscape stays surprisingly lush, making wildlife spotting trickier as animals hide in tall grasses and treetops, which is also an experience for the books.

We recommend avoiding April-October altogether heavy rains turn Pian Upe’s rough tracks into mud. Flooding makes roads impassable, and thick vegetation obstructs both views and animals.

A word to the wise: always explore Pian Upe in a sturdy 4WD (we recommend Land Cruisers) as weather can change quickly in this semi-arid region.

Where to stay | Accommodations in Pian Upe, Uganda

Pian Upe is still developing, means lodging options inside the reserve are limited.
However, here’s what’s available:

Uganda Wildlife Bandas – The most common choice, located at the park headquarters. These simple but functional bandas provide basic shelter for visitors.

Camping – You can pitch your tent near the park headquarters or rent one from the reserve. A great option for budget travellers and adventure seekers.

Karamoja Overland Camp – The only mid-range option in the area, offering self-contained safari tents with en-suite bathrooms (including showers) and electricity. A comfortable choice for those who prefer a bit more convenience.

Since accommodations are scarce, many visitors stay in nearby towns like Sipi or Mbale, which offer more lodging choices before heading into the reserve.

What to Bring for the Pian Up Safari Uganda

To make the most of your adventure, pack these essentials

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable layers (temperatures vary), a warm jacket for chilly nights, a waterproof rain jacket, and sturdy hiking boots.

Gear: A high-quality sleeping bag (if camping), binoculars for wildlife viewing, a headlamp/flashlight, and a power bank for charging devices.

Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent.

Extras: Plenty of drinking water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes!

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