Photo Credit: Ugandan Tourist
Pian Upe game reserve is the crown of Uganda’s undoctored wildlife and sceneries in the environs of Kidepo valley national park. Seated on the land expanse of 2,788 square kilometers; makes Pian Upe the second biggest wildlife reserve in Uganda after Murchison Falls national park.
The reserve is coupled with a number of exploration expeditions making it a direct counter part of Kidepo valley national park. Besides the misconception of cheetahs being found only in Kidepo valley national park, Pian Upe game reserve is the second place in Uganda where Cheetahs can be spotted in the wild.
Whenever we speak of game drives in Africa, people often think of the poor roads in the parks. However to their surprise, when they visit parks such as Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth national park and many other parks in Uganda, they find the roads in proper conditions even though they have no tarmac.
- Game Drive
Unlike all the other parks and reserves, some places in Pian Upe are not accessible, however, with a good 4×4 vehicle, you can make the new trails by yourself through the different parts of the reserve.
January, February, and March; are the best months to visit Pian Upe game reserve. This is because, during these months, Uganda is relatively dry unlike for the rest of the year. This gives you a good opportunity to make new trails with your 4×4 (driving off the main roads) something you cannot do in the rainy seasons as well as in the seasons when the grass is over grown.
Pian Upe game reserve is mainly known for the Roan antelopes, it is the only place in Uganda where the roan antelopes can be found, besides the cheetahs, other wild animal species that can be spotted in Pian Upe game reserve on a game drive include: Elands, Buffaloes, dik-dik, Jackals, greater Kudu, Jackson hartebeest, zebras among other several wildlife species. Check the 14 days Uganda safari to visit Pian Upe Reserve.
- Guided Nature Walks
It is no longer a secret that Pian Upe is the crown of the non-doctored eco-environment in Uganda. Its semi-arid vegetation gives you the best sceneries of northern Uganda. There are already demarcated trails in the reserve giving you the best of nature walks in northern Uganda. Baboons and antelopes are some of the main highlights of the Pian Upe nature walks.
Photo Credit: Ugandan Tourist
Having a total bird population if over 242 species; makes Pian Upe one of the leading birding havens in Uganda. Security is guaranteed with the company of Uganda wildlife authority armed rangers.
- Cultural and Community Tours
The reserve is bordered by two pastoralist tribes; Pian which is a sub tribe of the Karamojongs and Upe which originates from Kenya. Their diversity of culture grants the visitors a chance to experience the best of culture in terms of dances, music, meals and a number of folk tales
- Pian Upe Game Reserve Itinerary ideas
There often two places to include on your bucket list in case you have plans of visiting Pian Upe game reserve; Sipi falls and Kidepo valley national park.
Sipi falls is one of the best hiking places in Uganda; offering abseiling activities off the 40 meters high cliffs. There are also several caves covered with different types of vegetations worth the visitors’ exploration.
Kidepo Valley National Park has over the last 3 years featured on CNN Travel as one of the leading game drive destinations in Africa. It has semi-arid vegetation making it easier for any visitor to spot the different wildlife without any bushy hindrances.
An exploration trip to Pian Upe, Kidepo valley national park and Sipi falls may take you a minimum of eight days. However, with a 4×4 Uganda self-drive, there are chances of making adjustments in your itineraries.