Pian Upe a Uganda Wildlife Game Reserve

Pian Upe stands as one of Uganda’s most stunning conservation areas, covering 2,788 square kilometres in the northeastern part of the country. Originally, the government gazetted the area as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1958. However, officials renamed the reserve Pian Upe to honour the two local Karamojong cultures: the Pian and the Upe. Consequently, the name reflects the region’s deep cultural heritage.

Furthermore, this vast reserve remains a “virgin” destination that many tourists have yet to discover, offering a breathtaking and quiet encounter with the wild.

The reserve features a complex ecosystem that includes grasslands, woodlands, and forested vegetation in the foothills of Mount Moroto. Because of this diverse habitat, the area supports rare species such as ostriches and roan antelope, which you can find only here in Uganda. Additionally, you can spot jackals, cheetahs, leopards, and Rothschild’s giraffes roaming the landscape.

For those seeking adventure, the game reserve offers mountain climbing activities on the challenging slopes of Mount Napak and Mount Kadam. Meanwhile, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of Jackson’s hornbill and Hartlaub’s bustard among many other species. If you want to explore the local history, you can visit the Karamoja Cultural Museum at the base of Mount Moroto to view a fascinating collection of regional heritage.

Finally, the region easily solves your Accommodation needs with a variety of facilities. You can choose from budget, midrange, or standard options, such as the Mt. Moroto Hotel, Buffalo Guest House, or the UWA bandas, ensuring a comfortable stay during your exploration.

Key Features & Location

• Location: Situated in the Nakapiripirit district, it is accessible via an 8- to 9-hour drive from Kampala or a 2- to 3-hour drive from Mbale.
• Landscape: A vast plateau of rolling plains with spectacular views of Mount Kadam ( 3068m) and Mount Napak (2538m).
• Name Origin: Derived from two local pastoralist cultures: the Pian (a sub-group of the Karamojong) and the Upe (a Kalenjin-speaking people known as the Pokot in Kenya).

Wildlife Highlights

Pian Upe is home to several rare species that are difficult to find elsewhere in Uganda:

• Rare Mammals: It is home to Uganda’s only remaining population of roan antelopes and is one of the few places in the country where you can spot cheetahs in the wild.
• Birdlife: A premier birding destination with over 242 recorded species, including the ostrich, secretary bird, and the rare shoebill stork.
• Other Wildlife: Residents include large herds of elands, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, greater kudus, leopards, and hyenas.

Activities for Visitors

1. Game Drives: Best for viewing predators and large herds across the open savanna.
2. Guided Nature Walks: Explore the plains on foot with an armed Ranger for an intimate encounter with nature.
3. Cultural Tours: Visit local Karamojong communities to learn about their traditional pastoralist way of life and customs.
4. Mountain Hiking: Challenging treks up Mount Kadam or Mount Napak for panoramic views.
5. Cave Tours: Visit the Napedet Caves, an ancient site featuring prehistoric rock paintings of animals once common in the area.