August 26, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
Pian Upe game reserve is located in the northeastern part of Uganda in the Karamoja dry plains with Nakapiripirit district taking the lion’s share of the game reserve. The game reserve is not only in the Nakapiripirit district but also shared among eight other districts including Moroto, Kween, Bukedea, and so on.
This game reserve can be accessed both by road and air transport although the commonly used type is road transport which is approximately a 7-hour and two minutes drive from Kampala capital city which also accounts for 392.9 kilometers using the Kampala – Mbale – Namalu town route. The nearest airstrip to the reserve is Amudat from where a tourist can be picked up by a tourist van driver guide and then embark on the journey to the reserve.
Established in 1958, Pian Upe Game Reserve was first demarcated as a Debasien sanctuary for wild animals in the area. Efforts were made by the government of Uganda to transform the land for agricultural purposes to help revert the famine that was staunch in the area. However, this move threatened the existence of wildlife and so it was called off. Later on in 1964, this particular area was extended to the northern parts and also rebranded to the Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Mammals in the game reserve. The game reserve is home to several mammals for example buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippopotamuses, mountain reedbucks, roan antelopes, giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs and so many others.
Diverse cultures. This game reserve is bordered by the Karimajong who stand out from the rest of the tribes in Uganda and East Africa for their unique way of life. A trip to the game reserve can allow you an experience with these wonderful people who are so welcoming.
Bird species in the game reserve. It is important to single out that the game reserve is a habitat to over 300 bird species with the highlight of the bird species as the ostrich which is famous for its beauty and speed. Tourists travel from around the globe to come and see this bird take off.
The landscape of the game reserve. Located in the flat plains of northeastern Uganda, the reserve gives a wonderful view of the plains which is so attractive to photographers and filmmakers who get their concepts and film scenes in this particular area.
Rock art painting sites. This is yet another unique feature of the game reserve and is normally loved by historians and lovers of original art. The paintings were made by the early inhabitants of the area in the stone age days. Travelers come from various areas of the world to do research and understand the paintings.
Bird watching. This is because of the various bird species that know this game reserve as home. There are various bird-watching sites in the game reserve with large binoculars and good lenses that enable travelers to see birds at a far distance. These birds include the ostrich, egrets, cormorants, cranes, and African eagles to mention but a few.
Community encounters. Since the indigenous Karamojong are inhabitants of this area, a visit to the game reserve can allow you a chance to associate with them and also get a glimpse of their lives. They are so welcoming and they normally tell stories about their lives, without forgetting the wonderful dances they entertain their visitors with.
Volunteerism is yet another activity that cannot be mentioned in this particular game reserve. This activity is done by tourists as some way to extend their help to their fellow humans in this area who are less advantaged.
Mountain climbing safaris are also possible in the game reserve. This is because there are some highlands that rise above the flat plains which facilitate mountain climbing activities for example Mount Moroto which gives a very good challenge to the mountaineers.
Biking tours are also activities that a traveler to this region can indulge in. This is because the flat plains help one have an extraordinary experience, especially for the bikers who love speed, and yet the mountainous areas away from the flat plains also provide a physical exercise challenge.
Guided nature walks are noteworthy activities that await tourists who travel to this game reserve with guides that give you information about the game reserve regarding geography, ecology, weather, and so on.
Game viewing safaris. These are yet another highlight of the game reserve since some of the world’s most traveled people have singled out this area as one of the reserves where one can get an encounter with wild animals without so much hassle.
The period from January up to March and the period of November and December months are the best times to visit this game reserve due to the dry seasons. Also, the months of April and October can be good timing, especially after the seasonal rains.
Pian Upe Game Reserve is located in northeastern Uganda and offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budget preferences. From Luxury Lodges to Midrange and Budget-friendly options, visitors on a Uganda Safari to the Northen Eastern Paet of Uganda can choose accommodation from the following;
Mount Elgon Lodge: Located near the reserve's entrance, this luxurious lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Rooms are tastefully decorated, with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private balconies. Amenities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and gift shop. Rates: $250-$400 per person per night (full board)
Pian Upe Luxury Tented Camp: This exclusive camp offers spacious, elegantly furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms and private decks. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and stunning sunset views.
Rates: $200-$350 per person per night (full board)
Pian Upe Safari Lodge: This lodge offers comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and private verandas. The lodge has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
Rates: $100-$200 per person per night (full board)
Karamoja Safari Camp: Located near the reserve's headquarters, this camp offers cozy tents with shared bathroom facilities. Guests can enjoy guided game drives and cultural interactions with local communities. Rates: $80-$150 per person per night (full board)
Pian Upe Rest House: A simple, budget-friendly option with basic rooms and shared bathroom facilities.
Rates: $20-$50 per person per night (bed and breakfast)
Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) operates basic bandas (cottages) with shared bathroom facilities.
Rates: $15-$30 per person per night (bed and breakfast)
Camping: Visitors can pitch their tents or rent UWA's camping facilities.
Rates: $10-$20 per person per night (camping fees only)
Pian Upe Game Reserve is accessible by road and Air transport. A tourist can embark on a 6 to 7 7-hour journey approximately 420 km (260 miles) northeast of Kampala with a stopover in Mbale for Lunch and later proceed to the Game reserve. Alternatively, one can take a flight from Kajjansi Airstrip to Nakapiripirit Airstrip served by charter flights from Entebbe International Airport taking you for about 1.5 hours where you will be welcomed by our representative.
January 21, 2025
January 21, 2025
January 21, 2025
January 20, 2025
January 20, 2025
January 20, 2025
© Copyright Bujo Safaris All Right Reserved | Privacy Policy
