Pian upe wildlife reserve is Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve and second largest protected area after Murchison falls National Park. Located in Northeastern, semi-arid part of Uganda. The southern section of wildlife reserve was gazetted in 1958 as Debasien Animal sanctuary, however the boundaries of this reserve where threatened when the Ugandan government established a project for agricultural production in the southern part of the Grik River.
Pian Upe covers an area of 2043 km2. Pian is a clan among the Karamojong’s in Northeastern Uganda and Upe are the Kalenjin speaking pastoralist community that originated from among the pokot tribe of Kenya hence coming up with the name Pian Upe.
Wildlife Species in the Reserve
The reserve shelters a lot of wild animals like Zebras, Eland, Hartebeests, Oribis, Impalas, Cape Buffalo, Uganda kob, Waterbuck, Blue and common Duiker among others. There are also bird species like Karamoja Apalis, wild and domestic Ostriches, secretary birds, shoebill, Green bitta, Abyssinian ground hornbills to mention but a few.
Activities in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Bird watching
The reserve is a home of birds, which gives birders a good experience during their stay. There are birds like Karamoja Apalis, wild and domestic Ostriches, secretary birds, shoebill, Green bitta, Abyssinian ground hornbills to mention but a few.
Mountain hike and nature walk
There is guided nature walk in the reserve where one gets a chance to see zebras, baboons, antelopes and many bird species.
Community walk
Move around community of the Karamajongs with a guide and learn about their traditional weddings, marriages, songs, dances, the way their food is prepared and many other traditional activities.
Game drive
Have a guided game drive in the reserve with a chance of seeing wildlife like Roan Antelope, Cheetah, Zebras, eland, buffaloes and many others.
Access to the wildlife reserve
The reserve headquarters are at Moruajore 8 ½ hours by road from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. It’s about 90 km from Mbale town and 6 hours drive towards Kidepo Valley National Park.
Accommodation in Pian Upe National park
The reserve has budget and mid-range accommodation plus camping sites. It has bandas, there budget and mid-range tents.