Pian Upe Game reserve is one of the largest conservation areas in Uganda coming second after Murchision falls National Park which is the largest. Pian Upe is made-up of mainly savanna vegetation and shrubs.  It is the most recognized and visited game reserve in Uganda due to the exciting biodiversity it harbors.

The game reserve seats on an area of about 2275 square kilometers in the northern direction of mount Elgon National Park. Pian Upe Game reserve is located in the northern parts of Uganda in Nakapiripiriti district and extends up to eight districts of Bulamburi, Bukedea, Kumi, Kween, Napak, Katakwi, Moroto and Amudat. 

History of Pian Upe game reserve.

The area where Pian Upe sits was way back a battleground for the indigenous Karamojong pastoral groups that is to say the northeastern Karimojongs of Uganda and the Pokot of Kenya. Their fights were mainly sparked off by cattle raiding that was practiced among the communities.  The southern part of Pian Upe game reserve was in 1958 gazetted as Debasien animal sanctuary to protect the wildlife species living within that were prone to extinction due to the human activities especially poaching, hunting and encroachment on the land for cattle grazing.

Furthermore, when the government introduced an agricultural project in the area, it threatened the life of the wild animals within and this prompted action from the conservationists which made the government demarcate the area for animals and renamed it Pian Upe in 1964. The government today is looking into upgrading the game reserve to National Park status for better community development and tourism opportunities. 

 Uniqueness of Pian Upe game reserve.

Pian Upe stands out from the rest of the game results in the country as the only reserve where travelers can view cheetahs and ostriches. It is also unique due to its huge size that sets it apart and one can get to reach unexplored areas that give a much more exciting experience.  The beautiful scenery of the game reserve cannot miss mention in the factors that contribute to its uniqueness.  It is made-up of Savannah grasslands, beard grass and scattered short trees that contribute to its beautiful scenery.

Attractions in Pian Upe game reserve.

The game reserve has a variety of tourist attractions, reasons why several travelers flock to the reserve to explore it and set their eyes on the exciting creatures that live within.  The attractions in the reserve include;

The rare flora. Pian Upe game reserve is made-up of wooden Savannah plains that make up the bigger percentage of the reserve.  It is also dominated by short trees, shrubs, red acacia, lemon grass, bristle species and beard grass.

Reptiles. Pian Upe game reserve is also habitat for various species of reptiles especially the geckos, Agama, venomous puff adders, rock pythons, chameleons, crocodiles and Savannah monitors.

Fauna species. The reserve is a habitat to a variety of fauna species that are rare in other reserves especially the cheetahs, civets, serval cats, leopards, lions, jackals, spotted hyenas, oribi, zebras, rock hyrax, aardvark, olive baboons, common duikers, vervets and patas monkeys. 

Activities to do when in Pian Upe game reserve.

Game drives.  Visitors in the game reserve can engage in game drives through the various landscapes of the park as they enjoy staring at the animals living within. 

 Bird watching activities.  The reserve is a home to a pool of bird species which of the travelers can watch especially on the designated bird watching grounds with binoculars to help the visitors see birds that are both near and far.

Community tours.  These are usually launched to the Karamojong communities who help entertain the visitors and tell them about what it feels like to live near the wildlife species.

Mountain hiking. The Reserve is characterized by both lowlands and highlands.  The visitors to the park can embark on the mountain hiking activities which helps them unveil beautiful views of the dry plains of the reserve.

How to get there.

Pian Upe Game reserve is serviced by Amudat airstrip.  The travelers can board flights from Kajjansi airstrip to Amudat and thereafter continue with the journeys in the reserve.  Travelers can also decide to use road transport and access the park through the Kampala – Mbale – Soroti road which takes 8 to 9 hours or from Kidepo National park and 4 to 5 hours from Mbale town. 

When to visit. 

The most appropriate time to visit Pian Upe Game reserve is during the dry seasons that are characterized by less mud and low rainfall. The periods of January to March and June to July are the best times to visit the reserve.

However, it is important for travelers to note that the game reserve can be accessed all year round for exploration adventures.