What to Do on Safari in Pian Upe Game Reserve? Pian Upe Game Reserve is located in the Nakapiripirit area of northeastern Uganda, positioned between Mount Elgon National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. With a total size of 2,275 square kilometers, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second-largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park.
Primate species like vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and patas monkeys, as well as various bird species like ostriches, herons, egrets, Jackson’s hornbills, hornbills, great Hartlaub’s bustards, and white-headed buffalo weavers, are among the many vegetation types that make up Pian Upe Game Reserve. These include grasslands, woodlands, and shrubs that serve as habitats for wildlife species like elands, oribi, zebras, buffaloes, duikers, Dik Dik, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, leopards, hyenas, serval cats, reedbucks, gazelles, roan antelopes, and roan antelopes.
Top safari activities to engage in Pian Upe game reserve
Pian Upe Game Reserve’s game drives
One of the most enjoyable activities in the Pian Upe game reserve is the game drive, which gives you the chance to tour the area in a cozy 4WD safari vehicle with a qualified driver-guide who speaks English. The game drive can be done in the morning to give you a chance to spot some of the nocturnal animals before they head to their hiding spots, or it can be done in the afternoon. In the latter case, you will follow various game trails that will give you a chance to see wild animals like buffaloes, zebras, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topi, wildlife such as savannah monitors.
Chameleons, rock pythons, poisonous puff adders, reedbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, roan antelopes, oribi, elands, and predators including cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, civets, serval cats, and wildcats.
In addition to taking in the stunning surroundings, the game drive will allow you to see various bird species, including the Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Dusky Turtle Dove, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Secretary birds, African Hill Babbler, yellow-billed shrike, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Black-throated Wattle-eye, ostrich, and others.
Birdwatching in Pian Upe Game Reserve
One of Uganda’s top birding destinations, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is home to over 240 known bird species. The best times to go bird watching in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve are in the morning or evening, when a knowledgeable guide will help you identify various bird species like the African Hill Babbler, Black-throated Wattle-eye, ostrich, yellow-billed shrike, lapwings, pelicans, cormorants, herons, hornbills, crown cranes, owls, weaver birds, Mountain Yellow Warbler, vultures, plovers, Dusky Turtle Dove, darters, pelicans, turacos, and egrets.
Hiking and nature walks in Pian Upe Game Reserve
The most exciting nature walks are available at Pian Upe Game Reserve, where you can exit the safari vehicle and explore the area on foot while being accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide and an armed park ranger to keep you safe from any potential animal threats. You will see zebras, elands, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kobs, and primates like vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and patas monkeys up close during the guided nature walk. You will also see various bird species, including ostriches, take in the cool breeze, take in the stunning scenery, hear the melodies of various bird species, and get to know reptiles. observe a variety of butterflies, including vibrant ones.
Cultural encounters in Pian Upe Game Reserve
Interacting with the residents that live around the wildlife reserve is an exciting experience known as “cultural encounter.” You will be able to learn about the indigenous peoples’ customs and traditions during the cultural encounter because Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is surrounded by two tribes: the Karamajong and Kalenjin.
customs, culture, and way of life, including visiting their homesteads, sampling local cuisine, seeing traditional dancers perform music, dance, and theater, purchasing trinkets, and hearing their folktales.
Accommodations in Pian Upe Game Reserve for your safari
Depending on your budget, there are a number of lodging options in and around Pian Upe Game Reserve where you may spend your safari. Budget, mid-range, and luxury lodging options are available, as are campsites and lodges in Sipi and Mbale town, as well as self-contained tents or cottages owned by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
When is the ideal time to visit Pian Upe game reserve?
The best time to visit Pian Upe Game Reserve is during the dry season, which takes place in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, although you may go at any time of year. Because there is little to no rainfall during the dry season, there will be less vegetation, which makes it easier to see wildlife. Additionally, animals will congregate around water sources to drink, which makes wildlife watching easier.
How to get to Pian Upe
It takes roughly 8 to 9 hours to drive in a safari vehicle from Kampala or Entebbe via Mbale city to Maruajore headquarters, and 2 to 3 hours to drive from Sipi Falls to Pian Upe headquarters. Pian Upe Game Reserve is located in the northeastern region of Uganda.