PIAN-UPE GAME RESERVE – LOCATION, ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

PIAN-UPE GAME RESERVE – LOCATION, ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Covering a total land area of about 2788 square kilometers, Pian Upe Wildlife reserve is a remarkable protected area in Karamoja region, northeastern Uganda. It is the second largest protected area in Uganda after Murchison falls national park in the northwest of the country.

Filled with untouched grass and wooded grassland, riverine woodland, kopjes and so many other different vegetation types, the reserve is simply a perfect get away for a nature retreat. Numerous tree species have grown up here; the red acacia, desert dates, bush willows, red spike thorns as well as shrubs have all made Pian Upe an irresistible dwelling for wildlife.

On any safari trip in Uganda to Pian Upe wildlife reserve, travelers get to spot lions, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, elands, oribis and some antelopes. Having not mentioned the birds yet, one might think the reserve is not a perfect destination for birding. That is just a lie of the mind, Pian upe homes several bird species from the uncommon ostrich, great hartlaub’s bustard, white headed buffalo weaver and Jackson’s hornbill in the Loporokocho swamp.

The reserve still inhabits the biggest population of lizards in Uganda plus other reptiles like the agama and skinks, chameleons and geckos, as well as some primate species such as the vervet monkeys and the Unique olive balloons.

Pian Upe game reserve is one spot that is currently included in almost all itineraries for safaris to Kidepo valley national park and Mount Elgon national park. A reserve of virgin beauty that is not yet explored yet, you would probably be among the first travelers to visit Pian Upe and have lifelong memories in Uganda’s biggest secret, encountering some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife.

So far, Pian Upe is the best reserve for game drives in Uganda, perhaps it inherited this from its nearest national park; Kidepo valley national park.  Tourists carry out game drives in the bumpy roads of the reserve, to have incredible scenery views of the raw and virgin grasslands with doomed hills in the background. Game drives in Pian Upe also expose travelers to a number of wildlife species like the lions. Zebras and giraffes.

For trotters with great interest in birding, the reserve is still a great deal to spot the most uncommon bird species like the Ostrich, Jackson’s Hornbill, Hartlaub’s Bustard, and the white-headed buffalo- weaver. It is one reserve where a birder can never leave without spotting at least 50 different bird species.

Nature walks are another activity that tourists in Pian Upe still engage in on their safaris in Uganda. Get a comfortable walk through the forest without confines of the 4X4 wheel vehicle, having the closest encounters with even the slightest nature insights. Identify different tree species, birds, animals and insects as you walk through the reserve’s untouched nature.

Also have community walks and visit the Napendio cave. Learn about the culture and the ways of living of the local people around Pian Upe.  You can never leave the community without watching traditional dances where you can even take part. This also includes a visit to the Napendio cave, an old cave that used to serve as a recreational place for art, travelers even still spot the drawings that the first inhabitants made in this cave.

Yes, even if Pian Upe cannot be compared to other national parks like Murchison falls national park and Queen Elizabeth national park in terms of wildlife diversity, but we can surely say that it is one of the best game reserves in Uganda that are not worth missing at any moment.