Exploring the Natural Wonders of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve: A Hidden Gem for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is located in Karamoja, in the north-eastern part of Uganda, in Nakapiripirit district. Pian refers to a clan among the Karamojong, while Upe refers to the Kalenjin pastoral community of Karamojong, who are believed to be from the Pokot tribe of Kenya. It covers 2788 square kilometres and is found between Kidepo Valley National Park and Mt. Elgon National Park. It is bordered by Matheniko and Bokora game reserves. The reserve is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Mount Elgon Conservation Department. The reserve was gazetted in 1958 as the Dabasien Animal Sanctuary.
Encroachment by humans is one of the greatest threats to the wildlife reserve due to farming activities. The game reserve has a wide range of attractions, ranging from plants to flora, fauna, and mammals.
The reserve has a semi-arid climate and receives one rainy season all year round. Pythons and puff udders can be found in the park as well. Elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are now locally extinct, though the giraffes have been re-introduced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to the reserve from Murchison Falls National Park. Beard grass and lemon grass are less common grasses within the reserve, and the most common grasses include thatching grass and bristle species.
Savanna monitors are the largest lizards found in the game reserve, and others include geckos and chameleons.
The best time to visit the game reserve is from January to March, when the vegetation is dry, and during this time of the year, animals can be seen well as they gather at water sources.
The game reserve can be accessed from Kampala via Mbale, then en route to Moroto.
Different activities can be done at the game reserve, ranging from game drives, bird watching, mountain climbing, and cultural encounters, among others. Tourists are encouraged to carry light clothes, a pair of sunglasses, enough drinking water, a hat, hiking shoes, insect repellents, and gadgets like cameras, laptops, and binoculars to help capture everlasting memories for a lifetime.
Accomodation in Pian Upe can be booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tents and cottages in the game reserve.
International visitors are required to book with a reputable tour company with knowledgeable guides to help create memories and adventure for a lifetime.
