Top things to do in Pian Upe wildlife reserve
Top things to do in Pian Upe wildlife reserve: Pian Upe wildlife reserve is one of the largest wildlife conservation areas located in north eastern part of Uganda in Karamoja region. The wildlife reserve convers a total area of 2,788 square kilometers and it’s a home of different wildlife species including waterbucks, Uganda kobs, mountain reedbucks, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elands, impalas, topi, zebras, roan antelopes, oribi and variety of bird species. Pian Upe wildlife reserve offers interesting activities that travelers can engage in during the Uganda safari including,
Top things to do in pian upe wildlife reserve
Game drives
Game drive is one of the major activities in Pian Upe wildlife reserve where you will be able to explore the open savannah plains in a comfortable pop up safari vehicle with a professional driver guide. Game drives in Pian Upe wildlife reserve can either be done very early in the morning or in the afternoon following different game tracks where you will be able tosspot animals like zebras, buffaloes, elands, greater kudus, cheetahs, roan antelopes, Uganda kobs, giraffes, Dik Dik, jackals, elephants, lions, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeests, mountain reedbucks among others.
Mountain climbing
Pian Upe wildlife reserve is comprised of three mountains that is Mount Kadam, Mount Napak and Mount Elgon. During mountain climbing in Pian Upe wildlife reserve, you can also climb to the Napedet cave which is an ancient recreational place where the first inhabitants of the area would gather and involve in painting before it was gazetted into a wildlife reserve. Travelers who climb Napedete cave will get an opportunity to see old painting of the roan antelopes, hartebeests, giraffes, baboons among other.
Bird watching
Pian Upe wildlife is a home of over 242 recorded bird species including savannah birds, migratory birds and forest birds which makes it the second best birding destination in Uganda after Queen Elizabeth national park. During bird watching in Pian Upe wildlife reserve, you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including the ostrich, Abyssinian ground hornbill, superb starling, Karamoja Apalis, Great Hartlaubs Bustard, Secretary Bird, Jacksons Hornbill, Green Bitta, Dusky Turtle Dove, Black Throated Wattle Eye, Shoebill Stork, White Headed Buffalo Weaver, African Hill Babbler, Yellow Billed Shrike, Eastern Bronze Napped Pigeon among others.
Nature walks
Nature walk is another interesting activity in Pian Upe wildlife reserve where visitors will get an opportunity to explore the wildlife reserve on foot with the company of an experienced park guide and an armed park ranger to protect you from any danger. During the guided nature walk, you will get up-close and personal with different animals, listen to sweet sounds of bird species, beautiful scenery, enjoy the cool breeze, take clear pictures among others.
Cultural tour
Cultural tour is an exciting activity in Pian Upe wildlife reserve where tourists will be able to interact with the Karamajong and Kalenjin people who live in the surrounding communities. During the cultural tour, you will be able to learn about the local people’s culture, way of living, tradition, dress code, visit their traditional Manyatas, visit the craft centers where they sell art and craft items, enjoy their traditional entertainments inform of music, dance and drama among others.
Best time to visit Pian Upe wildlife reserve
Pian Upe wildlife reserve can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this time there is little rainfall in the reserve therefore vegetation in the park will be short which helps you to view different animals clearly. During the dry season, game drive tracks will be passable and animals gather around the water bodies to drink water which gives you a great opportunity to view abundant wildlife species.
How to get to Pian Upe wildlife reserve
Pian Upe wildlife reserve is located in north eastern part of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Kampala, about 6 hours’ drive from Kidepo valley national park, about 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Mbale and 1 to 2 hours’ drive from Sipi falls to the park headquarters.
Where to stay in Pian Upe wildlife reserve
There are few accommodation facilities in Pian Upe wildlife reserve where you can stay during your safari for example the Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas. Travelers can also stay in accommodations close to the wildlife reserve like hotels in Mbale town and lodges near Sipi falls.
For More information about the top things to do in Pian Upe wildlife reserve, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book an affordable safari package.
