Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Uganda’s largest cheetah population
• A varied selection of antelope and other ungulates
• The dry-country birdlife includes many species absent from western Uganda
• Home to Fox’s weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird species
• Easily incorporated into an eastern safari with Kidepo Valley National Park
• Cultural encounters with traditional Pian and Upe pastoralists
• Low tourist numbers give it an off-the-beaten-track charm
• Tourist amenities are limited and on the basic side
• Only two of the Big Five (leopard and buffalo) are present

Wildlife

A safari to Pian Upe is about the wilderness experience rather than chasing large herds of wildlife. But while mammal densities are low, there is a fair variety and numbers are on the increase. Regularly seen animals include buffalo, plains zebra, Rothschild’s giraffe, patas monkey, eland, greater kudu and Uganda’s only roan antelope. Cheetah, though not common, are a star attraction. For birders, a checklist of 250 species includes ostrich, Jackson’s hornbill, white-headed buffalo-weaver and the endemic Fox’s weaver.

Scenery

Pian Upe is dominated by open plains covered in thorny acacia savannah. A scenic highlight is Loporokocho Swamp, which also usually offers fair wildlife viewing and excellent bird watching. The plains of Pian Upe are surrounded by impressive volcanically formed mountains. These include the 4,321m/14,177ft Mt Elgon (Africa’s eighth-highest massif) to the south and 3,063m/10,049ft Mt Kadam to the east.

Activities

Game drives are the main activity, though be warned that more remote tracks might be overgrown. Guided walks are also possible by arrangement with the rangers. In both cases, mammal viewing can be slow going, but the birding is likely to be very rewarding (especially in the early morning). Guided hikes to the summit of Mt Kadam, just outside the park boundary, are also possible.

Weather & Climate

Pian Upe’s weather and climate is similar to that of Kidepo Valley National Park. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Kidepo Valley

Best Time To Visit

Pian Upe is at its best in the Dry season, which runs from November to March. The dry conditions mean that tracks are in relatively good shape and wildlife tends to gather around permanent water sources. Conditions in the Wet season (April to October) are less predictable, as some years are much more rainy than others. But there is a high risk of tracks becoming impassable and tall grass making it difficult to see wildlife.

Getting There

Moruajore, the park headquarters for Pian Upe, lies about 310km/190mi northeast of the capital Kampala via the cities of Jinja and Mbale. Allow up to 8 hours* for the direct drive. Continuing north from Moruajore it is another 330km/205mi to Kidepo Valley National Park, which also takes about 8 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Uganda, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Uganda
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Pian Upe WR?

12 Pian Upe Safaris

• Pian Upe Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Pian Upe