Discover Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Uganda’s Best-Kept Safari Secret

If you’re dreaming of a safari experience far from the crowds, where wide open savannahs meet rugged hills and the feeling of true wilderness still exists, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is your hidden gem. Located in northeastern Uganda between Mount Elgon and Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe is the second-largest protected conservation area in Uganda—yet one of its least explored.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we specialize in helping you uncover Uganda’s untamed side. Pian Upe offers a raw and authentic wildlife experience with dramatic landscapes, rare animal species, and rich cultural heritage that will leave you in awe. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to step off the beaten path and connect deeply with nature.

Why Visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?

Pian Upe is a place where nature still roams freely. With vast stretches of golden grassland, dotted with rocky outcrops and framed by mountain ranges, this reserve offers one of Uganda’s most untouched and scenic wilderness experiences. The reserve is home to cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elands, ostriches, and several other unique and rare species. And unlike more frequented parks, you’ll often have this pristine ecosystem all to yourself.

The name “Pian Upe” comes from two local pastoralist groups—the Pian of Karamoja and the Upe of Pokot—who live in harmony with the reserve. Their traditions, resilience, and relationship with the land add a cultural richness that is hard to find elsewhere.

With the rising popularity of authentic and secluded travel experiences, Pian Upe is the perfect match for guests who want a true off-the-grid African safari—and Uganda Horizon Safaris is proud to offer expertly guided tours that reveal the full beauty and diversity of this hidden wonder.

Wildlife & Birding in Pian Upe

Though less commercialized, Pian Upe offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially for those seeking rare species. Among the many residents of the reserve are:

• Cheetahs – Pian Upe is one of the last strongholds for cheetahs in Uganda.

• Leopards – Often seen during dusk or early morning drives.

• Giraffes – Recently reintroduced and thriving in their new home.

• Ostriches – The reserve is the best place in Uganda to see wild ostriches.

• Elands, Roan Antelope, and Hartebeest – Some of Africa’s largest and rarest antelope species.

• Buffaloes, Zebras, Hyenas, Jackals, and Klipspringers – All add to the park’s biodiversity.

• Birds – Pian Upe is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 240 species including the Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Jackson’s Hornbill, and African Harrier-Hawk.

Highlights of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

1. Game Drives Across Vast Savannahs
   Enjoy guided safari drives with our Uganda Horizon experts, seeking out cheetahs, giraffes, and more in a truly wild setting.

2. Birdwatching Safaris
   Pian Upe is a paradise for birders looking for both savannah and raptor species rarely seen in other parts of Uganda.

3. Cultural Encounters with Karimojong & Pokot Communities
   Learn about the local pastoralist communities through village visits, traditional storytelling, and dance performances. An unforgettable cultural immersion.

4. Hiking & Nature Walks
   Explore the landscape on foot with a ranger guide. The terrain ranges from grasslands to rocky outcrops, ideal for those who love nature and adventure.

5. Scenic Photography & Sunrise Views
   With golden grasses, mountain backdrops, and wildlife roaming freely, Pian Upe is a dream for photographers seeking dramatic, unfiltered landscapes.

6. Day Trips to Sipi Falls or Mount Elgon
   Combine your Pian Upe safari with visits to nearby Sipi Falls or Mount Elgon National Park—both easily accessible and stunningly scenic.

Optional Activities with Uganda Horizon Safaris

• Sunrise and sunset game drives

• Full-day birdwatching tour

• Guided community cultural experience

• Walking safari with Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger

• Day hike to Cheposukunya Rock or Napak Mountains

• Overnight camping under the stars

• Add-on trips to Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon, or Kidepo Valley National Park

Best Time to Visit Pian Upe

The best time to visit Pian Upe is during the dry seasons from December to March and June to September when wildlife is easier to spot and roads are in good condition. However, the area is accessible year-round and stunning in every season.

Where to Stay

Accommodation near Pian Upe is modest but growing. Uganda Horizon Safaris offers:

• UWA Bandas & Campsites – Budget-friendly and inside the reserve.

• Karamoja Overland Camp – A rustic but comfortable option with great hospitality.

• Custom tented safari camps – Available upon request for private wilderness experiences.

All options include delicious meals and warm local hospitality, with options for self-contained or shared facilities.

Explore Pian Upe with Uganda Horizon Safaris

If you’re looking for a safari experience that takes you away from the crowds and into the wild soul of Uganda, Pian Upe is your next adventure. With Uganda Horizon Safaris, you’ll travel with knowledgeable guides, expert logistics, and a passion for authentic travel. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, Pian Upe will move you with its untamed beauty, rare wildlife, and rich cultural connections.

📍 Plan your Pian Upe Wildlife Safari with Uganda Horizon Safaris today—and uncover Uganda’s best-kept secret.