Pian Upe Game Reserve in northeastern Uganda is one of the loveliest places to have a thrilling game drive. A guided game drive is the best opportunity for visitors to explore Pian Upe Game Reserve in a comfortable 4X4 safari vehicle. The knowledgeable driver guide ensures that you follow specific tracks to move quite closer to the numerous wild animals. You are allowed to take photos of the wild animals while viewing them from the open roof of the vehicle. You can either go for the morning game drive which starts at around 06:00 when the wild animals are at quite active or later in the afternoon during cooler temperature conditions. The game drive takes 2 to 3 hours and promises views of flora, fauna, scenery and plenty more.
About Pian Upe Game Reserve
Pian Upe Game Reserve is the second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Pian Upe spans about 2,275 square kilometers and situated north of Mount Elgon and east of Lake Kyoga. The reserve sits on altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 3,068 meters above sea level, with Mount Kadam being its highest point. Nestled on a high plateau with rolling plains and intermittent drainages of rivers and streams, the ecosystem is covered by wooded savannah grasses, riverine woodland and kopjes. Pian Upe Game Reserve is connected to Matheniko Game Reserve through the Bokora Corridor. The guided game drive costs US$25 per person and it excludes entry fees (US$35).
What to see in Pian Upe Game Reserve during a game drive
While having the time of your life during a game drive in the vast plains of Pian Upe Game Reserve, these are some of the most common species of wildlife you will see in their natural habitat,
Mammals
With over 40 species of mammals, visitors can have an exciting time during a game drive in the vast plains of Pian Upe Game Reserve. On the tracks, you can observe the zebra, cheetah, waterbuck, giraffe, hippopotamus, roan antelope, reedbuck, Uganda kob, buffalo, leopard, jackal, porcupine, klipspringer, civets, duiker, vervet monkey, olive baboon, oribis, topi and hartebeest.
Birds
Pian Upe Game Reserve is home to over 240 species of birds that include both endemic and vulnerable species. The birds to spot during a game drive include silverbird, fox kestrel, pale flycatcher, Karamoja apalis, ostrich, Fox’s weaver, compact weaver, grey crowned crane, speckled weaver, red-headed weaver, common bulbul, African grey hornbill and African thrush.
Reptiles
While on this thrilling game drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve, watch out for a variety of reptile species in their natural habitat. There is a chance that you might encounter the rock python, crocodile, gecko, agama lizard, puff adder, chameleon and savannah monitor lizard among many others.
Plants
While on a game drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve the vast plains will offer you an unparalleled opportunity to see a variety of plant species. These include yellow oleander, woolly caper bush, thatching grass, butterfly pea, bushwillow, red acacia and desert date. You will love the pristine vegetation that form a beautiful scene composed of wooded savannah grasses that are also used for photography.
When to visit Pian-Upe Game Reserve for game drives
Game drives in Pian-Upe Game Reserve can be done throughout the year. Meanwhile, for a comfortable safari experience in the vast plains of Pian Upe Game Reserve, visit during the dry season. The dry season offers pleasant weather conditions characterized by warm and dry days. The dry season occurs during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The weather also offers dry tracks for easy navigation as well as uninterrupted game drives due to minimal possibilities of rainfall. Also, due to the few water sources created by little to no rainfall during the dry season, the wildlife species are easier to locate and observe as they tend to assemble around the available water sources.
Traveling to Pian-Upe Game Reserve for game drives
Traveling to Pian Upe can only be accomplished using road transportation. Pian Upe is around 417 kilometers from Kampala via Jinja, Mbale and Soroti. This picturesque journey takes 7 to 8 hours depending on the road conditions and traffic. From Kidepo Valley National Park to Pian Upe Game Reserve, the travel distance is about 300 kilometers, which takes at least 6 hours via the Kotido-Moroto road. Regardless of the availability of public means of transportation, private means are the best options since they offer comfort, convenience and an experienced driver guide. With a registered tour operator like Monteero Safaris, you will select from a range of vehicles such as a 4X4 safari vehicle to have a seamless travel experience.
What to pack for game drives in Pian-Upe Game Reserve
The perfect game drive in Pian-Upe Game Reserve is guaranteed if you ensure to pack the following items,
- Sun protection items (sunglasses, suncream and wide-brimmed hat)
- Lightweight and neutral-colored clothes
- Camera and extra batteries
- Travel adapter
- A pair of binoculars
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Backpack