If you think you have exhausted Uganda’s wildlife capacity, well, think again, as more is yet to unfold through the vast savannah plains of the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Categorically, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is like virgin land few know about, and those who do keep it a secret, jealously guarding it to enjoy its unveiling adventures alone.
You see, Pian Upe is not like most of the other wildlife destinations in Uganda, like the national parks, for example; it is a hidden gem with unique experiences. Since it is rarely talked about, a few who discover it enjoy a more private experience with uncrowded plains that shut the busy noise world outside its borders. A visit here is like walking into a portal to the ancient African wilderness deep before civilization.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve does not need much introduction and talking because, through all this, one may deem it unreal, and who could blame them? Just imagine a place of unique flora, significant to the ancient savannah, untamed, uncharted, a place where the wildlife roams free, surrounded by mountain ranges, with fewer crowds.
I mean, this place screams exploration and an encounter with wildlife species not found anywhere else. The wildlife here is more of the icing on the cake; the views alone are enough to give Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park a run for its money. Enough with the talk; now let’s walk the talk and uncover what Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is actually about.
Briefly About Pian Upe
The story of Pian Upe dates back to 1964, when it was established. However, its story was further cemented in 1989, when it was gazetted as a wildlife reserve. This was shortly after the political instability in the country. Still, Pian Upe’s story was not about to end here; it had made its name known again among the other great destinations in the country by hosting unique species found only in it. Stretching for over 2, 275 square kilometers, making it the second largest protected area in the country after Murchison Falls National Park.
Over 250 bird species nest across this vast ecological system, and about 40 mammal species roam the savannah grassland plains dotted with some woodlands. This reserve is located in the Moroto district in the Karamojong sub-region, in the northeastern region of the country. This reserve has a semi-arid climate, as it is located far from the equator. This reserve is under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What to see in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is no doubt an incredible place to spend your holiday or vacation due to the amazing adventures and experiences it offers. Below are some of the things a visitor should expect while visiting Pian Upe.
Wildlife species
As we continue to learn and discover Pian Upe, the wildlife species hosted here are among some of the rarest in the country. Pian Upe assembles a range of wildlife species from the apex predators to the gentle grazers of the vast grasslands. Although some may be hard to spot, they offer a surreal experience when encountered.
The highly sought-after species in Pian Upe is the speed merchant, the cheetah. In the whole country, cheetahs can also be found only in Pain Upe, roaming freely across its vast plains. The vast short grassland and endless plains of Pian Upe are a perfect wilderness for the cheetah to hunt.
Other animals include lions, striped hyenas, leopards, giraffes, elands, topis, Uganda kob, waterbuck, klipspringer, civets, servals, aardvark, and cape buffaloes, among others. There are also many primates, such as the patas monkeys, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys.
Scenic views
Beyond the wildlife, Pain Upe is a place of amazing and mouth-watering scenic views. This is attributed to its ecological system, characterized by savannah grassland and acacia woodland plains, and seasonal wetlands. The beautiful mountains surrounding this reserve also add to the beauty as the sun rises or sets behind these ranges.
Birdlife
Pian Upe is a nature sanctuary for birds, hosting an average of about 250 bird species. The different vegetation systems contribute much to the nesting of these aerial masters. Both the migratory and resident birds can be found here. The ostrich is one of the commonly spotted species and is unique to this place and also to Kidepo Valley National Park. Other species include the secretary bird, African crown eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and Karamoja Apalis, among others.
Cultural tours
This wildlife reserve is neighboured by a range of communities of the Karamojong people and the Kalenjin people. These are the common inhabitant cultures of this region, and basically common nomadic pastoralists that depend on livestock farming. Discover their cultures and traditions, including their norms, beliefs, and customs, among others. Participate in their cattle herding practises and also witness their skin-piercing tradition.
All the above attractions can be discovered through activities like game drives that bring you close to some of the formidable wildlife species of this reserve. Birding caters to the birders by getting them closer as they spot some of their favorite bird species. Guided nature walks organized by Uganda Wildlife Authority through us, as Monteero Safaris, give you a more intimate exploration of the uncrowded plains to enjoy the scenic views.
Walk with us through the village communities around this reserve as we give back to the people and explore their culture and traditions through cultural tours. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has something for everyone, and it is all up to you to contact us, and we will take you to a place where dreams scream louder than fantasies.