Pian Upe Game Reserve is an exciting tourism destination of sorts. Covering an area of an estimated 2,788km2 of land are, this hidden gem ranks the second largest conservation area in Uganda. Many parts of it form a collection of spectacular wildlife and natural landscapes. Even though it is less visited, the reserve offers an authentic experience of an African wildland without crowding. The reserve’s location in the North of Mt. Elgon adds to it’s ideality and easy accessibility as a phenomenal tourism destination. Pian Upe is bordered by the Bokora and Matheniko wildlife reserves in different directions, although they are not under the Mt. Elgon conservation area, unlike Pian Upe.
A drive to Pian Upe leads the North Eastern part of Uganda in Nakapiripit after about 6-8 hours. This puts it near to the major cities of Mbale and Soroti which are just about 2-3 hours away. From within Pian Upe, stunning views of mountains, landscapes, plains and valleys satisfy the endless thrill of an African experience. In 1958, areas south of the reserve were declared as the Debasien animal sanctuary. The years that followed in 1964 would see this an expansion of this sanctuary Northwards.
The reserve is also gifted with numerous landforms and grand features. These include a hot spring at a place called Cheposukunya, kopjes, rocky outcrops and mercury wells at Mt. Kadam. Mount Kadam, which was previously referred to as Mount Debasien near the Kenyan border lies at 3,068 metres and is thus the highest point within Pian Upe. This mountain is isolated and has volcanic plugs. Pian Upe also embraces the beauty of multiple rivers that water the living energy of the area. Such rivers include the great Greek river and other water courses that flow westwards towards Lake Kyoga.
Pian Upe got its name from the surrounding two most popular tribes. Both the tribes are pastoralists and include the Pian and the Upe. Thus the name Pian Upe which means “Friendly Enemy.”
Wildlife of the reserve.
Pain Upe hosts an unusual number of wildlife species. These roam freely within the predominantly undisturbed grassland, woodland and forest areas. The most common species of trees include desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) and red acacia (Vachellia seyal) or shittah tree. These are complimented by a carousel of bushwillows (Combretum erythrophyllum,) red spike thorns (Gymnosporia senegalensis,) Harrisonia abyssinica, yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana,) wooly caper bush or African caper (Capparis tomentosa) and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) among others. Grasses in the area include: bristle grass, thatching grass, lemon grass, beard grass and red nut sedge among others. All these form the hiding places for numerous animal species. Such species include: hyenas, leopards, civets, servals, bohor and mountain reedbuck, jackals, rock hyrax, crested porcupine, cheetahs, wildcats, Grants gazelle, common elands, giraffes, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, aardvarks, Uganda kobs, four-footed hedgehog, dik dik, zebras, blue and common duiker, klipspringer, impala and cape buffalos among others.These are part of the estimated 44 mammals in the reserve. Pian Upe is interestingly popular for its large cheetah populations and is the only place where the roan antelopes can be seen in Uganda.
The reserve also hosts some primate species that include the patas and velvet monkeys, velvet and olive baboons. You will also find birds like the secretary birds, yellow-billed shrike and giant Ostriches among other endemic birds like the Karamoja Apalis. These are part of the estimated 242 species that call the place their home. Some of the common birding areas includes the Loporokocho swamp where the white headed buffalo weaver, great hartlaub’s bustardand Jackson’s hornbill are common. Reptiles in the area include: puff adders, rock pythons, water snakes, common agama, savannah monitors, chameleons, geckos and skinks among others.
Activities in the Pian Upe wildlife reserve include: game drives, nature walks, hiking, cycling, camping, community walks and birding. Community visits will lead you to the tradition and ways of life of surrounding people. The two most popular tribes around Pian Upe include the Pian and the Upe. The Upe are a Kalenjin speaking people and are also known as the Pokot in Kenya. The Pian are a sub group of the Karamojong. Both these tribes are pastoralists. During your community walk, you will learn about the traditional marriages, dressing and dances. There is a cave which was used for art and recreation in the ancient days where you will see drawings of baboons and other animals. This cave is known as the Napendio Cave.
The best time to visit the reserve is during the dry months of December to March when the vegetation is dry and animals cluster at water sources. This makes them easier to see. The rainy season runs from March to May and September to November , a time during which navigation on the road is hard. However, those interested in views of the green valleys and verdant vegetation can visit during this time.
While planning your visit to the reserve, consider packing light clothing, given the hot nature of the place and the air that flows through the valley system during day. The nights are very cold and so require warm clothing. Other things to carry include: a hat, dark shades, insect repellant, hiking boots and gadgets like cameras and binoculars.
The accommodation facilities include self-contained safari tents and self-contained cottages. These include the Uganda Wildlife Authority bandas and the Karamoja Overland Camp. Other accomodation facilities near Pian Upe include: Hotel Leslona, Lavender Inn, Shalosa Hotel and Mount Moroto Hotel among others.
Since Pian Upe game reserve is located in the eastern part of Uganda, a visit here can be combined with a Sipi falls tour and a safari to Kidepo valley National park and Mountain Elgon.