Pian Upe Game Reserve: It is situated in northeastern Uganda, in the Karamoja area. The reserve is situated between Mount Elgon National Park and Kidepo National Park, with an approximate area of 2,788 square kilometers. The Bokora Wildlife Reserve and the Matheniko Game Reserve both encircle Pian Upe, but in different directions. Pian Upe game reserve is a part of the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, in contrast to Matheniko and Bokora.
Mbale, a town in eastern Africa, is extremely close to Pian Upe. From Mbale town, it takes around two hours to get to the reserve, and from Kampala, it takes about six. In 1958, the region was established as an animal sanctuary, and in the 1960s, it was upgraded to become a wildlife reserve. Pian Upe Game Reserve has one significant wet or rainy season every year and semi-arid weather. The discovered flora and fauna have evolved to endure extended periods of time without water on specific days of the year. There are large, undeveloped grasslands and forests among the flora. Red acacia and desert date are the two primary tree species. Red spike-thorns, bushwillows, and Harrisonia abyssinica are some of the other species. A large portion of the area is covered in shrubs like butterfly pea and woolly caper bush. The large plains are home to a variety of other plant species, such as bristle grasses, lemon grasses, thatching grass, beard grass, and red nut sedge.
The scenery of the Pian Upe nature reserve, which is made up of large plains, rocky outcrops, and mountains, is what is most remarkable. There is a decent assortment of large mammals, birds, and reptiles at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Expect to see zebras, elands, gazelles, and oribi when visiting the reserve. Aardvarks, waterbucks, hares, porcupines, the Ugandan Kob, spotted hyenas, civets, jackals, serval cats, cheetahs, leopards, topi, wildcats, buffaloes, roan antelopes, reebucks, duikers, dik-dik, and hedgehogs are among the other creatures. Vervet monkeys, Patas monkeys, and olive baboons are among the primates. Reptiles such as rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, skinks, geckos, chameleons, and monitor lizards can also be found in Pian Upe Game Reserve. The ostrich is the most beautiful bird in this area.
The Pian, a subdivision of the Karamojong, and the Upe, a hybrid of the Karamojong and Kalenjin, are the two primary tribes that inhabit the area surrounding this enormous wilderness. The name of the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve comes from these two native African tribes.
THREATS AND CHALLENGES
The Uganda Wildlife Authority, acting through the Mountain Elgon Conservation Agency, is in charge of the Pian Upe wildlife reserve. Human encroachment is the biggest threat to this huge wilderness. The most endangered area is the Greek River watershed due to agricultural and human habitation.
There were a large number of wild animals in the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve throughout the colonial era and right after independence. Animal poaching increased dramatically in the early 1980s due to the unrest that followed the Idi Amin government. Later in the early 1990s, Joseph Kony’s rebel forces and armed Karamojong warriors wreaked havoc throughout the region. Following the defeat of the insurgents and the disarmament of the Karamojong warriors, the government has started the process of bringing the game reserve back to its previous state of excellence. Although the government has reported notable advancements, poaching is still an issue.
Due to droughts and cattle raids by other nomadic tribes in neighboring Kenya, the Karamojong people are beginning to depend more and more on farming as a means of subsistence. In this semi-arid area, farming is erratic, and many people are drawn to hunting the reserve’s wild animals. Threats to poaching also originate from Kenyan pastoralists who live on the move. Nomadic herders from Kenya enter Uganda in search of water and food for their animals since the boundaries are not adequately monitored. Once in Uganda, they fell trees to make makeshift huts and hunted wild animals for their meat.
Some of the animals are forced to escape toward the Kenyan side of the border due to the poaching by the ranchers from Kenya. This poses a risk to the reserve’s tourism potential, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority needs to take more stringent action to deter nomads from undermining the noteworthy advancements that have been made.
FACTS ABOUT PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE
You must drive to Mbale town in order to get from Kampala to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. It takes five hours to complete this trip. The Mbale-Moroto highway leads by the park offices. There are an additional 90 kilometers to travel (2 hours’ drive) from Mbale to the park offices. You will know you have arrived as soon as you pass the Chepsukunya Trading Center. All reservations and other preparations for activities within the reserve can be made at the offices.
You can combine a trip to the Sipi Falls or a safari in the Kidepo Valley National Park with a visit to the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
A plan to convert the reserve into a farm for growing fruits was put out in 2003, but it was shelved after opposition from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the public.
The region has the potential for mineral mining. Gold and oil are thought to be beneath the broad plains, and mercury wells have been found at Mount Kadam. It is now unclear to predict how these discoveries may impact the reserve down the road.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve could not receive the same attention as Uganda’s other, better-known national parks because of its remote location. On the other hand, a visit to the reserve will be highly beneficial for individuals who are looking to explore something new. Away from the tourists, the game reserve offers seclusion and the chance to explore a truly pure African nature. Let’s talk about some of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve’s most popular attractions.
Game drives: You can see uncommon creatures like ostriches, roan antelope, and cheetahs on a guided game drive in the wide plains of the Pian Upe wildlife reserve. In Uganda, this is the only location where you can witness roan antelopes. As previously mentioned, game drives in the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve are fantastic during the dry season but can be dangerous during the wet season. To navigate the muddy roads during the rainy season, you’ll need a strong four-wheel-drive vehicle; in the dusty/dry season, you’ll need one with good air conditioning. In order to access some portions of the reserve, you frequently have to build your own roads because the ones that are there are not adequately maintained.
Birdwatching: Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of the greatest places in Uganda and East Africa to go birdwatching. It is ranked second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park in terms of bird density. The enormous ostrich is by far the most beautiful bird species in this area. The large, arid plains are perfect for ostriches to flee from predators and care for their young. They can clearly see their surroundings and any impending danger because there are fewer huge trees and other plants. There are more than 240 different bird species to see here, besides ostriches. These comprise the following: jacanas, lapwings, owls, pelicans, plovers, turacos, vultures, African eagles, cormorants, cranes, darters, egrets, grass birds, hawks, herons, hornbills, and weaver birds. There may be more species in the reserve that have not yet been found because bird experts have not thoroughly examined them. The hot springs of Cheposukunya are the ideal location for birdwatching.
Mountain and rock climbing: The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve’s expansive plains, cliffs, and mountains are some of its most outstanding features. Try Mount Kadam if you enjoy rock exploration and easier mountain climbing. If Mount Kadam is too difficult, one can begin with any of the many sizable rocks.
Nature Walks: It is possible to schedule guided nature hikes through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Arguably, the best method to explore the reserve is through the nature trails. Because there are so few people around, the treks you’ll take will truly give you the impression that you’re in the heart of Africa’s wildness. The biggest national parks, such as Murchison Falls, cannot make this claim. You will undoubtedly come across different reptiles, birds, primates, and herds of antelope while out and about.
Cultural Encounters: The Karamajong and Kalenjin tribes reside near the Pian Upe wildlife reserve, as was previously noted. In this semi-arid area, these pastoralists who live on the move rely heavily on their livestock for their survival. Their culture is distinct and has survived constant exposure to modernity. You can get insight into the daily routines of the residents by going on a guided community stroll. If you’re lucky, you can attend the nighttime traditional Karamajong dances and dramas as well as marriage rituals. Situated at the foothills of Mount Moroto, the new Karamoja cultural museum is the best site to learn about local culture. The museum is home to a sizable collection of objects and artifacts that depict Karamajong culture.
Cave exploration: Within the wildlife reserve, there are rocks that conceal prehistoric rock drawings. The Napendio cave is one such rock. Although the locals view this cave as sacred, it also has magnificent drawings of antelopes and baboons, among other exotic animals. When the earliest humans arrived in the region thousands of years ago, these paintings were created. The Napedet cave is another fascinating cave. The Napedet cave is situated in what used to be a crucial Pokwot and Karamajong hunting region. Here, hunters would grill meat and share it with one another. Here are still surviving cooking stones that date back more than 500 years. Ancient artwork depicting giraffes, warthogs, roan antelopes, and elands adorns the cave’s walls. These caves offer a clear perspective of the enormous nature and incredible fauna in addition to the artwork. Near the caverns, bush camping can be rented for 15,000 shillings.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE
There are two dry seasons and one wet season in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The driest months of the year are January through March. Even though November through December are dry, there is still greenery because of the rainy season from April through October.
Visits during the dry season (January to March) are preferred by most tourists. The creatures can be seen more clearly during the dry season when they congregate around the few surviving water holes. The park roads are in bad shape during the rainy season, which runs from April to October, making it an unsuitable time to visit. Even the toughest four-wheel-drive vehicles have trouble navigating the extremely muddy roads. Rainwater fills the rivers, causing some road sections to even flood. This time of year, the animals have an abundance of food and water, and they often travel in tiny, dispersed groups, making it challenging to see them. We believe that November and December are the ideal months to visit. This is still the dry season, but the park is still green with less heat.
PACKING LIST FOR SAFARI IN PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE
You should arrive at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve prepared, just like you would in any significant national park or reserve. Before visiting Uganda, there are a few things that foreign visitors should think about. Both a yellow fever vaccination card and a VISA are required. Following the separation of the two, you also need to consider the following:
Warm and light clothes: The Pian Upe wildlife reserve has extreme heat during the day and cold at night for most of the year. Bring light clothing (sleeveless shirts and shorts) to beat the extra heat, especially in the dry season, and warm clothing for the evening. It can get really hot during the day, especially if you’re from a location where winter is harsh. Travelers can build campfires to stay warm at night while taking in the breathtaking Milky Way.
Insect repellents: There are innumerable species of insects in this wildlife reserve, much like in most of Uganda’s national parks. Some sting so badly that it hurts. The insects will be repelled by an insect repellant.
Shoes for hiking and a hat: During the warmer season, a wide hat is essential for shielding you from the sun. Wearing sturdy shoes will shield you from prickly branches and thorns and help you go over challenging and mountainous terrain.
Gadgets: Carry a decent camera along to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. It might also be necessary for you to move your tablet, laptop, phone, or binoculars. If at all possible, make sure that all of these devices have spare batteries and chargers so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones back home while on safari.
ACCOMMODATION IN PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE
Accommodation in the Pian Upe Game Reserve is divided into two
Accommodation within the game reserve: These are simple, masculine, self-contained tents and cottages from the Uganda Wildlife Authority that are reasonably priced. Alternatively, for approximately $5, you could camp at the reserve using your own tents. Rolex, spaghetti, rice, and chicken are among the meals served. You might bring your own food and have it ready if you are camping out.
Lodging in towns outside the reserve: The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is situated adjacent to Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi Falls. You might choose to stay in Mbale town or at one of the luxurious hotels close to Sipi Falls. It takes one to two hours to go to the reserve from Sipi Falls. It takes 2.5 hours to go to the reserve from Mbale town.
THE COST OF VISITING PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE
As of right now, foreign tourists must pay $35 for park access, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. While East African nationals just need to pay 15000 Ugandan shillings, foreign residents must spend $25. Children from East African nations pay 2500 Uganda shillings, while children of foreign visitors pay $5. There are different fees for guided nature walks and game drives. Money is paid at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in person. It is crucial to remember that lodging and transportation outside of the reserve are not included in these costs. It is necessary to budget for lodging, both inside and outside the park. It is recommended that foreign guests make their safari reservations through a reliable tour operator.
