Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve

Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve; Pian upe wildlife reserve is the second largest conservation area in Uganda located in northeastern part of Uganda in Karamoja region, north of Mount Elgon. Pian upe wildlife reserve covers a total area of 2,788 square kilometers which is comprised of savannah grassland, woodlands, short trees, shrubs, lemon grasses among others which act as habitat for different wildlife species including mountain reedbuck, oribi, waterbucks, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, cheetahs, lions, leopards, Jacksons hartebeest, roan antelopes, zebras, primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, patas monkeys and variety of bird species such as ostriches, yellow billed shrike, secretary bird among others.

Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve

Game drive is the most famous activity in Pian upe wildlife and it can either be done early in the morning when the animals are more active or in the afternoon in a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle with a professional driver guide. During the game drive which takes about 2 to 3 hours, you will follow different game tracks where you will be able to view different animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, giraffes, roan antelopes, zebras, Jacksons hartebeest, elands, mountain reedbucks, dik dik, oribi, view predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, serval cats and hyenas if you are lucky, view some bird species among others.

Best time for game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve

Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the national park therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to have clear views of the animals and abundant animal species will gather around the water bodies to drink water which helps you to view different animals and take beautiful pictures.

Where to stay during your safari in Pian upe wildlife reserve

There are limited accommodation facilities in and around Pian upe wildlife reserve where you can stay during your safari. The accommodations include Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas, accommodations in Mbale town and Sipi falls.

Other activities in pian upe wildlife reserve.

Apart from the game drives there are other interesting activities in Pian upe wildlife reserve that you can engage in and they include,

Nature walks where you will get out of the comfort of a safari vehicle and explore the park on foot with the company of an experienced park guide and armed park ranger. During the guided nature walk you will get up close and personal with different animals, primates, birds among others.

Bird watching where you will be able to view different bird species like ostrich, white headed buffalo, great hartlaubs bustard, Jacksons hornbill, secretary bird, yellow billed shrike, Karamoja apalis, superb sterling, green bitta, Abyssinian ground hornbill among others.

Cultural tours where tourists will get an opportunity to interact with the Karamajong and Kalengin people who live in the surrounding villages. During the cultural tour, tourists will be able to learn about the local people culture, tradition, lifestyle, visit their homesteads, museum, learn how to prepare their traditional dishes, enjoy their traditional entertainment in form of dance and drama among others.

Cave exploration where you will visit numerous rock paintings such as Napedet cave which is an ancient recreational place that is positioned at the former hunting area of the Karamojong and the Pokwot people used to roast meat from there after hunting, Napedio cave which has interesting paintings of wild animals like antelopes, baboons and is considered sacred by the local people.

How to get to Pian upe wildlife reserve

Pian upe wildlife reserve is located in northeastern part of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means where by you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Pian upe wildlife reserve which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive in a 4WD safari vehicle, 6 hours’ drive from Kidepo valley national park and 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Mbale town.

Game drives in Pian upe wildlife reserve can be combined with other interesting activities like cave exploration, bird watching for bird lovers, guided nature walks in Pian upe wildlife reserve or activities in Kidepo valley national park.