Top things to do in Pian upe wildlife reserve 2022
Top things to do in Pian upe wildlife reserve 2022; Pian upe wildlife reserve is the second largest conservation area in Uganda after Murchison falls national park. The reserve covers an area of 2,788 square kilometers and is located in northeastern park or Uganda in Karamoja region between Kidepo valley national park and Mount Elgon national park. Pian upe wildlife reserve is a home of different animal species including reedbucks, roan antelopes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, oribi, gazelle, elands, zebras, buffaloes, wildcats, dik dik topi, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeest, giraffes and different bird species like ostrich, secretary bird, yellow billed shrike among others.
Top things to do in Pian upe wildlife reserve 2022
Game drive in Pian upe wildlife reserve
Game drive is one of the major activities in Pian upe wildlife reserve and it involves exploring the park in a comfortable pop up safari vehicle with a professional driver guide. Game drives in the reserve can either be done in the morning when animals are more active or in the afternoon following different game tracks. During the game drive, you will be able to view animals like buffaloes, roan antelopes, greater kudu, dik dik, elands, cheetah, zebras, jackals, Jackson’s hartebeest among others.
Bird watching in Pian upe wildlife reserve
Pian upe wildlife reserve is a home of over 240 recorded bird species including forest birds, near endemic birds and migratory birds. Bird watching in Pian upe wildlife reserve is best done early in the morning or in the evening with an experienced park guide who will help you to spot different bird species like ostrich, Karamoja apalis, superb sterling, secretary bird, green pitta, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black throated wattle eye, Jacksons hornbill, yellow billed shrike, African hill babbler, hartlaubs bustard, white headed buffalo , dusky turle dove among others.
Nature walk/ hiking in Pian upe wildlife reserve
Nature walk is an interesting activity in Pian upe wildlife reserve where tourists will get an opportunity to explore the reserve on foot with the company of a park guide and armed park ranger to protect you from dangerous animals. During the guided nature walk, you will get up-close and personal with different animals, listen to sweet sounds of bird species singing in trees, view colorful butterflies, view variety of bird species, trees among others.
Mountain climbing in Pian upe wildlife reserve
This is an adventurous activity where you will be able to climb the three mountains that is Mount Napak, Mount Elgon or Mount Kadam. During mountain climbing in Pian upe wildlife reserve, you will climb to Napendio cave which is considered to be holly by the local people and normally ask blessings from the cave, Napendet cave which is located at the former hunting area for the Pokwot and Karamajong people who used to roast meat after hunting. The walls of Napedet cave are decorated with ancient paintings/ art showing wild animals of elands, warthogs, roan antelopes, giraffes
Cultural encounters in Pian upe wildlife reserve
This is an exciting activity where you will be able to interact with the local people in the neighboring villages. During the cultural encounters, you will be able to visit the Karamajong, Kalenjin, learn about their culture, history, lifestyle, enjoy their traditional entertainment inform of dances and drama, visit the Karamajong cultural museum, taste their traditional meals among others.
Best time to visit Pian upe wildlife reserve in 2022
Pian upe wildlife reserve can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the wildlife reserve receives little or less rainfall therefore access roads and nature walk trails will be passable, vegetation will be thin which helps you to view different animals clearly.
Pian upe wildlife reserve can also be visited during the wet/ rainy season in the months of March to May and November because that’s the best time for bird watching in that it’s the breeding plumage hence bird lovers will be able to view colorful and migratory bird species.
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 which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Kampala, 6 hours from Kidepo valley national park and 2 to 3 hours from Mbale town.
