Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Uganda's second-largest protected area, Pian Upe is a vast, semi-arid savannah landscape in the Karamoja region, offering a true off-the-beaten-path...

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve at a Glance

Location
Karamoja & Northeastern Wilderness, Uganda, East Africa
Coordinates
1.886282, 34.507480
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February (dry seasons) for gorilla trekking and wildlife.

Getting to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Nearest airport: Pian Upe Airfield, 27 km away.

Nearest international airport: Eldoret International Airport (EDL), 184 km away.

Weather & Climate in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve occur in February, averaging 27.6°C (up to 34.9°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 23.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 5.0mm. Average humidity: 43.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.6°C (rainfall: 18.3mm)
  • February: 27.6°C (rainfall: 8.5mm)
  • March: 27.1°C (rainfall: 47.5mm)
  • April: 25.3°C (rainfall: 112.9mm)
  • May: 24.4°C (rainfall: 79.3mm)
  • June: 24.8°C (rainfall: 51.8mm)
  • July: 23.7°C (rainfall: 106.0mm)
  • August: 23.5°C (rainfall: 109.8mm)
  • September: 24.4°C (rainfall: 115.1mm)
  • October: 25.5°C (rainfall: 62.5mm)
  • November: 25.9°C (rainfall: 40.8mm)
  • December: 26.8°C (rainfall: 5.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

The best months to visit Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 18.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 42.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.6°C, rainfall 8.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 41.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.1°C, rainfall 47.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 48.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 112.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 62.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 24.36°C, rainfall 79.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 67.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.78°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 60.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 23.66°C, rainfall 106mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 66.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.54°C, rainfall 109.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 24.4°C, rainfall 115.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 64%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.49°C, rainfall 62.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 58%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.95°C, rainfall 40.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 53.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.82°C, rainfall 5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 43.1%

Wildlife in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Home to 36 recorded species including 13 birds of prey, 12 iconic birds, 3 antelope & gazelle, 2 primates, 2 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Based on average temperature of 25.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 56%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

5 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Karamoja & Northeastern Wilderness

Visitor Tips - Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe is one of Uganda's best-kept secrets, a true wilderness where we feel the spirit of untouched Africa. Its incredibly low crowding level (1/5) means you often have vast expanses to yourselves, offering an intimate and profound connection with nature. We love the feeling of discovery here, encountering wildlife in a landscape that feels truly wild and untamed, a rare gem in today's safari world.

Gate Times

Pian Upe's gates typically open at 6:30 AM and close at 6:30 PM. We always recommend pre-booking your Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permits, especially during the peak dry seasons (June to September and December to February), to ensure a smooth entry. While gate times are generally consistent, always confirm with your lodge or guide upon arrival, as local conditions can sometimes influence access.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest $15-25 per person per day. Camp staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, can be tipped collectively via a central box, perhaps $5-10 per person per day. Rangers accompanying walking safaris or specific activities might receive $10-15 per person per activity. Always tip in USD or Ugandan Shillings, and discreetly, at the end of your stay or activity.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Uganda

Travel advisory for Uganda

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve FAQs

What makes a safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve a truly unique Ugandan experience?

Pian Upe offers an unparalleled off-the-beaten-path adventure in Uganda's vast Karamoja region, characterized by its expansive semi-arid savannah and extremely low visitor numbers. Unlike more crowded parks, you'll experience a raw, untouched wilderness, often having wildlife sightings entirely to yourself.

Which rare or unique wildlife species can I specifically hope to encounter in Pian Upe?

Pian Upe is a crucial stronghold for several species rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda, including the majestic roan antelope, the impressive greater kudu, and the elusive cheetah. Beyond these, you can also spot zebras, giraffes, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife specific to its semi-arid ecosystem.

Considering Pian Upe's semi-arid climate, when is the ideal time of year to visit for wildlife viewing?

The best time to visit Pian Upe is during the dry season, from November to March and June to September, when the vegetation is sparser and animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Travel conditions are also more favorable during these months, as roads can become challenging in the wet season.

What are the practical considerations for accessing Pian Upe, and what should I know about safety and health in this remote area?

Accessing Pian Upe, located in the remote Karamoja region, typically requires a 4x4 vehicle and can involve long drives on unpaved roads, emphasizing its off-the-beaten-path nature. Due to the high malaria risk, it's crucial to consult your doctor about prophylaxis and take preventive measures like using insect repellent and mosquito nets.

What kind of accommodation options are available within or near Pian Upe, and how does the cost compare to other Ugandan safaris?

Accommodation options within Pian Upe are currently limited, primarily consisting of basic bandas or designated campsites, offering a true wilderness immersion. While park entry fees are standard, the overall cost for a safari here can be influenced by the need for specialized transport and self-sufficiency, often making it a more adventurous and potentially budget-friendly option compared to luxury lodges in more established parks.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Uganda by Philip Briggs - The definitive guide to Uganda - gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls, and chimp tracking. Detailed practical information from Africa's leading guidebook author.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.