Game Reserve
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Uganda 2,788 km² (1,076 mi²) Est. 1964
About Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is Uganda's second-largest protected area at 2,788 square kilometres, yet it remains one of the country's least known and least visited wildlife destinations. Located in the northeastern Karamoja region, this vast semi-arid landscape of open plains, rocky outcrops, and scattered acacia woodland is reminiscent of Kenya's northern frontier.
The reserve is particularly notable for its populations of cheetah, roan antelope, greater kudu, and Bright's gazelle — species extremely rare or absent elsewhere in Uganda. It also supports good numbers of buffalo, zebra, eland, and hartebeest. The Karamojong pastoralists who live around the reserve add cultural richness to any visit.
0
Safari Tours
3.5
Avg Rating
1/5
Big Five
62
Years Protected
Highlights
- Rare species including cheetah, roan antelope, and greater kudu
- Uganda's second-largest protected area
- Completely off the beaten path with no other tourists
- Rich Karamojong cultural encounters
Considerations
- Very remote with extremely limited infrastructure
- Roads are rough and often impassable in wet season
- Security concerns in the Karamoja region (improving)
- Wildlife very dispersed across the vast landscape
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
Not present
🐆
Leopard
rare
🐘
Elephant
Not present
🦬
Buffalo
Not present
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Leopard
Rare
Cheetah
Rare
Zebra
Occasional
Eland
Occasional
Hyena
Occasional
Jackal
Occasional
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Pian Upe is accessed from Moroto or Nakapiripirit in Karamoja, approximately 8-10 hours from Kampala. A 4x4 vehicle is essential. Often combined with Kidepo Valley.
Nearest Airport
Moroto Airstrip
Nearest City
Moroto
Drive Time
9 hours