Pian Upe wildlife reserve is in North Eastern Uganda north of Mountain Elgon. This great wildlife reserve was found in the year 1964 and was initially known as Debasien Animal sanctuary which was later changed to Pian Upe wildlife reserve. Pian Upe wildlife reserve is found on a very high plateau and areas of rolling plains surround this plateau till the banks of Lake Kyoga. This wildlife reserve is connected to Bukora wildlife reserve and Matheniko Game reserve. While at Pian Upe wildlife reserve beautiful sceneries such as the great Mount Kadam which was initially known as Debasien is clearly seen and offers great Hiking opportunities. This mountain is found near the border of Uganda and Kenya. Pian Upe wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wildlife species such as leopards, lions, buffaloes, jackson’s hartebeest, mountain reed back, antelope, Oribi, Zebras, Topi, Giraffes, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, monkeys, baboons to mention but a few. Some of these species of wildlife migrate from both matheniko wildlife reserve and Bukora wildlife reserve. Pian Upe wildlife reserve is also filled with numerous bird species such as; Ostrich, jacksons horn bill, green bitta, secretary bird, Karamoja Apalis, Abyssinian ground Horn bill, superb starling, Great Hartlaubs Bustard to mention but a few. Pian Upe wildlife reserve is found in Karamoja region in the district of Nakapiripirit. It is approximately 416.2km via road from Kampala capital city of Uganda to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

However, while at Pian Upe wildlife reserve, a tourist can engage in numerous wildlife activities such as;

Game drive experience; Pian Upe wildlife reserve provides the opportunity for tourists to engage in wildlife viewing while being driven in safari vehicles through the different tracks in the wildlife reserve. Pian Upe boasts to be hosting numerous wildlife species such as leopards, lions, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, mountain reed back, antelope, Oribi, Zebras, Topi, Giraffes, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, monkeys, baboons to mention but a few. From which a tourist can be able to have a wonderful wildlife safari experience. Thes game drives can be done in a group or individually depending on tourists’ choice and budget. However, it is important to note that game drives are carried out in the presence of well-trained tour guides.

Bird watching; Pian Upe wildlife reserve nestles numerous bird species thus making it a birders Haven. This great wildlife reserve is filled with numerous bird species some of interchange between Bukora wildlife reserve and Matheniko wildlife reserve. These birds shall indeed make a Uganda birding safari at Pian Upe wildlife reserve indeed great and wonderful. Some of the bird species that can be viewed by bird lovers at Pian Upe wildlife reserve include; Ostrich, Jacksons horn bill, green bitta, secretary bird, Karamoja Apalis, Abyssinian ground Horn bill, superb starling, Great Hartlaubs Bustard to mention but a few. Bird watching can be done while hiking, while taking guided nature walks or even during game drives.

Guide nature walks; Pian Upe wildlife reserve is filled with many walking trails that pass through the forests, foot hills of mount Kadam through the savannah vegetation which offers a great opportunity for tourists to get closer while viewing the different wild animals and birds at the Reserve. Nature walks should be done in the presence of a well-trained and armed tour guide. While on natura walk tours, visitors are encouraged to put on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers and safety boots in order to protect them insect bites or even cuts from grass. Guided nature walks while at Pian Upe wildlife reserve gives tourists the opportunity to view the beautiful plateau areas, the plains land the valleys and the lush vegetation that surrounds this incredible wildlife reserve. A tourist can also explore the scenic views of Mount Kadam and the shores of lake Kyoga.

Community tours; While at Pian Upe wildlife reserve tourists can take a walk or a drive exploring the rich Karamojong people and their culture. These are the great nomadic pastoralists in the area. The Karamojong people have an interesting culture ranging from beautiful tradition dances and songs, blood taking ceremony, marriage wrestling ceremony, initiation ceremony to mention but a few. These group of people also have an interesting sense of dress code, ways of living which a tourist while on a community tour at Pian Upe wildlife reserve can explore. This shall indeed make one have a great cultural tour at Pian Upe wildlife reserve.

However, the above-mentioned activities are not the only activities that take place at Pian Upe wildlife reserve, some of the activities a tourist may engage in include; Hiking, camping, photography, exploring lake Kyoga to mention but a few.

The best time to visit pian Upe wildlife reserve is during the dry months of January, February, June, July, August and December where there are lesser down pours and tourist activities are less likely to be interrupted.