Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve is Uganda’s second-largest protected area, offering a rugged and remote wildlife experience. Spanning vast rolling plains and dramatic landscapes in eastern Uganda, Pian-Upe is a sanctuary of rare wildlife species and cultural heritage, a place where visitors can experience one of Uganda’s lesser-known but truly wild landscapes.

Established in 1964 and initially designated as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary, Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve covers approximately 231,400 hectares of savannah grasslands, forested ridges, and wetlands. The reserve is situated north of Mount Elgon, about 50 kilometers east of Soroti, and connected to the Matheniko Game Reserve by the Bokora Corridor. Sitting at altitudes between 1,000 and 3,068 meters, Pian-Upe is a unique ecosystem that offers panoramic views of Uganda’s eastern highlands and the imposing Mount Kadam.

Key Features:

• Mount Kadam: Previously known as Mount Debasien, this is the reserve’s highest point at 3,068 meters, providing a stunning backdrop to the rolling plains.
• Soil and Hydrology: The plains are dominated by black cotton soil, which becomes inundated during the rainy season, creating a variety of wetland habitats.

The reserve is a refuge for large mammals and is known for species that are difficult to find elsewhere in Uganda:

• Big Cats: Lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), and the rare cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) can be spotted in the reserve, making it one of the few places in Uganda where visitors can see cheetahs in the wild.
• Giraffe and Antelope: Giraffe, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, and the elusive roan antelope call Pian-Upe home. The reserve is also an important breeding area for eland, topi, and zebra, which migrate from nearby reserves like North Bokora and Matheniko.
• Other Species: Waterbuck, oribi, and mountain reedbuck are common sightings, as well as Uganda kob.

Pian-Upe is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting a variety of rare and unique species:

• Ostrich: As one of the only places in Uganda to spot the ostrich, Pian-Upe attracts bird enthusiasts from around the world.
• Raptors and Others: The reserve is home to the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius), yellow-billed shrike, and many other fascinating species, adding to its birdwatching appeal.

Access by Road

Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve is accessible by road, located northeast of Mbale, and a convenient stopover when visiting Mount Elgon. The journey from Kampala to Pian-Upe takes approximately 7-8 hours, but the scenic drive offers insights into Uganda’s rural landscapes and the unique Karamoja region.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from December to February and June to September, is the ideal time to visit Pian-Upe. During this period, wildlife gathers near the remaining water sources, increasing chances for exceptional sightings. Wet season access may be limited due to heavy rains that make some areas inaccessible.