Wildlife Reserve · Karamoja Region
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Uganda's second-largest protected area and one of its least-visited, in the sparsely populated Karamoja region.
How to get there
By road from Mbale or Moroto, in Uganda's remote northeast.
What to find
Semi-arid plains wildlife and a genuinely remote, uncrowded safari setting.
Overview
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is Uganda's second-largest protected area, covering wide semi-arid plains in the Karamoja region, between Mount Elgon and Mount Kadam.
It's one of the last refuges in Uganda for the roan antelope, and also holds eland, Uganda kob, occasional cheetah and a variety of dry-country birds. It's still developing as a tourist destination and very rarely visited.
Highlights
- One of the last places in Uganda to see the roan antelope
- Wide, semi-arid plains with views of Mount Kadam and Mount Elgon
- Pokot and Karamojong cultural encounters
- Complete solitude on game drives
Things to do
Game drives
Look for roan, eland and dry-country birds.
Cultural visits
Meet Pokot and Karamojong communities.
Hiking
Explore the rocky outcrops and surrounding hills.
Best time to visit
The dry season (roughly November to March) is easiest for access.
Getting there
By road from Mbale (about 2 to 3 hours) or Moroto, in Uganda's northeast.
Where to stay
Facilities are very limited, so we plan it as part of a Karamoja or Kidepo route with suitable camps.
See accommodation options in Uganda →
Good to know
- Best combined with Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls or Kidepo on an eastern and northern route.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.