Located in northeastern Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of the country’s most remote and least visited safari destinations in Uganda. As Uganda’s second largest protected area, it offers a raw African wilderness experience with vast savannah plains, rolling hills, and dramatic skies that stretch to the horizon. Beyond the solitude, the reserve is a stronghold for rare wildlife and exceptional birding a fascinating contrast to Uganda’s more frequented parks.
An Adventure Off the Beaten Path
Unlike other parks with dense tourist traffic, Pian Upe invites travelers who want authentic wilderness: sparse crowds, quiet surroundings, and genuine encounters with nature. The landscape dotted with acacia trees, rocky outcrops, and seasonal waterholes is home to unique species such as cheetahs, ostriches, roan antelope, and more than 300 bird species.
Getting To Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Due to Pian Upe’s remote location, a safari here takes planning and a sense of adventure. Here’s how to reach the reserve:
By Road
- From Kampala: The most common route is by road about 8–10 hours’ drive (roughly 400–500 km) via Mbale and Soroti, transitioning to gravel roads near Karamoja. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season when roads become rough.
- From Mbale: Pian Upe is approximately 90 km north of Mbale; this leg takes about 4–5 hours via Chepsikunya Trading Centre.
- From Moroto: The reserve is more accessible from the northeast a 2–3-hour drive from Moroto town on murram roads.
- Public Transport: You can take buses from Kampala to Mbale or Moroto, then arrange local transport with a guide or private vehicle though schedules and reliability can vary.
By Air
There are no scheduled domestic flights directly into the reserve, but you can charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to smaller airstrips such as Moroto or Amudat, followed by a road transfer into the reserve.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options around Pian Upe are limited but increasingly varied, catering to different types of travelers from budget campers to mid-range safari guests:
Within or Near the Reserve
- UWA Bandas (Reserve Headquarters): Basic bandas (cottages) are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority three of them are self-contained with beds and basic facilities, while one has external facilities. Electricity is available for lights and charging. Meals can be arranged onsite.
- Camping: You can camp at designated sites inside the reserve. Bring your own tent and gear campsites are simple but allow a deep connection with the wilderness.
Nearby Towns and Regions
- Moroto Town: Offers a broader choice of hotels, guesthouses, and cultural safari camps such as Mount Moroto Hotel and Kara-Tunga Safari Camp both good bases for exploring Pian Upe and surrounding Karamoja attractions.
- Mbale & Sipi Falls Region: If you prefer more developed lodges or boutique stays, consider staying in Mbale or near Sipi Falls, with places like Sipi River Lodge and Lacam Lodge. From these locations, Pian Upe is a scenic day-trip drive.