Pian Upe is a large, little-visited reserve in the south of Karamoja, in Uganda's dry north east. It is open savannah and bushland overlooked by the volcanic hills of Kadam and Napak, and it is the only place in Uganda where you can still see roan antelope. Cheetah, ostrich and a range of dry-country species live here too.
This is not a place for big herds or easy sightings. It is for travellers who want wide horizons, Karamojong culture and the feeling of being far off the usual route, with the understanding that facilities are simple and the wildlife is still recovering.
Roan antelope are the headline, alongside cheetah, ostrich, eland, topi, Uganda kob, oribi and patas monkeys. Leopard, spotted hyena and jackal are present, and the birding includes dry-country species such as Jackson’s hornbill and white-bellied go-away-bird that are hard to find further south.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Flat to rolling grassland and acacia bush, cut by seasonal rivers and dotted with rocky kopjes, under very big skies. Mount Kadam rises to the south east and Napak to the north, both old volcanic hills that dominate the horizon.
Activities here
Karamoja is hot and semi-arid, with daytime temperatures often above 30°C in the dry months and cooler nights. There is one main wet season, roughly April to October, though the rains are irregular and some years are very dry.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 16 | 10 |
| Feb | 33 | 17 | 20 |
| Mar | 32 | 17 | 50 |
| Apr | 30 | 17 | 110 |
| May | 29 | 17 | 110 |
| Jun | 28 | 16 | 80 |
| Jul | 28 | 16 | 120 |
| Aug | 28 | 16 | 120 |
| Sep | 29 | 16 | 70 |
| Oct | 30 | 16 | 50 |
| Nov | 30 | 16 | 30 |
| Dec | 31 | 16 | 15 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
The dry season runs from about November to March. Days are hot, often above 30°C, the grass is short and animals are easier to find near the remaining water. Tracks are at their best, and the air is often hazy with dust.
Karamoja has one long wet season, roughly April to October, though the rain is irregular and some years are very dry. When it does rain, black cotton soil makes some tracks impassable, the grass grows tall and wildlife spreads out.
The drier months from December to March and a drier spell around June and July give the best road conditions and make animals easier to find near water. Roads can become difficult during heavy rain.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Pian Upe lies north of Mbale, about 2 to 3 hours from Sipi or Mbale by road. From Kampala allow a full day, around 7 to 8 hours, so we usually break the journey at Sipi Falls. Charter flights into Karamoja are possible.
A visa is needed for Uganda and can be applied for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Park fees are included in our safaris. Please see the Uganda page for details.
Pian Upe is remote, hot and dry. A yellow fever certificate is needed to enter Uganda, so please carry it with your passport. Malaria is present, so antimalarials are advised. Bring sun protection and plenty of water.
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“For the curious traveller”
We suggest Pian Upe only to guests who have already done the classic parks and want something wilder in feel. It works best as part of a Karamoja journey, perhaps with Sipi Falls on one side and Kidepo on the other. Travel with low expectations for game and high expectations for landscape and people, and it rarely disappoints.
Safaris from
US$4,747 per person
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