Pian-Upe National Park
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Our Take
Pian-Upe is an excellent option to break the journey to or from Kidepo but is not yet a destination in its own right, other than perhaps for those with a special interest in its unique or rare animal or birdlife, or an interest in the ceremonial caves.
For most, accommodation here would provide a challenge – for us we enjoy a wild camp near the caves with all the usual trimmings.
Pian-Upe
Pian-Upe is a vast conservation area in north east Uganda. It is second only in area to Murchison Falls National Park and loosely bounded by the volcanic Mounts Napak, Kadam and Elgon to the north, east and south respectively. It consists mainly of wooded savanna grasslands with numerous rocky outcrops and the plugs of ancient volcanoes. Though currently designated as a Wildlife Reserve, it is currently undergoing transformation to be upgraded to a National Park with import of new species.
The name Pian-Upe derives from two warring tribes, the Pian to the west and the Upe to the east. When peace was declared, the road was built to mark the settled boundary between the tribes and the park renamed to honour both peoples. A legacy of the Upe, the park contains a ceremonial cave with cave paintings and other visible markings of ancient tribal gatherings.
Wildlife
Pian-Upe has a number of species unique to the park, such as roan antelope, and others that are rare elsewhere, such as eland and ostrich. It boasts a wide array of other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, reedbuck, Uganda kob, oribi and hartebeest and is occasionally frequented by cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah.
Typical of Uganda, it is a haven for birdwatchers which, as well as the ostriches, include Abyssinian ground hornbill, superb starling and white-headed buffalo weaver.
Location
If designated a National Park it will become only the third to the east of the country and a much-needed tourism resource to connect with Mount Elgon to the south and Kidepo to the north.
The Facts
- Wildlife Reserve, originally declared as Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1964
- Area 2,275 sqkm
- 40 mammal species and 240 birds
- Ceremonial caves and cave paintings
Camping In Uganda;
Pian-Upe
At the time of writing, apart from the very basic UWA bandas by the entrance, there is no other option for accommodation at Pian-Upe, other than to camp, and nowhere yet with established facilities. This suits our set up perfectly. We normally set up a wild camp with a ranger and a campfire in the middle of the park near the Upe rock caves – and visit the caves in the late afternoon or early morning.
Mid-Range Lodges
Currently none available in the area other than commuting from Moroto or Mbale.
Stop Dreaming,
Start Planning!
Do you want to include Murchison Falls NP in your custom-made safari? Then go to the Detailed Planner page where you can tell us all your likes and wishes and we will create a dream trip for you.