Visiting Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in 2026/27
You want a trip that is different from the usual trips. Most people go to see mountain gorillas. Some go to see lions in trees. Very few people go to the far east of Uganda. There lies a large place called Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. It is a place of big open spaces and big skies. It covers over 2,257 square kilometers. This makes it one of the largest protected areas in the country. In 2026, many things will have changed here. The government is working to make it a national park. This means better roads and more security for the animals. We see this as a big step for the Karamoja region.
The Animals of the Karamoja Plains
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the only place in Uganda where you can see certain animals. The most famous is the cheetah. These fast cats love the flat ground here. They hide in the tall grass. You need a good eye to spot them. We often find them near the rock outcrops. They use the rocks to look for food.
Another rare animal is the roan antelope. This is a big antelope with ears that look like tassels. You will not find it in any other park in Uganda. It is a prize for any person who loves nature.
You will also see large herds of plains zebras. They graze with elands and Topis. The eland is the largest antelope in the world. Seeing a group of them run across the plains is a great sight. You might also see Hartebeests and Oribis. If you look at the hills, you can find the mountain reedbuck. There are also many predators. Spotted hyenas live here in large numbers. You can hear them at night near the camp. Jackals also roam the plains during the day. Sometimes, leopards hide in the trees along the dry river beds. The bird life is also very good. Over 240 types of birds live here. The ostrich is the most famous bird in the reserve. It is the only place in Uganda where you can see them in the wild. You will also see the Secretary bird walking through the grass. It looks like it is wearing a suit. Abyssinian ground hornbills are also common. They have bright red or blue patches on their necks. Many birds of prey fly in the sky. You can see eagles and vultures looking for a meal.
How to Track Cheetahs in the Reserve
Tracking cheetahs is not like a normal game drive. It takes time and patience. We start very early in the morning. The air is cool, and the sun is just coming up. We drive slowly across the plains. We look
for movements in the grass. Cheetahs are active in the morning and evening. They do not like the hot midday sun. We often check the Napedet area. This area has shorter grass and many small hills. The rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority are very helpful. They know the habits of the cats. They look for tracks in the sand. If we find a fresh kill, we know the cheetah is nearby. You must stay in the car when you find them. Cheetahs are shy and will run away if they feel scared. Seeing one hunt is a rare thing. They use their speed to catch small antelopes. It is a fast and exciting event. You should bring good binoculars. They help you see the details of their spots and their tear marks.
Hiking the Napedet Cave Paintings
Pian Upe is not just about animals. It has a lot of history too. The Napedet caves are a great place to visit. These caves are high up on a rocky hill. You have to hike for about two hours to reach them. The path is steep in some places. You should wear good shoes with a grip. As you climb, the view of the plains gets better. You can see all the way to Mount Elgon on a clear day. Inside the caves, you will see old rock art. These paintings were made by people a long time ago. They show pictures of animals and people. It is like a history lesson on a wall. The rangers explain what the drawings mean. Some show how people used to hunt. Others show their beliefs. The air inside the caves is cool. It is a nice break from the sun. We usually take a packed lunch and eat it at the cave entrance. It is one of the best spots for a picnic in the whole reserve.
Logistics and 2026 Entry Fees
Going to Pian Upe takes some work. It is about 8 or 9 hours from Kampala. Most people drive through Mbale city. The road from Mbale to the reserve is now being fixed. This makes the trip faster than before. You need a 4×4 car. The roads inside the reserve are dirt tracks. They can get very muddy if it rains. A small car will get stuck.
In 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority set new fees. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is 35 dollars per person for 24 hours. If you are a resident, it is 25 dollars. East African citizens pay 15,000 shillings. You also have to pay for the car. A local car costs 30,000 shillings. A foreign car costs more. You can pay these fees at the gate or at the main office in Kampala. We suggest paying in Kampala to save time at the gate.
You should also think about the cost of a ranger. A ranger helps you find the animals and keeps you safe. They cost about 20 dollars per day. This is money well spent. They have radios and talk to other rangers. This is how we find the cheetahs quickly. If you want to go for a night drive, that is an extra cost. Night drives are great for seeing hyenas and owls.
Where to Stay Near the Reserve
There are not many places to sleep in Pian Upe. This is part of its charm. It is quiet and not crowded. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has a camp at the headquarters. They have simple tents and bandas. Bandas are small stone houses with basic beds. They are clean but do not have luxury. They use solar power for light. There is a common area where you can eat your meals.
If you want more comfort, there is the Karamoja Overland Camp. It is located just outside the reserve. They have better tents with private bathrooms. The food there is also very good. They use local ingredients to make tasty meals. Many people like to camp with their own gear. There is a public campsite where you can pitch your tent. You need to bring your own food and water if you camp. The stars at night are very bright here. Because there are no big cities nearby, the sky is very dark. You can see the Milky Way clearly.
Comparing Pian Upe to Kidepo Valley
Many people ask if they should go to Kidepo or Pian Upe. Both are in the Karamoja region. Kidepo Valley is a national park and has more lions and elephants. It also has more lodges. However, Kidepo is much further away. It takes another 5 or 6 hours to drive from Pian Upe to Kidepo.
Pian Upe is better for people who want to see cheetahs and ostriches. It is also less busy. You might spend a whole day in Pian Upe without seeing another car. In Kidepo, you will see more tourists. Pian Upe feels more wild. It is also a good stop if you are visiting Sipi Falls. Sipi Falls is only 2 hours away. You can see the waterfalls in the morning and be in the reserve by lunch. We think doing both is the best choice if you have the time
Safaris to Pian Upe
6-day Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley safari
The Future of Pian Upe
The change to a national park will bring more money to the area. This money will help the local people. They are the Karamojong. They are cattle herders who have lived here for a long time. Many of them now work as rangers or in the camps. They are proud of their land and its animals. When you visit, you are helping them protect their home. We also hope to see more animals brought back. In the past, there were giraffes and rhinos here. There is a plan to bring giraffes from Murchison Falls. This will make the reserve even better. It is a place that is growing and getting better every year. If you want to see it before it becomes very famous, you should go now.
Important Things to Pack
You should bring light clothes. The sun is very strong. A wide hat and sunglasses are a must. You should also bring a warm sweater for the nights. It can get chilly when the wind blows across the 
plains. Bring plenty of insect repellent. There are tsetse flies in some parts of the reserve. Their bite is sharp but not dangerous.
A good camera with a zoom lens is vital. The animals are often far away. You will also need a power bank. Solar power in the camps can be weak. If you have many gadgets to charge, a power bank will save you. Lastly, bring a good pair of binoculars. We cannot say this enough. They change how you see the world.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Pian Upe is part of the larger Mount Elgon Conservation Area. This area is vital for the water supply of the region. By visiting, you support the work of the UWA. They use the money for patrols and to stop poaching. Statistics show that animal numbers are going up every year. This is a good sign for the future
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to see cheetahs in Pian Upe?
The best time is during the dry months of January, February, and March. The grass is very short during this time. This makes it much easier to spot the cats. You should go out very early in the morning when they are most active.
Can I visit Pian Upe without a 4×4 car?
No, you really need a 4×4 car. The roads are made of dirt and sand. They have many bumps and holes. During the rain, the roads turn into deep mud. A normal car will get stuck very quickly, and there are no tow trucks nearby.
Is it safe to camp in the reserve?
Yes, it is safe to camp at the designated sites. These sites are near the ranger posts. The rangers are there to keep you safe from both people and wild animals. You should keep your tent zipped up and do not leave food outside at night.
How much does a safari to Pian Upe cost?
A basic three-day trip can cost between 500 and 1000 dollars. This includes car rental, fuel, entry fees, and simple accommodation. If you want a more comfortable stay and a private driver, the price will be higher. Always check the latest UWA fees before you go.
What should I wear for the Napedet cave hike?
You should wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. The path is rocky and can be slippery. Wear long trousers to protect your legs from tall grass and thorns. A hat and sunscreen are also very important because there is little shade on the climb.
Are there lions in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve?
There are very few lions in the reserve. They are rarely seen by visitors. If you want to see lions, Kidepo Valley or Queen Elizabeth Park are better choices. Pian Upe is famous for its cheetahs, roan antelopes, and large herds of plains zebras.
