Updated 19 October 2026

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda, is one of the country’s largest protected areas, a dry savannah of grassland and acacia below Mount Kadam and Mount Napak. It is the only place in Uganda where roan antelope survive, in small numbers, and Rothschild’s giraffes were moved there from Murchison Falls in 2019 to start a new population.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife

Besides roan antelope and giraffes, Pian Upe has Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, eland, Bright’s gazelle, ostriches and many birds of dry country, including the Kori bustard and Abyssinian ground hornbill. Leopards and spotted hyenas are present, and cheetahs are occasionally reported. Animal numbers are lower than in Kidepo or Murchison but recovering.

Conservation

Poaching and insecurity in Karamoja reduced wildlife heavily in past decades. Improved security and Uganda Wildlife Authority patrols have allowed recovery, and the giraffe translocation was part of a wider plan to restore the reserve and develop tourism.

Visiting

Pian Upe is reached from Mbale or Soroti and suits travellers combining Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon and Karamoja. Facilities are basic, so go with an experienced operator. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to the Karamoja region, Rothschild’s giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest and Uganda’s protected areas.

Frequently asked questions