Uganda is gifted with beauty in every sense of the word; from the glistening snow-capped Rwenzoris, the roaring hot springs cradled in the enchanting meadow within the Semuliki tropical forest, the dense forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga that shelter more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, abundant wildlife that roams the savanna to the undisputed allure of the ladies that call it home.
Only those who heed the call to explore get to experience Uganda’s medley of beauty – travel enthusiasts are headed NorthEast to satiate their wanderlust in Karamoja, touring Pian Upe and Lokichar Game Reserves whose magnificence has relatively not been given the exposure it so deserves.
A collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Miss Uganda Foundation and Breathtaking Uganda, the Pian Upe and Lokichar Game Reserves tour scheduled for Thursday November 30th to December 3rd is aimed at highlighting the tourist attractions in the two reserves and drawing attention to Karamoja’s tourism potential as a whole.
The four-day campaign will feature the State Minister for Tourism Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Miss Uganda and Miss Tourism Queens, artiste Zex Bilangilangi and Producer Washington who will record, in real time, a song meant to promote Pian Upe game reserve, sumptuous servings by Chef Gonahasa, cultural immersion as participants experience the authentic Karamoja traditions; dressing, folklore and dances in addition to partaking in the cuisines among others.
Participants are also up for thrilling safaris, an opportunity to spot Pian Upe’s prized wildlife such as the Ostriches, Cheetahs, Roan Antelopes (which are unique to Pian Upe in the whole of Uganda.) The game drives are a perfect serve for Karamoja’s unique, breathtaking scenery. The famous Napedet Cave in Pian Upe is a dreamy spot to watch sunsets, a golden moment for sunset lovers to bask in the wonders of an expanse littered with acacia silhouettes under a sky painted with a million shades of hazel and amber as the sun recedes further into the horizon.
While at Napedet, participants will also engage in a mini wilderness fashion expo.
With a rich itinerary and community-based activities lined up such as the “Beauty with a purpose” drive, Minister Mugarra and the beauty queens from Miss Uganda and Miss Tourism Uganda will engage in charity activities with special reference to the community near Pian Upe headquarters.
According to the statement issued by Breathtaking Uganda CEO Isaiah Jobs Rwanyekiro, the beauty with a purpose drive will team up with the Karamoja Children’s Charity, a charity supporting girls rescued from forced marriages, to mobilize support towards their school fees, scholastic materials, sanitary pads, panties, soap among others.
“The Miss Uganda and Tourism beauty queens will give motivational talks to the affected girls on issues of mental health, menstrual hygiene and encourage these young girls to desist from teenage and early/childhood marriages,” the statement reads in part.
Tour Itinerary
Tuesday 28th November 2023: (Pian Upe and Lokichar Game Reserves Kampala meet and greet)
On Tuesday 28th November 2023 we shall have the Pian Upe and Lokichar Game Reserves Kampala meet and greet at 4LS Lounge in Bukoto starting 5pm onwards. Miss Uganda, Miss Tourism and several travel enthusiasts led by the Hon. Minister Martin Bahinduka will meet at 4LS lounge to get to know each other better as all members gear up for Thursday morning’s anticipated set off.
Thursday 30th November, 2023: (Travel from Kampala through Jinja, Mbale, Muyembe up to Pian Upe)
7am: Set off from Kampala, meeting and flag off point being Uganda Museum or Shell Lugogo tentatively but to be super confirmed soon. Drive with stopovers in Jinja at Shell Amber Court and Java House for a health and refreshments break 1-2pm have a lunch stopover at Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale City.
3pm: After lunch around 3pm, drive straight to Pian Upe headquarters through Mbale, Muyembe and check into Karamoja Overland Camp and Pian Upe UWA bandas in Pian Upe game reserve arriving between 5 and 6pm.
7-9pm Dinner and after dinner campfire and retirement to bed at Leisure.
Friday 1st December 2023: (Game drive, breakfast launch of Pian Upe at Napedet cave, community charity visit and evening sundowner barbecue and cocktails)
6:00am Wakeup call
6.30am morning game drive starts
10.30am Bush breakfast in the wilderness at a secret location offering one-of-a-kind experience by a renowned guest chef.
12-2pm Lunch break 3pm: Afternoon visit one of the communities near Pian Upe for the charity engagement and cultural experience activities immersion.
6-7pmpm: In the evening relax at Karamoja Overland Camp and Pian Upe UWA bandas, watch the beautiful sunset and an evening barbecue of organically farmed goat meat feast with campfire games and storytelling and some cocktails.
Saturday 2nd December, 2023: (Head over to Moroto and Lokichar game reserve)
6:30am wakeup call
7am: Early morning breakfast
8am: Transfer from Pian Upe through Namalu, Tokola then Nakapiripirit, Lorengwadwat then Moroto town. Along the way have stop overs for various Kodak moments against the beautiful backdrop scenery of Karamoja.
12pm: Check into Seven Ranges Hotel quickly 1-2pm lunch at Seven Ranges Hotel in Moroto 2-3.30pm visit and tour Moroto Museum for a hand over ceremony to the contractor for reconstruction work to begin. Activity spearheaded by the Uganda Museum.
3.30pm Drive to Lokichar game reserve for cultural welcome, entertainment and a tour of this beautiful facility and later in the evening have a sundowner barbecue feast and cocktails here with more traditional dances and entertainment from the Karimojong community members.
7pm drive back to Seven Ranges Hotel for campfire and storytelling and travel testimonies sharing. If possible and security clears us we also plan to have a two-hour night experience of a typical Karimojong community manyata and later let everyone go to rest at leisure.
Sunday 3rd December, 2023: (Drive back to Kampala with several stop overs at some of the tourism hotspots)
7.30am Breakfast at Seven Ranges Hotel
9am: After breakfast, transfer back to Kampala through Nakapiripirit, Soroti, Mbale, Iganga, Jinja and Kampala marking the end of our trip.