Pian Upe Wilderness Lodge is a vision to build an eco-destination on a currently empty plot of 30 acre in size, situated on the boundary of the Pian Upe Game Reserve. This is a government protected area in the Karamoja sub-region of north eastern Uganda. It is the second largest conservation area in Uganda. The southern part of this wildlife reserve was gazetted as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1958. A government-led project to convert land just south of the Greek River for agriculture threatened the viability of wildlife conservation in the whole area. In 1964, the reserve was expanded northward and renamed Pian Upe Game Reserve.

The owners of the plot for the future Pian Upe Wilderness Lodge wish to provide unique nature-based travel solutions to the region in order to establish viable tourism operations as well as benefits and livelihood opportunities to the local population.

They are looking for a grant or an investment partnership to implement the lodge which will provide direct employment to the community as well as entrepreneurial projects and educational training which in the long-term will reduce wildlife poaching activities.

Future Aims:

1. Build a lodge to establish sustainable tourism opportunities in this untapped region
2. Need land and funds for creating a Community-Cultural Village project. A cultural village will allow community members to farm, keep livestock, cultivate gardens and welcome tourists for activities such as dance, weaving baskets and selling crafts.
3. Designing walking trails for tourists
4. Need funds for building a school and health centre
5. Tree planting project with guests and community members in the area
6. Training and educating community members to become local conservation guides
7. Creating entrepreneurial projects for community members, such as crafts, garden produce, honey

Image provided.