Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha
ONLY PLACE IN UGANDA WHERE THE TREE CLIMBING LIONS CAN BE VIEWED
Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha sector is the only place in Uganda where the tree-climbing lions can be viewed. Ishasha sector is located on the Southern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. It is a perfect area to make a stopover en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking safaris.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha
At the Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha sector, there are diverse animal species to be spotted on Uganda tours and safaris. These include the tree-climbing lions – often viewed hanging on fig tree branches; Uganda kobs, topis, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, hippos and more.
Birds to sight on birding tour in Ishasha include the African white-backed vultures, palm-nut vultures, Ruppell’s griffon vulture, hooded vultures, lappet-faced vultures, grey-backed fiscal, African crake, African wattled plovers, broad-billed rollers, striped kingfishers, long-crested eagle, ross’s turacos, striped kingfishers, grey woodpeckers, African green pigeon, martial eagle, and black coucal, etc.
Where to stay
Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha sector features all the 3 categories of accommodation: budget, midrange and luxury. They include Ishasha Jungle Lodge, River Ishasha Safari Camp, Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp and Topi Lodge.
When to visit
Ishasha sector is open to tourists all year round. However, the most favorite time to travel and explore this sector on a game drive is during the dry season which begins from June to September, December till February. The Ishasha game track is more accessible during the dry months of the year unlike the wet/rainy season.
How to get there
By road: Set off from Kampala/Entebbe city in a 4×4 safari vehicle taking Masaka-Mbarara route or Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal route. Or Drive from Buhoma sector to Ishasha while visitors who may not need to spend long hours on the road can book chartered/scheduled flights.
Things to do in Ishasha sector
Birding in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park involves a search for the diversity of birds in different habitats. This sector is famous for its memorable bird-watching experiences and ideal location to find birds such as the African green pigeon, Senegal plovers, the long-crested eagle, white-headed barbet, African wattled plovers, broad-billed rollers, grey-backed fiscals, African crake, martial eagle, white-headed barbets, black coucal, and more.
A game drive along the Ishasha allows visitors to explore varied animal species. The main interest will be searching for the tree-climbing lions, but there are other wildlife species living in this sector as well. They include waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and more. Take a 4×4 tourist vehicle, and explore the Ishasha sector with an experienced guide either in the morning or afternoon for 2 hours.
Go nature walking to explore the hidden treasures of Ishasha on foot. The guided nature walk leads you through the rich trails around the Ishasha River as you keep your eyes on the bird species, mammals and other species.
Community visits along the Ishasha area introduce you to nearby homesteads to interact with local residents living adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Learn the distinct cultures, traditions and their practices.
