The Ishasha sector is suited suitably in the southern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda. This sector is popular for its rare tree climbing lions which can easily be spotted sprawling on tree branches. Ishasha sector is suitably set in an area with riverine and vast savanna vegetation, acacia and fig trees. This is one of the most visited in Queen Elizabeth National Park a home to over 620 bird species, 4 of the big 5 game, several antelopes and its exceptional landscape rewards travel endeavors with excellent views of distinct wildlife species. Ishasha sector is reachable within 2 hours away from Mweya peninsular.
This remote southern region of the park enjoys fewer visitors than the popular game circuits of Kasenyi and Mweya 100km to the north – but those who venture this far may be rewarded with sightings of Ishasha’s most famous residents – the tree climbing lions – as they lounge in fig and acacia trees while keeping a close eye on herds of Uganda kob.
It is also home to many buffalo and elephants – and offers a good chance of sighting the rare shoebill on the shore of Lake Edward. Ishasha is also a convenient and scenic region to pass through on the way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located just 70km away.
Things to See in Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha Sector is popular for the rare tree climbing lions and they can easily be sighted on tree branches when they are relaxing and chilling. It is one of the best sites where the tree climbing lions can be spotted in East Africa in addition to Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Other wildlife species to catch a glimpse at while in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park include leopards, buffaloes, water bucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, elands, elephants.
One of the favourite areas in Ishasha is the Lake Edward Flats. The track to the flats is seasonal and should only be attempted with a four wheel drive vehicle even during the dry season. After a bit of navigating a few tricky spots in the road, the landscape opens up into a wide expanse of compacted sandy soil. It’s here that you’ll find numerous species of birds, including the Shoebill. You can’t actually see Lake Edward from here as the edge is fringed with papyrus. As you wander around the open area you’re likely to see elephants munching away in the papyrus, knee deep in the water and bachelor buffalo revelling in their muddy wallows.
Things to Do in Ishasha sector
Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its distinct safari activities and visitors on Ugandan safari to this particular side of the park can take part in bird watching. Birding in Ishasha sector gets you the best sights at diverse birds such as the black coucal, herons, storks, weaver birds a mention but a few. Lake Edward and Ishasha River offer refuge to distinct wildlife and bird species. This sector is ideal for game viewing getting you a great opportunity to see the tree climbing lions and many savanna grassland dwellers.
In terms of safari drives in Ishasha, the tracks are divided into the northern and the southern circuit. The northern circuit is very scenic and is good for seeing kob, topi, hyena, lion and leopard. In recent months a hyena den has been discovered where pups periodically peer out from the little caves in the earth. With a little patience, you may see them come out for some playtime with each other. A special sighting indeed! There are a couple of fig trees in the northern circuit which are the trees of choice for the lions but most of them are concentrated on the southern circuit. The tracks on the southern circuit can be somewhat confusing as there are numerous trails that lead to – and around – the fig trees. A GPS or a guide is a good idea, as things can quickly become confusing. The reason behind why the lions climb the trees is unclear, whether it be to stay cool during the heat of the day or to keep watch over the surrounding area, no one is certain. This makes seeing the lions in the trees a very unpredictable sighting, so be prepared either way.
Best time to visit Ishasha Sector
Ishasha sector can be explored at any time of the year but the dry season is preferably the best season for game viewing in this sector. The routes remain dry making it a bit easier for you to drive through. Visitors on Uganda safari to Ishasha sector can June to September and December to February. However, this area can be explored at any time of the year.
Where to Stay in Ishasha sector
There are many accommodation facilities available for you to spend a night while on safari in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. They range from budget to luxury and they include Ishasha Wilderness Camp-this is set in the southern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park along the scenic River Ntungwe and features as a luxury facility.
It is strategic location allows you catch a glimpse at diverse wildlife species including elephants, hippos and many others; Kasenyi safari camp which is set at the edge of Lake Bunyampaka Kasenyi side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its strategic location allows you to take part in game viewing which gets you opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, birds, water bucks, Uganda Kobs and many others.
There are two campsites close to the Ishasha park headquarters, Campsite One and Two both of which are on the banks of the Ishasha River. Campsite one is particularly nice as there is plenty of shade there and it makes for a wonderful spot to have a picnic lunch and gaze across into the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is a mere stones throw away. The river is home to pods of hippo that can make for great entertainment.
The Katookye gate which is the entrance into the Ishasha sector is 70 km from the Kasese Highway. These days the murram road is in pretty good condition and you can expect the journey to take you approximately an hour and a half. It’s a lovely drive and can be good for elephant sightings.
The Park view lodge-this is situated just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park and boasts of its breathtaking views; Queen Elizabeth bush lodge, Ihamba lodge, Mweya safari lodge and many others.
How to get to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is reachable by road. Your road trip begins from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kampala through Mubende-Fort Portal to Kasese. Your road trip will take you about 6 hours and you need a good four wheel drive safari vehicle to help you navigate through the remote routes. You can also take a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield then land in at Mweya airstrip at Queen Elizabeth National Park.