Will I definitely see tree-climbing lions?

Sightings are common but not guaranteed. The lions climb fig and sycamore trees, and game drives focus on locating them, but wildlife behaviour varies day to day.

What are the tents like?

Each tent is a canvas structure with a private verandah facing the Ntungwe River, an en suite bathroom with hot bush shower, and an eco-friendly flush toilet. They are comfortable but deliberately rustic.

Is the camp a good stopover between Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi?

Yes, Ishasha sits between the main Queen Elizabeth NP area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it a natural overnight stop on a multi-park itinerary.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

An intimate tented camp on the banks of the Ntungwe River in the Ishasha sector. The closest camp to the famous tree-climbing lions.

Safari Camp$$$$(Luxury)Information verified online

Summary

What it is: Safari Camp in Ishasha
Where it is: Ishasha, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best for: Safari purists, Wildlife photographers, Tree-climbing lion seekers, Travelers who value remote, quiet settings, Couples seeking a bush experience
Main activities: Game drives (tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo), Bird watching along the Ntungwe River, Nature walks, Riverside relaxation
Price level: $$$$(Luxury)

Quick Facts

Region: Ishasha
National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Subregion / Sector: Ishasha
Category: Safari Camp
Price Level: $$$$(Luxury)
Best for: Safari purists, Wildlife photographers, Tree-climbing lion seekers, Travelers who value remote, quiet settings, Couples seeking a bush experience
Verified Visit: Information verified online

Activities

Game drives (tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo)Bird watching along the Ntungwe RiverNature walksRiverside relaxation

About Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a 10-tent safari camp on the banks of the Ntungwe River in the remote southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each canvas tent has a private verandah facing the river, an en suite bathroom with hot bush showers, and eco-friendly flush toilets. The camp is deliberately small, maintaining an intimate atmosphere in a part of the park that sees far fewer visitors than the northern sections around Mweya.

The central area consists of a thatched lounge and dining space with an outdoor fireplace where guests gather in the evenings. Meals are served al fresco by the river when weather permits. The camp provides Wi-Fi and laundry services, though the emphasis here is on the bush experience rather than extensive facilities.

The Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which rest in the branches of fig and sycamore trees — a behaviour seen in very few places in Africa. Game drives from the camp focus on locating these lions along with elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a wide range of antelope species. The remote location and small camp size make Ishasha Wilderness Camp well suited for travelers who want an authentic, quiet bush experience focused on wildlife rather than resort-style amenities.

Location & Region

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located in Ishasha, part of the Ishasha region in Uganda. It is situated within or near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

General area: Ishasha

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Drive Times

From Mweya Peninsula2-3 hours
From Buhoma (Bwindi)3-4 hours
From Kampala8-9 hours
From Entebbe Airport7-8 hours
From Kasese3-4 hours

Accommodation & Rooms

Canvas Tented Room

One of 10 canvas tents set along the Ntungwe River, with a private verandah, en suite bathroom with hot bush shower, and eco-friendly flush toilet.

Max guests: 2

Amenities

En suite bathroomsHot bush showersEco-friendly flush toiletsThatched loungeOutdoor fireplaceWi-FiLaundry servicePrivate verandahsRiver-facing tents

Highlights

10 canvas tented rooms on the Ntungwe River
Private verandahs with river views
Hot bush showers and eco-friendly flush toilets
Thatched central lounge with outdoor fireplace
Al fresco riverside dining
Famous tree-climbing lion territory
Remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP
Wi-Fi and laundry available

Who Is This Lodge For?

Safari puristsWildlife photographersTree-climbing lion seekersTravelers who value remote, quiet settingsCouples seeking a bush experience

Advantages

Intimate scale — only 10 tents for a quiet bush atmosphere
Directly in the tree-climbing lion territory
Riverside setting with sounds of the Ntungwe River
Remote location away from the busier northern park areas
Al fresco dining by the river adds to the bush experience
Eco-friendly camp design with bush showers and flush toilets

Things to Know

Tree-climbing lion sightings are not guaranteed — they depend on the lions' behaviour on any given day
The Ishasha sector is remote, roughly 2-3 hours south of Mweya Peninsula
This is a bush camp, not a resort — expect canvas tents and bush showers rather than hotel-style facilities
The road to Ishasha can be rough, especially in the wet season
The camp is a practical stopover on routes between Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi

Frequently Asked Questions

Dining

Meals are prepared in the camp kitchen and served in the thatched dining area or al fresco by the river. The outdoor fireplace is the gathering point for evening drinks and conversation after game drives.

Prices can change depending on season, availability and booking conditions. Please contact the lodge or a trusted tour operator for current rates.

Lodges of Uganda is an independent lodge information platform. We are not the official website of the listed lodges unless clearly stated. Information may change and should be confirmed directly with the lodge or travel provider before booking.