Ishasha
The southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. A quieter, more exclusive safari experience away from the main tourist circuits.
About the Region
Ishasha is the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is best known for its population of tree-climbing lions, which are regularly seen lounging in the branches of large fig trees — a behaviour rarely observed elsewhere in Africa.
The Ishasha plains also support large herds of buffalo, Uganda kob, topi, and elephant. The Ishasha River attracts hippos and provides excellent bird watching. Because of its remoteness, Ishasha sees fewer visitors than the northern sectors of Queen Elizabeth, offering a more exclusive and peaceful safari experience.
Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions
- Remote and exclusive
- Large buffalo herds
- Ishasha River wildlife
- Scenic fig tree landscapes
Activities
Lodge Comparison — Ishasha
| Lodge | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Luxury | $$$$ |
| Ishasha Jungle Lodge | Mid-range | $$ |
| Topi Lodge | Mid-range | $$ |
| Honey Bear Bushcamp | Budget | $ |
Lodges in Ishasha
4 lodgesIshasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha · Luxury · $$$$
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a 10-tent safari camp on the banks of the Ntungwe River in the remote southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each canvas tent has a private verandah facing the river, an en suite bathroom with hot bush showers, and eco-friendly flush toilets. The camp is deliberately small, maintaining an intimate atmosphere in a part of the park that sees far fewer visitors than the northern sections around Mweya. The central area consists of a thatched lounge and dining space with an outdoor fireplace where guests gather in the evenings. Meals are served al fresco by the river when weather permits. The camp provides Wi-Fi and laundry services, though the emphasis here is on the bush experience rather than extensive facilities. The Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which rest in the branches of fig and sycamore trees — a behaviour seen in very few places in Africa. Game drives from the camp focus on locating these lions along with elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a wide range of antelope species. The remote location and small camp size make Ishasha Wilderness Camp well suited for travelers who want an authentic, quiet bush experience focused on wildlife rather than resort-style amenities.
Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Ishasha · Mid-range · $$
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.
Topi Lodge
Ishasha · Mid-range · $$
A mid-range lodge in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. A practical base for game drives to see the famous tree-climbing lions.
Honey Bear Bushcamp
Ishasha · Budget · $
Honey Bear Bushcamp is a Wildplaces Africa property in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildplaces Africa also operates Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi, though Honey Bear sits at the opposite end of the pricing spectrum — this is a bush camp experience rather than a luxury lodge. The Ishasha sector is best known for its tree-climbing lions, which are regularly spotted resting in fig trees along the river plains. The camp provides basic accommodation suited to budget-conscious travelers who want to explore the Ishasha sector without the high costs of the area's premium tented camps. Facilities are simple and in keeping with the bush camp concept — the emphasis is on being in the right location for wildlife rather than on room amenities. The Ishasha sector is in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, separated from the main Mweya/Kasenyi areas by a long drive. It is typically visited as part of an itinerary that connects Queen Elizabeth with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Game drives in the sector focus on the fig tree plains where the lions are found, as well as general savannah wildlife along the Ishasha River.
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