Ishasha sector

The Ishasha sector is settled in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the two places where nature lovers can see tree-climbing lions. The other part that offers the same adventure is Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. The sector is dominated by huge fig trees with large branches where the lions hang up, resting and trying to spot their prey.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular savanna park, and second largest park located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the most perfect places for wildlife safaris in Uganda. this park is greatly endowed with vast savanna grasslands,  large water bodies like Lake Edward and Lake George that are connected by the Kazinga Channel, forested areas, and wetlands that are home to quite many wild animals and bird species.

Tree climbing lion at Ishasha sectors

Watching the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector is an exceptional adventure that makes a high spot for any safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.   the reason why these lions climb trees is not yet fully ascertained but research predicts that at times they want to spot  Kobs that usually roam in the savannah grasslands hence the big acacia and fig trees act as spying sites.

It is also out of research that during the rainy season they climb trees running away from insect bites that usually cause itching, while in the dry season, they are always trying to leave the hot ground and to also relax in the large tree branches.

It should be noted that watching climbing lions is not similar to lion tracking. Watching climbing lions is always done when visitors drive along the park trails and spot the lions resting in the branches of fig trees and take photos from a distance with less interaction while with lion tracking, visitors work together with the rangers or researchers to locate the lions using radio collars. The experience of lion tracking is commonly carried out in the Kasenyi sector not Ishasha purposely for survey and education

Beyond the tree-climbing lions, Ishasha sector is celebrated for its scenic landscapes with abundant wildlife including large herds of elephants, buffalos, Uganda Kobs, Topis, and a variety of bird species.

Other attractions in Ishasha

Besides watching Climbing lions as the main attraction in the sector, many wild animals can be seen during game drives. Some of the animals include elephants, buffalos, gazelles,  bushbucks, Topis, hippos, and many others. Most of these animals are mostly spotted in the morning game drives.

Bird watching at Ishasha sector

is another activity in the sector. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to various bird species that can be spotted during game drives and entirely birdwatching excursions. some of the frequently spotted birds in this sector include the martial eagle, grey woodpecker, Ross’s turaco, long-crested eagle, Collared Sunbird, Marsh Harrier, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori night jar, ground robin, wattle plover, dusky crimson wing, red-faced woodland warbler among others.

Guided nature walks

With this activity, travelers get a chance to traverse the park on foot.  this brings them to closer stunning views of the park features like the beautiful vegetation, animals, birds, and the Ishasha river, which is a source of water for many animals, especially in the dry season.

When you engage in community visits in the area, you stand higher chances of interacting with the members of the local community.  You will enjoy their different activities like traditional dances, folk songs milking, and preparing local dishes. You may join them in those activities for a memorable safari.

Best time to visit the Ishasha sector

Visiting the Ishasha sector can be done all year due to the different activities carried out in the area in the different seasons. However,  the most suitable time to watch the tree-climbing lions is the dry season from June to September and December to February.

The roads are not muddy, and the savanna grasses are not too tall to allow you to watch the lions and their behavior in the wild. In the dry season, this activity can be tailored with other activities in the park like chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, and game drives in Kasenyi and Mweya peninsular in the same park for a rewarding safari.

How to access Ishasha sector

Getting to Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park is possible by both road and air transport.

Using air transport.

Visitors can take scheduled or chartered flights from  Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip then connect to Ishasha by road.

Using road transport

Drive from Kampala to Fortportal via Mubende and connect to Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey that takes 8-9 hours. When you connect from Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park, drive for only two hours to Ishasha. From Lake Mburo national park, travel via Mbarara -Kasese road to Ishasha for six hours.   Visitors from gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can link to Ishasha after a 2-hour drive.

Where to stay in Ishasha sector.

Many safari lodges in the Ishasha sector are strategically located in places that provide a clear view of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. the accommodations have quality facilities and are affordable to all travelers with different budgets. Some of the accommodations in the Ishasha sector include, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, Savanna Resort Hotel, Ishasha Nyungwe River Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Sanctuary Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, and many others.

popular gorilla safaris for Uganda and Rwanda

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