Ishasha Uganda | Home of the tree-climbing lions! | Queen Elizabeth NP
Ishasha is one of only two locations in Africa where you can witness lions that climb trees. It is situated in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The lions’ peculiar behavior is said to have developed as a means of evading the tsetse flies and the heat of the lower terrain.
Perched on a tree branch makes it easier for them to locate food because they can keep an eye on their prey from a great height.
There is a plethora of species to observe, such as the Ugandan Kob, buffalo, elephant, hippo, and zebra, in addition to the tree-climbing lions.
Tree-climbing Lions
Lions that climb trees are a famous feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha area. For these large cats, climbing trees is an unusual behavior. Actually, lions habitually climb trees in only two places in Africa, and that’s this one. The exact reason behind their tree-climbing is unknown.
However, there is a strong theory that it serves as a viewpoint and wind protection. Watch the video below to learn more about this. Seeing a large lion curled up on a branch of a fig tree is undoubtedly a sight to behold.
The lions, whose population has declined by about half in the last 20 years, are vulnerable as of 1996. You may observe them in Ishasha. Rarest prides of these tree-climbing lions in the world hunt buffalo, topi, and herds of Ugandan koskos.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s efforts to collect snares in the park raise community awareness, and fit collars on active members of prides to track their feeding areas are highlights of a campaign to save the tree-climbing lions.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
6 Days
Private
6-Days Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Safari with Big 5 Sightseeing
from
$ 1350
per personThings to Do
Game Drives
The primary activity in the Ishasha area is going on game drives to see the lions that climb trees and other wildlife.
As a lesser-known area of the park, Ishasha is great for wildlife drives because there aren’t as many safari vehicles as possible there and you can spend more time with the lions.
But the roads aren’t as maintained as the park’s busier areas, so you’ll need a decent 4×4 and an experienced guide.
Cultural Visits
As part of their uplift program, a cultural visit to the nearby Bakiga Community can be arranged for individuals who are interested in learning about the many cultures in Uganda.
You will be given a tour of their homesteads, shown how to prepare meals locally, and assisted in harvesting some veggies from their garden while you are there.
You might have even sampled some of the local brews by the end, and you will have gained a great deal of knowledge about Bakiga culture.
Birding in Ishasha
There are certain Ishasha specialties to look out for a birder on a Uganda birding tour. Ishasha continues to yield and will persist in peeling rare observations of bird life.
Savannah birds can be found here, including larks, Africa’s most gregarious eagle (the Marshal eagle), and the best vulture in the area, the Lappet-faced vulture. On the River Ishasha, you can attempt to annoy the endangered Dusky blue flycatcher. The Terek Sandpiper, Grey Plover, and the uncommon Blue Quail are among more top ticks.
Where to Stay
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Encircled by pristine wilderness, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers visitors an authentic safari encounter.
After a strenuous game drive, the ten en suite canvas tents with spacious verandas and cozy furnishings are the ideal haven, tucked away behind the trees.
Guests have the option of dining alfresco along the Ntungwe River or beneath the grass thatched roof of the central dining area and lounge. Meals are freshly made utilizing local products.
The campfire is a great spot to sip sundowners and tell stories in the evening.
The main areas’ power outlets and tents are lit by solar energy, allowing you to recharge your electronics and be ready for the next day’s adventures.
Enjojo Lodge
Outside the park, Enjojo Lodge is a fantastic alternative that borders the Ishasha Sector of Queens.
There are seven luxurious en-suite cottages for guests to pick from, or if they are traveling in a big party, they may stay in the safari house, which sleeps up to seven people and has its own private bonfire.
Enjojo provides DIY campsites, safari tents, and bamboo huts for budget-conscious travelers.
Savor homemade meals from the organic garden and take in the views of the little, natural lake from the grass-thatched café and bar.
The lodge frequently welcomes herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, and bird enthusiasts will find this place to be a sanctuary due to its diverse birdlife.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
3 Days
Private
3 Days Murchison Falls & White rhino Tracking in Ziwa
from
$ 620
per personWhen to Visit
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dry season (December to February and again from late June to October) is the ideal time to visit the Ishasha Sector.
Because the roads will be clearer, this is said to be the ideal period for game drives.
When there is fewer watering holes left, wildlife will be more likely to concentrate around them in quest of water, so visiting during the dry season can also boost your chances of spotting them.
It is also more plausible that the lions are hiding in the trees from the heat.
How to Get There
It is simple to travel by air and vehicle from Entebbe and Kampala to the Ishasha Sector. The airstrips in Queen Elizabeth National Park are served by daily scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, which is close to Kampala. The aerodrome nearest the Ishasha Sector is Kihihi.
It takes at least 6–7 hours to drive to Kampala, which is located 410 kilometers north of Queens. However, it’s possible that you may make stops at other sights and national parks en route.
It only takes two to three hours to get from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, making Ishasha an ideal place to stop on the way to or from gorilla trekking.
Friendly Gorillas Editor
Uganda gorilla trekking specialists focusing on delivering unforgettable gorilla experiences at unbeatable prices.
All Posts
Want to plan a memorable Gorilla adventure?
Chat with us, our team is always here to help!
You may also like …
Got any questions
about traveling to Uganda?
Get in touch.
