Ishasha Sector
Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which have been one of the major highlights of any wildlife safari to the national park. The sector is situated in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park. Tourists visiting the sector aren’t so many, as most travelers simply drive through Ishasha on their way to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However, those who get the opportunity to explore the southern part of the national park, will not be disappointed one bit.
Visitors that choose to explore the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth, usually end up visiting the Mweya section of the park, given their close proximity to each other. It takes one about 2 hours to drive from the Mweya section to Ishasha, south of the national park.
Attractions in the Ishasha Sector.
The Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park has so much to offer to its guests. Tourists visiting Ishasha have a lot to see while on a safari; and some of the attractions in Ishasha include;
Tree Climbing Lions: Tourists who want to see tree climbing lions in Uganda can only do so in Ishasha, in Queen Elizabeth national park. The tree climbing lions are a unique attraction in the park and have visitors flocking from all parts of the world to the national park, just to get a glimpse of them. The other unique feature of the lions in the Ishasha is that all the male lions have black manes. Tourists can spot the lions resting up in the branches of sycamore-fig and acacia trees.
The Ishasha sector is believed to have 3 prides of lions, with an estimated number totaling to at least 40 lions. However, due to poaching activities in the area, it is becoming a bit difficult for visitors to see the lions. Therefore it is advisable for all tourists visiting Ishasha to ensure that your tour guide is experienced and knows how and where to locate the lions. Most tourists are usually advised to do the lion tracking experience activity, where you are 100% certain to see the lions.
Wildlife: Aside from Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions, the Ishasha is rich with various species of wildlife. Tourists visiting this part of Queen Elizabeth national park have the chance to see other wildlife such as; topi, elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, antelopes and impala to mention but a few.
Other attractions in the Ishasha in the park include; a variety of bird species and the landscape of the area.
Activities in the Ishasha Sector
Tourists planning to explore Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth can engage in activities like; lion tracking experience, game drives and bird watching activities.
Lion Tracking Experience: Tracking lions in the Ishasha sector is an experience that is not only exciting but thrilling and educative as well. Tourists who opt to do the lion tracking experiential activity are most definitely sure to see the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. This activity costs USD 50 per person.
Game Drives: Visitors in the Ishasha can be sure to find a variety of wildlife animals in this area of the national park. Day game drives in this part of the park offer visitors a good chance to see wildlife species like; the Uganda Kob, buffalos, impala, elephants and topi to name but a few. Day guided game drives cost USD 30 per person.
Birding in Ishasha: Tourists who love bird watching will find Ishasha a great spot for all their birding activities. Queen Elizabeth National Park is said to be home to over 600 bird species. Some of the species of birds that visitors can get to see while touring Ishasha include; the African Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher and even the rare Shoebill Stock among others.
Accommodation in Ishasha
Tourists visiting the sector in Queen Elizabeth national park can find accommodation in the following lodging facilities; Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, and Park View safari lodge among others.
When is the best time to visit the Ishasha Sector?
The Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time for visitors to visit this sector of the park is between June to September, when it is the dry season. It is much easier for tourist to view the wildlife in the area since the grass in this part of the national park is short during the dry season.
How to get to Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It takes a whole day of driving to get to the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park, from Entebbe or Kampala city. Travelers can easily access the Ishasha sector from Bwindi and Lake Mburo national parks. It is a 2-hour drive from Bwindi to Ishasha and 6 hours from Lake Mburo national park.
Tourists can also travel to the Ishasha sector through the Mweya peninsular, which is a 2 hours’ drive.
Alternatively, tourists can charter domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airfield and then drive to the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth. It will take about 2½ hours to drive from Kihihi to Ishasha.
Do contact us for inquiries in regards to tour activities in Ishasha and also get the best offers on wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth national park.
