The remote, soft-spoken Ishasha sector is located at the southernmost end of Queen Elizabeth National Park, dotted with the famous tree-climbing lions, sprawling Savannah traversed by the meandering Ishasha River, numerous mammals, and abundant bird-life.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular and highly visited national park in Uganda, one of the few places on earth boasting high biodiversity, ranging from over 96 mammal species, about 500 bird species, verdant Savannah, woodland forests, amazing lakes, and rivers all encompassed within its 1,978 sq. km territory.
Other than its permanent residents, the tree-climbing lions, Ishasha is home to massive populations of other big mammals, including elephants, common antelope species, waterbucks, topis, hippos, and other cats like leopards and hyenas, among others.
Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions are of exceptional quality and a major attraction for visitors to the region. Apart from Ishasha sector, these species can only be found in Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania. It is an amazing moment to watch the mighty king of the jungle perched high, snoozing photogenically amidst the branches of an enormous fig tree on a hot afternoon, after its best meal.
What to do in Ishasha sector other than seeing tree-climbing lions
Just like the entire Queen Elizabeth National Park is a famous destination for birding vacations, so is Ishasha sector. A great variety of bird species, up to 70 species, inhabit this section of the park, including the grey crowned crane, pelicans, shoebill stork, and a huge population of migratory species, etc.
Most birds can be spotted during day or evening game drives, along the Ishasha River and several other seasonal rivers that mark the area. The Savannah woodland and grassland are also safe habitats for some famous bird species in Ishasha sector.
Ishasha sector is the best spot for viewing a variety of wildlife species, including cats, big mammals, common antelopes, reptiles, iconic bird species, and the famous tree-climbing lions. Take either an evening or morning game drive to explore the lush Savannah filled with sought-after wildlife.
Commonly sighted animals here include large herds of elephants, buffaloes, topis, and other small antelopes like Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, and cats like the famous tree-climbing lions. Alternatively, take a nocturnal game drive to explore Ishasha’s most elusive cats, such as leopards, hyenas, serval cats, etc.
Rwenshama fishing village is situated along the shores of Lake Edward, mostly visited in the morning and evening. This village offers one of the most exciting community encounters along this lake; see the local fishermen cast their nets to get a day’s catch, or even participate in fishing. Species here include tilapia, lungfish, catfish, etc.
Along the shores, observe the hippos lurking, pelicans fishing, and on a good day, encounter the lone elephant bull “Da Boss” during his daily walk along the lake shores.
Lake Akanyanza is a relatively small lake located close to Enjojo Lodge on the outskirts of Ishasha sector. The lake is filled with abundant fish ready for you to experience, ranging from tilapia, lungfish, and catfish, among others. Fishing equipment can be hired from Enjojo Lodge or brought along with you.
