Ishasha sector sits at the southernmost end of Queen Elizabeth National Park, best known for its tree-climbing lions, along with open savanna, the winding Ishasha River, and a strong mix of mammals and birdlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park as a whole covers 1,978 square kilometers and supports over 96 mammal species and more than 600 bird species across its savanna, woodland, lakes, and rivers.
Wildlife in Ishasha
Beyond its resident tree-climbing lions, Ishasha holds large populations of elephants, common antelope species, waterbucks, topis, and hippos, along with other predators like leopards and hyenas.
The Tree-Climbing Lions
Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions are a genuine rarity, found in only one other place on earth: Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania. Spotting a lion resting in the branches of a large fig tree on a hot afternoon, often after a big meal, is one of the more memorable sights on a Uganda safari.
Other Things to Do in Ishasha
Birding
Ishasha holds around 70 bird species, including the grey crowned crane, pelicans, and the shoebill stork, along with a substantial number of migratory species passing through seasonally. Birds are commonly spotted during morning or evening game drives along the Ishasha River and the area’s seasonal rivers, with the surrounding savanna woodland and grassland offering additional habitat.
Game Drives
Morning and evening game drives cover the sector’s open savanna, with regular sightings of elephant herds, buffalo, topi, Uganda kob, bushbuck, waterbuck, and of course the tree-climbing lions. Night drives offer a chance to spot more elusive nocturnal predators, including leopards, hyenas, and serval cats.
Rwenshama Fishing Village
Rwenshama, on the shores of Lake Edward, is best visited in the morning or evening, when local fishermen head out or return with their catch, including tilapia, lungfish, and catfish. Visitors can watch or take part in the fishing, and often spot hippos and pelicans along the shoreline, along with occasional sightings of a well-known lone elephant bull that frequents the area.
Lake Akanyaru
A smaller lake near Enjojo Lodge on the edge of Ishasha, Lake Akanyaru holds tilapia, lungfish, and catfish for visitors interested in a bit of casual fishing. Equipment can be hired at Enjojo Lodge or brought along.
Book Your Ishasha Safari
For a chance to see one of the world’s only two tree-climbing lion populations alongside strong birding and fishing village visits, Ishasha is a worthwhile add-on to a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Book your Ishasha safari with our team today, and we’ll help you plan game drives and village visits around your trip.
