The Ishasha Sector in western Uganda, within Kasese District, is known for its unique wildlife, especially the tree-climbing lions. These lions, part of the cat family, are often seen resting in tree branches. Apart from Queen Elizabeth National Park, another group of tree-climbing lions can be found in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.
There are different ideas about why these lions climb trees. Some say it’s to get fresh air, others believe it’s to escape the heat and biting insects on the ground, and some think it’s to get a better view of their prey. To help monitor and protect these lions, the Wildlife Conservation Society placed collars on them. These collars help track their movement, remove traps and snares, and educate local communities on how to live safely with wildlife.
The food chain in Ishasha is interesting. Lions often hunt Uganda kobs and buffaloes grazing in the open savannah. Visitors may also spot many bird species, which add color and sound to the area. These include the shoebill, palm-nut vulture, hooded vulture, African white-backed vulture, long-crested eagle, African crowned eagle, African wattled plover, Senegal plover, grey kestrel, African crake, black-bellied bustard, African green pigeon, and many others.
Ishasha is located in the southwestern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is bordered by Lake Edward to the north, the Ishasha River and River Ntungwe to the east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Just south of Ishasha is a refugee settlement run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which hosts refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Besides the tree-climbing lions, the Ishasha region is home to many other animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs (often seen in the acacia woodlands and savannah), waterbucks, warthogs, monkeys, antelopes, leopards, hippos, hyenas, elephants, and more. This rich wildlife makes the area very active and exciting for visitors.
Tourists can enjoy many activities in Ishasha. Game drives are popular and are done during the day and at night in areas like the southern circuit, northern circuit, Edward Flats, and the Ishasha River campsite. Nature walks and cultural visits allow you to learn about local life and traditions. Camping and birdwatching are also available and help visitors enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural surroundings.
You can reach Ishasha by road or air, depending on your budget. It’s important to come prepared with a camera for wildlife photos, binoculars, a notebook, a first aid kit, insect repellent, safari clothes, bottled water, snacks, extra batteries, and other essentials.
Accommodation options in the area range from luxury to budget-friendly. These include Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Game Lodge, and others.
