Ishasha Wilderness Camp - Queen Elizabeth National Park

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Ishasha Wilderness Camp - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth National Park,

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Welcome to Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wild. This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service in this unspoilt and remote region of the National Park. The Ishasha savannahs are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.

Bedding Configuration

Spacious, wooden framed, tent stylised, accommodation
Set alongside the Ntungwe River, within the riverine forest, each of the camp’s tent stylised rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river. Comfortably furnished with large mosquito-netted beds, all rooms are en suite with hot ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand-basins and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.

Spacious, wooden framed, tent stylised, accommodation
Set alongside the Ntungwe River, within the riverine forest, each of the camp’s tent stylised rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river. Comfortably furnished with large mosquito-netted beds, all rooms are en suite with hot ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand-basins and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.

Restaurant and Bar
The thatched central lounge and dining area provide a comfortable setting for meals and relaxation, although we often serve meals ‘al fresco’ with views of the river when the weather is suitable. In the evening, the outdoor “camp fire” is the perfect area for guests to relax with sundowners and share their day’s experiences.

Meals are freshly prepared with many local ingredients, offering a balance of international and locally flavoured cuisine with all meals being of several delicious courses. Our bar has a selection of local and imported beverages and our friendly local staff will attend to your needs.

Hot beverages are available throughout the day on a self-service basis, and are delivered to your room with early morning wake up calls as required, allowing you to savour the early morning sounds of the ‘bush’ awakening.

Room type Description
Sundowners and Bush Breakfast

“Sundowners” and “Bush Breakfasts”
Sundowners can be arranged for the late afternoon at a suitable viewing point either along the ridge area or besides the Ntungwe River to allow guests to savour the vast vistas and atmosphere of this beautiful area of the park.

Bush breakfasts are also available to camp guests when pre-arranged and weather allows. Your own personal chef and dining set-up in the wilderness can be combined with an early-morning safari drive.

Being within the National Park you may be lucky enough to see wildlife moving freely through the camp. Resident troops of colobus and vervet monkeys as well as many birds can be seen. Our attentive security staff are always on hand to point out visiting animals such as the elephants in the drier season months as well as escort and assist you should you feel the wildlife is too close! After dark we ensure guests are accompanied by our wildlife security staff when moving within the camp.

Bush breakfasts and sundowners within the wilderness of the National Park complete the ‘bush’ experience offered at Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

Free WiFi internet and recharging facilities throughout the camp, and a gift/local craft shop are also available at the camp

Room type Description
Ishasha Safaris

Ishasha Safaris
On early morning and late afternoon game drives, either in your safari vehicle, or for fly-in guests – in our dedicated camp open safari vehicle, you may explore the area’s game routes in search of the different species. The area is still pristine and untouched with only a handful of game vehicles found around the area at any time. Being the only camp within the park, it offers flexibility of timings for drives allowing guests to maximise their game sightings in this area.

Community Tours

Community Tours & Visits
Agartha’s Taste of Uganda Tour: Situated in a small village on the fringes of the Queen Elizabeth National park, (approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the camp) Agartha is a strong member of the local community group and tirelessly works to improve not only her family’s well-being but also her neighbours’.

Agartha takes great pride in sharing with you how the women of her tribe, the Bakiga, prepare their favourite food. Not only do you hear how the ingredients are grown and harvested but you can witness how to shift, grind, cook, and most importantly, keep the much-loved food warm for their husbands.

During the tour Agartha weaves in stories of what it’s like to be a Bakiga wife whilst encouraging you to taste what you may have helped prepare together. She then sends you off on your journey with a packed traditional snack and a taste of the local brew if you wish too!

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Located just outside the North-Eastern boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park, (Approximately 2 hours drive from the camp) the picturesque Kyambura Gorge is home to a small community of habituated chimpanzees.

Guests can trek the chimpanzees in the company of a Wildlife Authority ranger. Please note that a trekking permit is required and must be purchased in advance of your visit. Our Reservations Team can assist you with this.

Cruise the Kazinga Channel

Cruise the Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth’s Northern Sector, “Mweya” can be visited before/after Ishasha or even incorporated into a full-day excursion from Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Approximately 2.5 hours drive from the camp)

The Kazinga Chanel, bisecting this part of the park offers a tranquil river cruise, with excellent chances of spotting elephants on the river-bank, hippos in the water and a plethora of water-birds.

Boat cruises depart at scheduled times through-out the day, private trips are also possible.

Birding and Wildlife Walks

Birding and Wildlife Walks
You may also explore the camp area on foot and do some bird-watching with “Narina Trogon” and “Black Bee Eaters” being two of the rarer bird species sighted at the camp.

Short guided walks with National Park staff can be arranged (pre booking and additional fees involved) along the Ishasha river area for close up viewing of hippos and offer a unique bush experience

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This World Heritage forested area is around two hours drive from the camp and offers Mountain Gorilla trekking (pre booking required), endemic Albertine Rift birding and is often combined with visiting the lions in the savannah trees of Ishasha and one of the unique offerings of this special part of Uganda.

Room type Description
Review score

Based on 418 reviews

5

Location

4.8

Sleep Quality

4.6

Rooms

4.7

Service

4.8

Value

4.5

Cleanliness

4.7

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Published Sun, Feb 28, 2026

by Kavita V

5/5 Peaceful stay in the Wilderness
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We left Ishasha Wilderness Camp this morning after a wonderful three night stay. The lodge is beautifully appointed, right on the river where you can see all sorts of wildlife. During our stay we...

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Published Tue, Jan 31, 2026

by lisvelasco2001

5/5 Amazing Experience
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We stayed at this lovely location for one night. It was a very quick visit on our way through the park. While there we did get to see the Tree Climbing Lions. Accommodations were beautiful - right on...

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Published Sat, Oct 31, 2025

by ioan_wilson

5/5 An excellent place to stay to see tree climbing lions!
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This camp is an excellent place to stay if you are visiting the Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. All the staff encountered were extremely pleasant and helpful. I have mobility...

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