Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wildeness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is one of the best places to stay inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially for travelers who want a true safari experience with comfort and great service.

The camp sits quietly beside the Ntungwe River, surrounded by tall trees and open savanna where elephants and antelope often wander past. It’s managed by Exclusive Camps and Lodges, a company known for creating eco-friendly lodges that blend perfectly with nature.

This camp gives guests the feeling of being deep in the wild — but with all the warmth and comfort of home. It’s a perfect mix of authentic adventure and simple luxury.

Location and Getting There

You can reach Ishasha Wilderness Camp either by road or by air.

From Entebbe International Airport, it’s a full day’s drive, or you can take a short flight to a nearby airstrip followed by a 45-minute road transfer to camp.
The camp is also about 6 hours from Lake Mburo, 4 hours from Fort Portal, and only 2 hours from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, making it an ideal stop between gorilla trekking and other safaris.

When you arrive, you’re welcomed by friendly staff with cool drinks and big smiles. The peaceful setting makes you feel right at home immediately.

Accommodation & Facilities Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp has ten large canvas tents, all built on wooden decks with wide views of the Ntungwe River. Each tent has:

A private veranda with chairs and a table — perfect for morning coffee or evening sundowners
A comfortable bed (double or twin), covered with mosquito nets
Soft rugs, bedside tables, and a writing desk
Private bathroom with a flush toilet, washbasin, and hot-water “safari” shower

The design is natural and simple, using wood, canvas, and stone. Guests often spot wildlife right from their veranda — elephants, topi, kob, and even warthogs sometimes pass through the camp.

The main lodge is an open-sided building made of wood and thatch, overlooking the river. Inside, you’ll find:

A comfortable lounge with sofas and local decor
A restaurant and bar, serving fresh local and international meals
Outdoor dining areas by the river for bush breakfasts or romantic dinners
A campfire area, perfect for relaxing after a day on safari
Wi-Fi and charging stations in the dining area
A small gift shop with crafts and useful items

The atmosphere is calm and friendly, with gentle sounds of nature all around — birds calling, water flowing, and the crackle of the evening fire.

Ensuite-Bathroom-at-Ishasha-Wilderness-Camp-Queen-Elizabeth-National-Park-1536x864

Activities at Ishasha Wilderness Camp

There’s so much to see and do around Ishasha. Whether you love animals, culture, or just want to relax, you’ll find something memorable every day.

1. Game Drives In Search of Tree-Climbing Lions

Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions — a rare sight in Africa. Go on morning and afternoon drives with expert guides who know the best places to find them. You may also see elephants, buffalo, leopard, hippo, topi, kob, and many other animals.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking

Take a trip to Kyambura Gorge, known as the “Valley of the Apes,” and track chimpanzees with experienced guides. It’s amazing to watch them play, eat, and move through the forest trees.

3. River Cruises

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of birds. You can go for a short trip or a full day on the water — it’s always a highlight.

4. Nature Walks

Meet local people from the nearby Bakiga community.

Agartha, a local woman, welcomes guests to her home and shows how she cooks traditional food, while sharing stories of village life.
Deo, a local farmer, gives a tour of his organic farm and talks about the challenges and joys of farming in Uganda.

These visits are friendly, educational, and a wonderful way to connect with local culture.

7. Bush Breakfasts & Sundowners

Start your morning with a bush breakfast by the river, or end your day with a sundowner as the sun sets over the plains. The staff prepare everything beautifully — it’s the perfect safari touch.

8. Bird Watching

With more than 600 bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha is a dream for bird lovers. Look for shoebill storks, martial eagles, flamingos, pelicans, papyrus canaries, and many more.

Why Stay Here

Best tree-climbing lion sightings in Uganda
Peaceful location right inside Queen Elizabeth National Park
Comfortable tented rooms with real safari charm
Excellent guides and service
Great mix of wildlife, culture, and relaxation
Perfect stop between Bwindi gorilla trekking and other safaris
A true wilderness experience with a touch of luxury

In summary:

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect choice for travelers who want an authentic midrange-to-luxury safari in a beautiful, wild setting. You’ll stay close to nature but still enjoy warm showers, delicious food, and caring service.

From your tent, you can watch elephants by the river, go on thrilling game drives to see lions in trees, and meet kind local people. Every day brings a new adventure — and every night, you fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.

Simple, beautiful, and full of heart — Ishasha Wilderness Camp is one of Uganda’s finest safari experiences.