Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river. It is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness.
This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service. The Ishasha savannas are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. The wildlife is free to also pass through the camp as it is within the park. Elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently seen.
The thatched central lounge and dining area provides a cozy and relaxed space for guests. Although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ beside the river. In the evening, the outdoor fireplace beside the river is the perfect place for guests to relax over sun downers and share their day’s experiences.
Resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys abound. If you are lucky, you’ll spot Henry, the lone hippo, wallowing lazily below the viewing deck. Game roams freely through camp, with elephant making frequent guest appearances.
Designed to respect and complement the environment, this low impact, Eco-sensitive camp is really something special. After a few days unwinding here, you may well not want to leave.
There is free WiFi internet and recharging facilities throughout the camp. A gift/local craft shop is also available at the camp.
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Ishasha Wilderness Camp Accommodation
Ishasha Wilderness Camp has 10 x framed, spacious canvas tents. Each is set in a wooded area beside the Ntungwe river. They are comfortably furnished. The en suite bathroom offers fresh running water, hot water ‘bush’ showers and a flushing Eco-friendly toilet. The appeal of camping that doesn’t compromise on comfort. A spacious patio allows guests to take a bit of downtime. Read a book or just stretch out while taking in the sights and sounds of the bush.
Meals are freshly prepared with many local ingredients, offering a balance of international and locally flavored cuisine with all meals being of several delicious courses. The bar has a selection of local and imported beverages and friendly local staff will attend to your needs.
Hot beverages are available throughout the day on a self-service basis. They are delivered to your room with early morning wake up calls as required. Allowing you to savor the early morning sounds of the ‘bush’ awakening.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp Activities
Being within the National Park you may be lucky enough to see wildlife moving freely through the camp. There are resident troops of colobus and vervet monkeys as well as many birds. Attentive security staff are always on hand to point out visiting animals such as elephants. As well as escort and assist you should you feel the wildlife is too close! After dark, guests are accompanied by wildlife security staff when moving within the camp.
Bush breakfasts and sun downers within the wilderness of the National Park complete the ‘bush’ experience offered.
Game drives
On early morning and late afternoon game drives, search of the different species as well as numerous varieties of birds. The area is still pristine and untouched. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the only camp within this sector of the park. Consequently, a more exclusive safari area and not many other vehicles seen.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp allows flexible timings for game drives. This allows guests to maximize their enjoyment and game sightings.
Community Tours & Visits – Agartha’s Taste of Uganda Tour
Situated in a small village on the fringes of the Queen Elizabeth National park, Agartha is a strong member of the local community group. She tirelessly works to improve not only her family’s well-being but also her neighbors’.
Agartha takes great pride in sharing with you how the women of her tribe, the Bakiga, prepare their favorite 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. While 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 Northeastern boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park, 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. We will assist you with this.
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. It is approximately a 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 throughout the day. Private trips are also possible.
Birding and Wildlife Walks
You may also explore the camp area on foot and do some bird-watching. The Narina Trogon and Black Bee Eaters are two of the rarer bird species sighted at the camp.
Short guided walks with National Park staff can also be arranged along the Ishasha river area for close up viewing of hippos and offer a unique bush experience.
How to get to Ishasha Wilderness Camp
By Road:
Distances in Uganda are vast so it is best to plan the trip together with other attractions in the country. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is 1 978 km2 in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the closest attraction to the Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a 2 hour drive from both Bwindi and the Mweya area of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This makes it an ideal stop before or after your gorilla safari.
It is a full day’s drive from Entebbe or Kampala, four hours drive from Fort Portal, six hours drive from Lake Mburo.
We will happily assist you to plan a fully-inclusive safari around Uganda.
By Air
Twice daily scheduled light aircraft flights land at the nearby Kihihi airstrip. The airstrip is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the camp. It is also possible to charter a flight to Kihihi from Entebbe or various locations around Uganda or other major hubs in East Africa.
Children up to 4 years old sharing with adults are free.
Rates Include:
Full Board accommodation with 3 meals per day, all hot beverages and bar snacks, and house drinks.
Rates Exclude:
National Park Fees, Road Transfers, Premium and non house drinks, optional activities and Community & Wildlife Conservation Fees to the Future Generations Trust. This is currently $10 per person per night.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is in the remote Ishasha sector of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions
Ishasha sector
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
