Nestled in the embrace of the Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an oasis of wilderness luxury that beckons to those who seek to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. Situated alongside the tranquil Ntungwe River, this haven comprises ten expansive canvas tented rooms, each a sanctuary unto itself. From your private verandah, a mesmerizing vista of the river unfolds before your eyes. Inside, find respite in comfortable furnishings and spacious mosquito-netted beds. Each room boasts an en suite bathroom equipped with invigorating ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand basins, and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.
The heart of the camp beats beneath the thatched roofs of the central lounge and dining area, offering a haven for meals and relaxation. While meals are often served ‘AL fresco’ by the river, the outdoor fireplace comes alive in the evening, inviting guests to unwind with sundowners and share the day’s wildlife encounters.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp‘s unique location within the park allows wildlife to roam freely through the camp’s environs. Watch in awe as elephants indulge in river baths, buffalo graze in their unhurried manner, and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys frolic in the trees. With a touch of luck, you might even spot George, the lone hippo, beside the camp. For your peace of mind, our vigilant security staff are ever-ready to escort and assist you if you ever feel wildlife is drawing too near. Enhancing your wilderness experience, bush breakfasts and sundowners within the park add the perfect finishing touches.
Uganda stands as one of the African continent’s strongholds for lions, and the magnificent tree-climbing lions can be found in several national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. However, it’s in the enchanting Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park that these arboreal royals truly reign supreme. Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a flourishing ecosystem, maintaining its scenic beauty throughout most of the year, thanks to regular rainfall. This lush environment is in stark contrast to the drier Mara in Kenya. The park’s breathtaking landscape features captivating elements such as the Maramamgambo forest, Kazinga Channel, Kasenyi Plains, and Kyambura Gorge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector, welcomes visitors year-round. For an optimal safari experience, consider embarking on your adventure during the dry season, which spans from December to February and June to August. During this period, the park is less muddy, and the tree-climbing lions become more visible. Alternatively, if you are passionate about birding, the rainy seasons from April to May and October to November provide ideal conditions for birdwatching safaris.
Ishasha Sector offers a selection of excellent accommodations that cater to visitors seeking an immersive experience in the wilderness. To secure your spot, especially during the peak season, it is advisable to make prior reservations. Notable options include Ishasha Jungle Lodge, @ the River Lodge, and Enjojo Lodge. Allow Trek Africa Expeditions to assist you in crafting an all-inclusive tour package that includes encounters with the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector and unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventures in Uganda.
The Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking experience is a journey into the heart of nature, offering more than just glimpses of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It serves as an immersive lesson in the ecosystems that thrive within Kyambura Gorge‘s mystical “underground” rainforest. This educational adventure encompasses the study of various vegetation types, bird identification and behavior, and the fascinating world of chimp and monkey ecology.
While chimp sightings cannot be guaranteed, participants enjoy favorable odds of both hearing and observing these distant relatives, as the chimpanzees are habituated to human presence. Guided tours typically last from one to three hours and are available at 8 AM and 2 PM daily. Kyambura Gorge is nestled in southwestern Uganda within Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a prime location for primate enthusiasts. We often recommend visitors interested in gorilla tracking and chimp walks to explore Kyambura Gorge due to its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
While Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking is available year-round, the dry seasons from January to February and from June to September are considered the most favorable. During these periods, the park experiences less rainfall, ensuring a more comfortable trekking experience.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, is home to one of its most captivating features: the Kazinga Channel. This remarkable waterway, known as Kazinga Channel, interconnects the petite Lake George with the expansive Lake Edward. It originates from the Rwenzori Mountains, drawing its life-giving waters from these pristine sources. These waters, in turn, fill the picturesque Lake George before flowing through the channel into the vast Lake Albert.
Kazinga Channel boasts an astonishing wealth of animal species, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. As you glide along the channel, prepare to witness nature’s drama unfolding before your eyes. The channel is graced by a multitude of hippos, crocodiles, and various aquatic bird species. Along the shoreline, you may spot elephants, buffaloes, and a diverse array of birdlife. The boat safari offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the harmonious coexistence of these animals in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, nestled in southwestern Uganda, is a sanctuary of natural beauty perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Dubbed the “impenetrable forest,” it shares its western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is conveniently located approximately 29 kilometers from the bustling town of Kabale, accessible by road. This protected area spans an impressive 331 square kilometers, encompassing the highlands of the Kigezi region. The park’s terrain varies from 1,190 to 2,607 meters above sea level, with 60% of its expanse situated at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. Rwamunyonyi Hill, the park’s highest point, graces its eastern boundary, while its northern tip rests at its lowest point.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an array of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore its lush wilderness. Guided nature walks along designated trails lead visitors to hidden gems within the forest, from enchanting waterfalls and serene swamps to meandering rivers. These walks provide a chance to encounter other primate species, including black monkeys, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and more, enriching the overall experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for being the home of over seventeen (18) Gorilla families, inviting tourists to embark on the unforgettable journey of gorilla trekking. Each day, a maximum of eight (8) tourists are granted the privilege of visiting one gorilla family, creating an intimate and impactful experience. The trek can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, visitors are granted one hour to observe and cherish these magnificent creatures. Gorilla trekking permits are available for USD800.00 per permit per trek.
For those seeking a deeper connection with gorillas, Bwindi National Park offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This extended four-hour adventure allows participants to join researchers in studying the gorillas’ behavior and daily routines. The cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit is USD 1500.00 per person per trek, with the four-hour duration beginning upon locating the gorillas’ fresh trails.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 346 captivating bird species. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a novice, the park offers ample opportunities to observe these feathered wonders. Keep an eye out for remarkable species such as the honey guide, dusky crimson, yellow eye, black flycatcher, and bar-tailed trogon, among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached from Kampala/Entebbe or via Rwanda from Kigali International Airport. The latter route offers a shorter travel time, approximately 4-5 hours, compared to the 8-10 hours from Entebbe International Airport. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park welcomes visitors throughout the year, ensuring that every season brings its unique charm. For an unforgettable journey encompassing the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and other thrilling experiences, trust Trek Africa Expeditions to curate your ultimate Uganda safari package.