Ishasha Sector
Ishasha Sector is the most visited destination which is located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park. Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest national park in western Uganda and is the most visited park due to its unique attractions. Ishasha sector is comprised of the riverine forest and open savannah grassland with acacia and fig tree species. Ishasha has magnificent landscapes that give you clear views of the wildlife hence making Ishasha different from other parts of the park. The Sector is a famous destination in Queen Elizabeth national park due to various attractions including
The tree-climbing lions
The Sector is the only destination in Uganda with the unique tree-climbing lions though they can also be found in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Tree climbing lions are the major attractions in the Ishasha sector and they are usually seen lazily lying up in the acacia and fig trees looking down on the antelopes grazing in the open savannah grasslands. It’s believed that the lions in the Ishasha sector climb up in the acacia or fig trees to prevent them from biting ground insects such as the tsetse flies and also the heat from the ground during the dry season. Tree climbing lions in the sector are different from other lions in that the males have black manes and they are seen during the game drive in Ishasha which is best done in the afternoon hours.
Other animals
Ishasha is also a habitat of other animals apart from the tree-climbing lions and these animals can be seen during the game drive including the Elephants, Buffaloes, Topi, Uganda kobs, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Hippos which are seen near ishasha river among others hence giving visitors exciting moments on the safari.
Birds: Ishasha is a great destination for bird watching with different bird species which can be seen on Lake Edward and Ishasha River. Bird lovers will be able to spot various bird species including the long-crested eagle, African crake, striped kingfisher, broad-billed roller, martial eagle, African white-backed vulture, African green pigeon, Ross’s turaco, white-headed barbet, grey-backed fiscal, Senegal plover, African wattled plover, grey woodpecker, Black coucal among others. The Sector is, therefore, a great destination for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth national park.
When to visit ishasha sector
Ishasha sector can be visited any time throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the park, therefore, the vegetation will be short which gives you clear views of the wildlife grazing in the open savannah vegetation. Though the best time is during the dry season even visitors who will visit during the rainy season will be able to enjoy the same activities like game drives in the sector and bird watching because the activities will continue to take place regardless of the weather changes, therefore, visitors can visit the sector all year round.
Accommodation in Ishasha sector
Ishasha offers luxury, midrange and budget accommodation facilities where visitors can stay on their safari in Uganda including River Ishasha Safari Camp, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, Topi Lodge among others. These lodges offer quality services such as comfortable beds, bars, and restaurants where they prepare local and international dishes, fireplaces, free internet, craft shops, recharging facilities among others which make your stay during your safari in Ishasha comfortable.
Getting to ishasha sector
- Road transport, The sector can be reached by the road whereby you will drive from Kampala City via Mubende, Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth national park and then connect to the Ishasha sector which takes about 9 hours’ drive. When connecting from other destinations like from the Mweya peninsula in Queen Elizabeth national park to the Ishasha sector it takes 2 hours’ drive, from Lake Mburo national park in Mbarara to the Ishasha takes 6 hours drive and from Bwindi impenetrable national park to Ishasha takes 2 hours’ drive.
- Air transport, Ishasha sector can also be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi airstrip or Mweya Airstrip in Queen Elizabeth national park and then connect by road to Ishasha.
During your safari in Ishasha sector, you can also combine other exciting activities in Queen Elizabeth national park to make your safari memorable and unforgettable such as lion tracking in Kasenyi plains, mongoose tracking at Mweya peninsular, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, game drives, nature walk, community visits among others.
Ishasha Sector is a must-visit destination in that it offers extraordinary experiences on your safari in Uganda due to the unique tree-climbing lions which will be seen lazily lying up in the acacia fig trees in the afternoon.
