My time at the beautiful Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Ishasha Wilderness Camp will always be one of my favorite luxury camps in Uganda, it is the true definition of being in the midst of the wilderness away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is location within Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park is perfect because you are inside a national park, in an area surrounded by nature and wildlife. It offers you the perfect luxury safari in Uganda experience.
On this visit we started our journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where we had gone for a gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest the previous day. We left Bwindi in the morning and arrived at the Ishasha southern gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park at about 1:00pm. So we checked in at the park headquarters and then started the journey to Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Arrival at Ishasha southern gate
It was a bright sunny day, so even if it was not the ideal time to look out for wildlife (early morning game drives offer better game viewing), we were lucky to see some wildlife as we headed to the camp. Ishasha sector has some of the most beautiful scenery with views of the vast savanna plains dotted with acacia trees.This was like a short game drive for us and we saw Cape Buffaloes, Water bucks, Uganda Kobs, three elephants and stopped by a small hippo pool in Ishasha where we saw hippos and Cattle Egrets.
A Cape Buffalo seen while driving to Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Just as we were approaching Ishasha Wilderness Camp, we saw another elephant so this was a nice welcome after our short game drive to the camp. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff at the camp and offered a fresh glass of tree tomato juice, very refreshing and much needed especially on a hot day.
Elephant that we saw just as we were arriving at Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Arriving at Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an experience on its own – the trees, the sounds of the river and the birds chirping. You truly feel like you are in the midst of the wilderness. The camp is located along the Ntungwe River and from the main area you have views of the river and the lush vegetation surrounding the river.
Ntungwe River at Ishasha Wilderness Camp
The main lounge and dining area
We received an introductory briefing from the lodge manager at the main lounge area which also serves as their dining area. I loved the African art pieces in the lounge area, the kitenge chairs and the grass thatched roof. The lounge is designed with earthy brown colors and African art with wooden pieces so it perfectly blends into the environment. A tea station is available at the lounge with homemade cookies so guests are free to make themselves a cup of coffee or tea when they arrive.
Lounge
The best thing that I liked about the lounge was its view of the Ntungwe River and the beautiful fireplace area in the compound just a few meters away from the lounge.
I took a walk around the lounge and as I was stepping into the compound, I saw another elephant approach the river. The elephant took some water, splashed some on its body and then ate some fresh vegetation along the river bank before disappearing into the bushes. This was such a highlight for me! As a lover of elephants, this sighting made me so happy.
Elephant that I saw along the Nyungwe River while at Ishasha Wilderness Camp
My Safari tent
After the briefing at the lounge and enjoying my glass of tree tomato juice, one of the staff members carried my bag and then took me to my beautiful safari tent. I stayed in tent 5 and all the safari tents at Ishasha Wilderness Camp overlook the river. The staff member took me through another briefing about the room and I then settled in.
My safari tent
First thing I did was take a shower, since it was a hot day and we had just gotten off the road, I needed to freshen up. The bathroom was well-equipped and I had everything I needed, if not more than I needed. Shower gel, lotion, handmade soap made by locals and shampoo were available in the bathroom. I also had complimentary drinking water and I liked that it was kept in a glass bottle and there were glasses available, so no plastic. This shows that the camp is committed to sustainable practices.
Bathroom in my safari tent
I then changed into fresh clothes and stepped outside to fully enjoy the beauty of Ishasha Wilderness Camp. There were 2 seats at my private balcony so I sat outside and enjoyed views of the Ntungwe River which was a short distance away from my tent. As I was sitting here, further ahead was a hippo in the water, I could hear the noises it was making while in the water.
Later in the day, we had dinner overlooking the Ntungwe River. A fire was lit in the evening so I sat by the fire and let the sounds of the wilderness soothe me. Night time at Ishasha Wilderness Camp is amazing, aside from the warm lighting at the main area, the rest of the camp is lit with lamps so parts of the camp are dark and this further makes you feel like you are indeed in the bush.
I retired to bed to find a story time on my bed about “Henrietta and the hippo”, such a nice touch! I then slept to the sound of the river, rest was much needed especially after a long day on the road. Ishasha Wilderness Camp was the perfect place to rest.
Sleeping to the sound of the Ntungwe River was special, I woke up feeling light and refreshed. My mind felt clear. Our stay included game drives in Ishasha and relaxing at the camp. We would go out early in the morning, look out for wildlife, return to the camp, have breakfast and then lunch.
Breakfast at the camp on one of the mornings
We did an afternoon game drive on one of the days and then stayed in the bush to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset in the African bush was beautiful, hearing the sounds of birds chirping and the park get quiet as you watch the sunset was a great way to end the day.
Best part of my stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp
My safari tent was the best part of my stay, the bed was comfortable, the amenities were enough and I liked the canvas tent design which allowed in natural light. It also made me feel like I was inside the tent but very in tune with the outside. Once I drew the curtains, it felt like I was inside but also connected to the nature surrounding my safari tent and the river.
After two nights at the beautiful Ishasha Wilderness Camp, we checked out and then headed to another section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our journey in Uganda was still ongoing as later we were heading to Kibale National Park for the chimpanzee trek.
I loved my stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, I would be back in a heartbeat. The camp rejuvenated me and I felt at peace. It is like the world stopped for a minute for me and I focused on enjoying the beauty that was around me. What a lovely space! I would highly recommend a stay here.
Highlights of my stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Seeing an elephant on the Ntungwe River Bank at the camp
- Breakfast overlooking the Ntungwe River
- Watching the sunrise from the comfort of my tent
- Game drives in Ishasha sector
What is Ishasha sector famous for?
Ishasha sector is famous for the Ishasha tree-climbing lions and is best place to look out for tree climbing lions in Uganda. The lions like to climb the sycamore-fig trees in Ishasha sector to escape the scorching sun and biting flies that are usually on ground. Ishasha sector is located in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
How likely are you to see tree-climbing lions of Ishasha?
Personally, I like to look at game drives from the view that this is wildlife, you cannot predict the actions of wildlife. So when I go on a game drive in any national park, I focus on letting the wild show me what it wants me to see on that day so I don’t rush it. Seeing the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha is possible, however we should let the wild show us and not over concentrate on just the lions. The tree-climbing lions should be part of the experience and not the only experience. So if you do get to see them, well and good. If you don’t get to see them, then you know that nature took its course that day so you let it.
