Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a tented camp set along the banks of the Ntungwe River, in the Ishasha southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Ten tents only, no fences: elephants, buffalo, black-and-white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys roam freely across the site. An address for travelers seeking wilderness within arm's reach of the terrace.

Why choose Ishasha Wilderness Camp

This camp stands out for its location in a still-lesser-known sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, observed in the fig trees of the park's southern reaches—a rare behavioral trait in East Africa. The camp also serves as a logical stopover for those extending their journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, sanctuary of the mountain gorillas, accessible from Ishasha's southern gateway.

The absence of fencing is deliberate: wildlife moves freely between tents, and the Ntungwe River regularly hosts hippos visible from private terraces.

Atmosphere and setting

The camp embraces immersive simplicity. No concrete, no relentless generator hum: you hear hippos snorting in the river, colobus calls at dawn, and occasionally the distant rumble of an elephant at the treeline. At dusk, the outdoor firepit takes over from electric light: guests linger after dinner under an unpolluted sky.

The whole operation follows the classic safari camp logic of the Great Lakes region: dismantleable structures, local materials, deep landscape integration.

The tents

The camp comprises ten tents, each with a structured roof and partial canvas walls. Each includes:

• large beds fitted with mosquito nets ;
• hot-water bush showers ;
• flush toilets ;
• private terrace overlooking the Ntungwe River, ideal for spotting hippos and wildlife coming to drink.

Comfort is deliberately understated: this is a bush camp, not a masonry luxury lodge.

Common areas and services

A thatch-roofed main lounge serves as the gathering point for meals and safari briefings. Meals are provided on-site in the full-board format typical of this type of remote camp. An outdoor firepit extends the evening for drinks or Ugandan tea against the sunset backdrop.

The team also arranges internal park transfers and coordination with rangers for excursions.

Activities from the camp

• 4x4 safaris through the most pristine zones of Queen Elizabeth National Park ;
• Guided bush walks, focused on birdwatching and tracking the tree-climbing lions characteristic of Ishasha ;
• Hot-air balloon flights over the park (subject to operator availability) ;
• Community visits to meet traditional herbalists and local schools in the surrounding area.

Location

The camp sits in Ishasha's southern sector, within Queen Elizabeth National Park. This position makes it a strategic stopover between the park's northern reaches (Mweya, Kazinga Channel) and Bwindi Forest to the south. Plan for several hours' drive from Kampala or Entebbe; most travelers arrive here as part of a structured safari itinerary.

Extending your journey

Ishasha Wilderness Camp fits naturally into a circuit framework. To continue your adventure, several Nomadays properties pair seamlessly:

• Bwindi Lodge for the gorilla stage in the Impenetrable Forest ;
• Kibale Forest Camp to encounter chimpanzees ;
• Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, an alternative on Kibale's edge ;
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge for travelers pushing into the wild north.

Planning your stay

To integrate Ishasha Wilderness Camp into a complete safari circuit across Uganda, explore our Uganda journeys and craft your itinerary with a Nomadays advisor.