Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Nestled within the secluded Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers an exclusive escape for discerning travellers seeking an authentic connection with the wild. Perched beside the Ntungwe River, this intimate tented retreat combines the rugged charm of a remote wilderness camp with exceptional service standards. The camp is uniquely positioned inside the park boundaries, granting guests unparalleled access to the legendary tree-climbing lions that rest in the massive fig trees of the savannah. Unlike other locations, the wildlife here roams freely through the camp grounds, allowing visitors to witness elephants bathing in the river or buffalo grazing nearby without barriers. Accommodations feature spacious wooden-framed tents with private verandas overlooking the water, ensuring comfort while maintaining an immersive bush atmosphere. The camp operates with total flexibility, offering game drives at any hour to maximise sightings in this pristine landscape. Whether enjoying a bush breakfast under the stars or a sundowner on the riverbank, guests experience a rare sense of isolation and privilege. Additional excursions include chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, making this a pivotal base for a comprehensive Ugandan safari adventure.

The safari experience at Ishasha is defined by flexibility and intimacy. As the only camp situated within the park, operations are not bound by the rigid schedules of external lodges. Guests can embark on early morning or late afternoon game drives in either their own safari vehicle or a dedicated open-top camp vehicle. The guide team focuses on patience and local expertise, navigating the Northern and Southern circuit tracks to locate the elusive tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. The pace is leisurely yet purposeful, allowing ample time for photography and observation. Because the area remains largely untouched by mass tourism, guests often share the landscape with only a handful of other vehicles. The experience extends beyond the vehicle with guided bush walks along the river to spot hippos and rare bird species. Evening relaxation is curated with sundowners set against vast savannah vistas or by the tranquil river, accompanied by the sounds of the African night.

• ◆Tree-climbing lions
• ◆African elephants
• ◆Cape buffalo
• ◆Leopards
• ◆Hippos
• ◆Uganda kob
• ◆Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• ◆Diverse riverine and savannah birdlife.

Accommodation Gallery

Tent-style Rooms

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Bedroom

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Bedroom

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Bathroom

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Veranda

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Veranda

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Immerse yourself in a safari that actively preserves Uganda’s wild heart. Ishasha Wilderness Camp operates under a strict Responsible Tourism Policy, ensuring their presence supports rather than burdens the local ecosystem. As a fully Ugandan-owned enterprise with over 95% local staff, they are deeply rooted in the community, contributing to trade associations and advocating for industry best practices. Their commitment extends to the Future Generations Trust, a fund established in 2019 where every guest night contributes to vital conservation goals.

Your stay directly empowers initiatives like the Ishasha Community Uplift Group, which helps local farmers protect crops from wildlife incursions, and the Batwa Empowerment Village, which preserves the ancient hunter-gatherer heritage of the forest’s original inhabitants. They also fund the Large Carnivore Monitoring Project, essential for tracking the rare tree-climbing lions, and support the Bwindi Hospital and Ride 4 a Woman, ensuring tourism revenue drives tangible social change.

They practice what they preach through our eco-conscious infrastructure. Their camps are small, intimate retreats constructed from local materials and designed to be easily removed, leaving no permanent scar on the landscape. They source fresh produce, furniture, and dry goods exclusively from Ugandan suppliers, reducing transport emissions and boosting the local economy. Power is primarily solar, while water heating utilises efficient sawmill byproducts rather than cutting down indigenous trees. They encourage guests to join these efforts by participating in cultural tours, purchasing authentic crafts, and adopting simple habits like linen reuse, ensuring your luxury experience leaves a lasting, positive legacy.