To see Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions, plan a game drive through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, usually on the way between the central park and Bwindi. Guides check the large sycamore fig trees on the Ishasha loops, mostly from late morning to mid-afternoon. Sightings are good but never guaranteed; a night at a camp in Ishasha improves your chances.
Key takeaways
- Ishasha is the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Lions rest in large sycamore figs, mostly in the heat of the day.
- Sightings are good but never guaranteed.
- Ishasha also has topi, kob, buffalo and elephants.
- Lion numbers in the park have fallen; sightings are precious.
Ishasha is the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, far from the busier Mweya and Kasenyi areas. Its open grassland is dotted with huge sycamore fig trees, and in those branches, on a lucky day, you find lions lying in the shade, legs dangling, watching the plains below.
A typical day in Ishasha
Most visitors cross Ishasha on the drive between central Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. Leaving the Kasenyi area in the morning, you drive south past the Kazinga Channel and through acacia woodland, entering Ishasha by late morning, just as the day warms and the lions seek the shade of the trees.
Your guide drives the Ishasha loops, scanning each large fig. Lions are surprisingly hard to spot: a tawny shape among leaves, a tail hanging down, a paw over a branch. When you find them, you can watch from the vehicle as they doze, yawn or survey the kob herds. Afterwards, a picnic lunch by the Ishasha River, on the border with Congo, is a highlight in itself.
Other wildlife
Ishasha is also good for:
- Topi, which are rare elsewhere in Uganda.
- Uganda kob herds, the lions’ main prey.
- Buffalo and elephants, especially near the river.
- Hippos in the Ishasha River, and many birds of prey.
Tips for the best chance
- Time it well: late morning to mid-afternoon, when lions retreat to trees.
- Stay a night: camps on the Ntungwe River let you search in the evening and early morning too.
- Be patient: lions can be well hidden; slow, careful scanning pays off.
- Use binoculars: they help pick out shapes in the canopy.
Use a medium to long zoom and change your angle slowly to find a clear view of a face through the leaves.
A note on conservation
Uganda’s lion population has declined, including in Queen Elizabeth, because of conflict with herders, poisoning and snares. Every sighting is precious, and responsible tourism, with guides keeping distance and respecting the animals, helps make living lions valuable to communities. Read our tree-climbing lion guide for more on why lions climb and their status.
Include Ishasha in your trip
Our 5-day gorillas and Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari and 7-day primates and wildlife safari both drive through Ishasha on the way to Bwindi’s gorillas.
Where to stay in Ishasha
A few small camps sit along the Ntungwe River, on the edge of the sector, with tents under the trees and hippos in the river at night. Staying here lets you search for the lions in the early morning and late afternoon, when they may move between trees or hunt, rather than only passing through at midday.
What else to do nearby
- A picnic by the Ishasha River on the Congo border.
- Birding for raptors on the open plains.
- An evening drive for buffalo, elephants and topi.
From Ishasha, it is a scenic 2–3 hour drive through farmland and forested hills to Bwindi’s Buhoma sector for gorilla trekking.
Whatever happens on the day, the search itself, scanning the great fig trees across a quiet, open plain, is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Are the tree-climbing lions guaranteed?
No. Lions move between trees and sometimes rest on the ground. Guides use experience and recent sightings to give you the best chance.
How long do I need in Ishasha?
A game drive of two to four hours on the way through; a night in Ishasha adds morning and evening drives.
Why do the lions climb trees?
Likely reasons include escaping biting flies, catching cooler breezes and watching for prey. See our tree-climbing lion guide.
Is Ishasha remote?
Yes. It is quieter and wilder than central Queen Elizabeth, with few vehicles.
Can I combine Ishasha with gorillas?
Yes. Bwindi’s Buhoma sector is about 2–3 hours away.
Is Ishasha safe?
Yes. Security patrols along tourist roads were strengthened after 2023, and you travel with an experienced guide.
What else can I see if the lions are on the ground?
Lions resting under the figs are still a great sighting, and Ishasha’s topi, kob, buffalo and elephants make every drive worthwhile.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
