Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park occupies the southern part of the park near the DR Congo border. The Ishasha River, from which the sector takes its name, runs from the southwestern part of the sector to the northeastern side. The area is characterized by rolling grasslands and some acacia trees, with the land gradually rising in altitude towards the west. To the south of the sector is the Maramagambo forest, a large tropical forest that provides a habitat for a variety of animal and bird species. The Ishasha sector attracts numerous visitors and tourists due to its big cats – the tree-climbing lions.  The section’s proximity to both the town of Kihihi, and the Mweya Peninsula, a well-visited place within the park which offers additional attractions on game drives. The Ishasha sector is accessible to visitors by road. A dirt road that leads from Kihihi through the northern part of the park can be used to enter the sector.

Hire a 4×4 car from Kigali, Rwanda, and cross over to Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the Ishasha section, which is also a border point and designated end of the Rukungiri–Kihihi. It partially forms the boundary of the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Across is the Ishasha River which serves as the international border, with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the adjacent Virunga National Park. This part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for big cats (tree-climbing lions) and Leopards. Other species here include the Topis, Jackson’s heartbeats, Hippos which are commonly seen in the Ishasha River, and forest Elephants.

Rent a car with camping options. Rooftop tent and extra gear for your Uganda and Rwanda holiday. Although there are many optional lodges for overnight stays, they can be out of your budget.

Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the southern part is gifted with a good number of various wildlife species such as tree-climbing lions, leopards, kobs, topis, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and many others. On a game drive, you may be lucky to spot a lioness or a lion resting up in the branches of a big fig tree. The sector is notably an area in Queen Elizabeth Park that inhabits a larger number of the famous unique rare species of lions that tend to climb trees after prey. It is these strong-looking and unique tree-climbing lions that have continued to attract numerous travellers to venture into the sector with a view of seeing them. You can have a self-drive tour in this section of the park. However, for a great safari, you can hire a ranger guide for a few hours.