Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp
Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp: A Mid-Range Retreat in the Land of Tree-Climbing Lions
Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp is a medium-level campsite found near the Ntungwe River in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the region where lions climb trees. The camp sits just three kilometres from the park entrance, close to the Ishasha game tracks, making it a perfect base for Ugandan safari adventures. Travellers who stay here have a genuine chance to spot those elusive lions lounging in fig and acacia trees while also enjoying beautiful views of the riparian forest vegetation and the surrounding acacia savannah.
The location feels remote and wild, yet the camp is surprisingly accessible. It offers a comfortable, authentic experience without the high price tag of luxury lodges.
How to Get There
A visitor can reach the camp by road, which takes approximately five to six hours (about 370 kilometres) from Kampala city to Queen Elizabeth National Park. For those who prefer to fly, domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to the nearby Kasese Airstrip take roughly one hour. From the airstrip, a short transfer brings guests directly to the camp.
About the Camp: Canvas Tents with River Views
The Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp has ten large and comfortable canvas tents in the classic African style which perfectly fit in with the surroundings. These tents provide spectacular views of the Ntungwe River. They are equipped with all the necessary amenities and erected above ground level, making the view even more impressive and providing additional cooling.
Inside, travellers will find mosquito nets, hot and cold showers, flushing toilets, free toiletries, chairs and wooden tables, complimentary bottled water, and slippers. Every tent has a sitting area, a terrace, and a private balcony that provides a panoramic view of the Ntungwe riverine, the forest canopy, and the surrounding savannah.
The beds are excellent, queen‑sized with comfortable, clean bedding. Guests can choose between single beds for solo travellers, double or twin beds for couples or friends sharing, and family options.
Campfire Evenings and Dining by the River
There is a place for a campfire where there are flames flickering at night. The guests sit around and share experiences from their adventure safari. It is a very relaxing experience for them after an eventful day.
The dining area is set in a main canvas tent, and there is another dining spot right by the riverbank. Both serve mouthwatering meals that cater to a visitor’s choice, a mix of local Ugandan and international cuisine. Breakfast can be enjoyed overlooking the river, and picnic lunches are available for those heading out on full‑day game drives. Dinner is served by well‑trained, friendly, and organised staff.
The well‑stocked bar offers both hard and soft drinks. A traveller can sit, sip any drink of choice, and simply take in the stunning view of the riverine and surrounding wilderness. It is the kind of place where time slows down.
Services and Amenities
The camp offers laundry and cleaning facilities, parking facilities, airport transfers, power supply through solar energy, and even car rental facilities for those looking forward to exploring on their own. The beds are neat and comfortable, and there is also a Wi-Fi internet facility that enables visitors to connect with their loved ones and share pictures of lions climbing trees.
Activities: Tracking Lions and More
The main reason most people come to Ishasha is for the tree-climbing lions, and this camp puts guests right in the heart of that action. Game drives in the park give tourists a chance to spot a wide range of animals, but the highlight is undoubtedly the lions lounging in the branches of acacia and fig trees, a behaviour seen in only two countries worldwide.
Beyond lion tracking, visitors can enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel (a bit of a drive, but worth it), visit local villages around the park, or simply relax by the river.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest and most visited national park. It is located in western Uganda near the historical town of Fort Portal, often called the tourism city. The park spans the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri and covers a total area of 1,978 square kilometres, not 987 as some older sources mistakenly state. The park extends from Lake George in the north‑east to Lake Edward in the south‑west and includes the Kazinga Channel, which connects the two lakes. That channel is roughly 32 kilometres long and is the widest in Uganda.
The park boasts over 100 mammal species and more than 610 bird species, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Accommodation options range from budget to mid‑range to luxury, suiting every traveller’s budget.
Other activities in the park include game viewing on the Kasenyi plains (buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, leopards, impalas, and zebras), chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, forest walks in Karinzu or Maramagambo Forest, bird watching, hiking, salt mining at Lake Katwe, and community tours to local villages.
Final Thoughts
Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp offers a genuine mid‑range safari experience in one of Uganda’s most wildlife‑rich corners. The chance to see tree-climbing lions, the peaceful river views, the comfortable tents, and the warm hospitality all come together to create a stay that travellers remember for years. For anyone planning a Uganda safari and hoping to tick “lion in a tree” off their bucket list, this camp is an excellent choice.
