Tree climbing lions of Ishasha are the big cats of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering unique experiences in the Ishasha sector located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the second largest national park in Uganda, situated in southwestern Uganda. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

Queen Elizabeth National Park harbors other animals such as elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, hippos, antelopes, Nile crocodiles, leopards, hyenas, primates like chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many bird species. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a number of tourism activities where tourists can engage during their safari, such as both morning and evening game drives, lion tracking at the Ishasha sector, a launch cruise at Kazinga Channel, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge mostly known as the "Valley of the Apes."

Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector can be spotted lazily lying up in acacia or fig tree branches during either a morning or evening game drive in your comfortable 4WD safari vehicle with a knowledgeable driver guide from Devine African Safaris. Other animals spotted include African cape buffaloes, Topi, warthogs, Uganda kobs, elephants, and bird species such as the martial eagle, brown snake eagle, Bateleur, palm nut vulture, Ross's turaco, grey woodpecker, white-headed barbet, African wattled plover, African fish eagle, grey-backed fiscal, white-browed robinchat, broad-billed roller, 

Because of the unique tree-climbing lions, Ishasha Sector is a popular tourist destination for big cat and big five enthusiasts.

The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer-long freshwater channel that connects Lake Edward to Lake George and its smaller neighbor. Lake Edward and Lake George were named after Queen Victoria’s son, King Edward VII, and his successor, King George V. The Kazinga Channel is a key attraction to Queen Elizabeth National Park and popular for wildlife species.

The Kazinga channel protects a wide range of animal species and bird species and is considered one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos, with around 2,000 individuals and countless Nile crocodiles. Expect to see elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, bushbucks, and over 100 species of both water and land bird species, such as the African Skimmer.

Kazinga Channel boat cruise

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise takes travelers to see a wide range of animals and birds. Boat cruises at Kazinga Channel are another popular way to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kazinga Channel offers two boat ride operators, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya Safari Lodge. Both boat trips cost about $30 per individual.

Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is perched in the far east of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kyambura Gorge is nicknamed ‘the valley of the apes. Kyambura Gorge was formed by centuries of erosion by the Kyambura River. The dense forest in Kyambura Gorge is a prime habitat for chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge is a popular wildlife activity in Uganda that allows travelers to step into the world of chimpanzees. Kyambura gorge treks last for approximately three hours, including a maximum of one hour with the chimpanzees in their natural environment.

Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Penisula is on the northern bank of the Kazinga Channel; the Mweya Peninsula gives access to the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Mweya Peninsula came due to its transport connection via Mweya Airport.

Game drives along the Mweya Peninsula

The game drive on the Mweya Peninsula offers the quintessential Savannah safari encounter with several game trails. Traveling in four-wheel vehicles adapted for great visibility via hatch roofs and sliding windows.

Game drives in the Mweya Peninsula take travelers to see a wide range of mammals, such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, bush bucks, waterbucks, and many antelope species. Nocturnal game drives also offer a unique and exciting opportunity to see nocturnal animals such as leopards and hyenas.

. The Ishasha sector is visited throughout the year, although it is best visited during the dry seasons of June, July, August, September, and December, as well as January, February, and early March each year. During the dry seasons, less rainfall is received, making the roads to the national parks accessible.