Joy doesn’t simply happen to us; we have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. When you hold it in your heart, it heals any crummy stories in your life.
You can find all the joy you seek when you decide to cross oceans and seas and visit the Ishasha territory, located on the southern side of the golden grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
The Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its unique climbing lions, who ascend trees with ease but sometimes face challenges descending from fig trees.
While not specifically confirmed, it is speculated that these lions climb trees to access fresh air due to the high and hot temperatures in the area.
The park receives little or no rainfall, making it quite dry. Climbing trees may also protect them from wind and insect bites.
The sight of these majestic lions resting on well-spaced, large fig trees captivates many tourists who take photographs as cherished memories or for sale.
The best time to see these tree-climbing lions is during the dry season when vegetation is short, making it easier to spot the pride as they set out to hunt at dawn or near waterholes.
The entry fees for the Ishasha circuit are as follows:
- Adults: $40
- Children aged 5 to 15: $20
- Children under five: Free entry
The southern side of the park offers glorious accommodations with excellent services and well-trained staff, including bar attendants, managers, waiters, and waitresses.
Accommodation options in Ishasha include Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, and Ishasha Ntungwe River Lodge.
The Ishasha region is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with various bird species like Terek sandpiper, grey plover, rare blue quail, African thrush, greater honeyguide, trilling cisticola, and white-browed coucal.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, was founded in 1952 and was initially known as Kazinga National Park. Located in western Uganda, it covers districts such as Kasese, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri.
The park is home to a variety of carnivores, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as herbivores like rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, antelope, Uganda kob, and hippos. Reptiles like crocodiles in Kazinga Channel, turtles, snakes, and lizards also inhabit the park.
In addition, you can find primates such as monkeys, baboons, gorillas, and chimpanzees, along with numerous bird species, including black-bellied bustard, white-browed robin, hooded vultures, African eagle, secretary bird, handsome francolin, grey crowned crane, and African jacana.
Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodations in the park are divided into three categories:
Luxury:
- Enganzi Game Lodge
- Kyangabi Crater Resort
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Trackers Safari Lodge
- Mazike Valley Lodge
- Queen Elizabeth Katara Lodge
- Kyangabi Crater Lodge
Mid-Range:
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Kasenyi Retreat Lodge
- Tembo Lodge
- Kabatoru Safari Lodge
Budget:
- Ramada
- Baymont
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park offers various activities that bring extensive joy to visitors, including:
- Game Drives in Ishasha: These drives provide an opportunity to see the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.
- Boat Trips along the Channel: Enjoy views of hippos and crocodiles in the water.
- Birdwatching: Explore the park’s bird-rich areas to spot a wide variety of species.
- Nature Walks: Observe the behaviors of different animal species up close.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in breathtaking views of the Eden-like landscape and crystal-clear, glittering crater lakes, including Lake Edward with its salty waters, the Bunyaruguru Crater Field, and the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Fields.
The only place where you can experience heaven on Earth is at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to set your sights high, not merely gazing at the water but sailing on it in the Pearl of Africa.
