Ishasha

Ishasha

Welcome to the wild south of Queen Elizabeth National Park!
Ishasha is remote, peaceful, and famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Spotting them takes luck and patience, but the area also offers other great wildlife sightings such as elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and lots of birdlife. All in a beautiful mix of savannah and riverine forest

1. Things to do in Ishasha
2. To: Lake Mutanda / Rushaga
3. To: Lake Bunyonyi
4. To: Queen Elizabeth National Park
5. To: Rukungiri

• Game drives
  Go early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see wildlife, and maybe lions in the trees!
• Guided nature or birding walks
  Explore on foot with a local guide who knows where to look and what to listen for
• Community walk or bike tour
  Meet local people and see everyday life around the park

Approx. 6.5 hours | 179 km

You have a full day of driving ahead of you, so depart after an early morning breakfast and bring a packed lunch.

Route overview

• Drive through Kihihi and Kanungu to reach the Kabale–Kisoro road
• From there, head towards Kisoro and Lake Mutanda. The road from Kisoro to Lake Mutanda is a stunning route on an adventurous dirt road.

Important!
When using Google Maps, first set your route to Kisoro, not directly to Lake Mutanda Resort or Rushaga. If you skip this, Google might send you via Muko, which is shorter in distance but much slower and rougher.

Check road conditions
There are several route options between Ishasha and Bwindi. Since weather and road conditions can change quickly, ask your lodge for the latest updates before you go.

Fuel stops
You can refuel in Kihihi and Kisoro. Make sure to fill up before entering the Bwindi area — stations are limited after that.

Approx. 4 hours | 109 km

After an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, hit the road towards the peaceful and picturesque Lake Bunyonyi.

Route:

• Drive via Kihihi and Kanungu
• Join the Kabale–Kisoro main road
• Head towards Kabale town
• From Kabale, it’s just a 15-minute drive to your first view of the lake

Stops along the way

• Fuel: Available in Kihihi and Kabale
• ATMs: Only in Kabale
• Lunch or coffee: The Gathering Place or Safari Diners Choma Restaurant in Kabale. 

Approx. 2 hours | 74 km

After a morning game drive or relaxed breakfast, head off towards Queen Elizabeth National Park for another round of wildlife spotting.

The murram and dirt roads can be quite bumpy with eroded ribbon surfaces so watch your speed (max 25 km/hour); otherwise, you lose control instantly. Most car incidents happen on this stretch due to speed. 

Take it slow and enjoy the views. The park is worth it.

To: Ishasha

Approx. 1-2 hours | 75 km

The biggest part of the tarmac road to Rukungiri was constructed last year, and Google Maps doesn’t recognise this new road yet. Not to worry, keep following the good tarmac road and the road signs to Rukungiri. Sometimes Google Maps is saying to follow some small roads, but keep on the new well paved road and you will enter Rukungiri smooth and fast. The last stretch close to Rukungiri won’t be the best as the road conditions are not the best here.