Utah Office | USA/Canada
Call or Text | +1 (801) 899-6806
Email Support safari@allinafricasafarisusa.com
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 am - 5:00 pm MST
Off: US Holidays
Off: US Holidays
The Ishasha Sector is the hidden jewel of Queen Elizabeth National Park. While many travelers focus on the northern reaches of the park near the Mweya Peninsula, those who travel south find a different world. This region is famous for a sight that defies the typical behavior of big cats: lions that spend their days lounging in the branches of ancient trees.
As the founder of All in Africa Safaris USA, based here in South Jordan, Utah, I have seen firsthand how this landscape captivates our guests. It offers a sense of solitude and raw beauty that is increasingly rare in the world of international travel. My goal is to ensure you feel prepared and reassured as you plan this journey.
Our business structure is designed for your protection. All in Africa Safaris USA is a registered LLC in Utah. We handle all your planning, US-law contracts, and payments. You will never be asked to send an overseas wire transfer. Our partner, All in Africa Safaris (U) Ltd, is based in Kampala and has been our professional local expert since 2017. They handle the complex logistics, permits, and professional guiding. This allows us to provide you with US-based financial safety combined with deep local expertise.
The primary draw of this region is undeniable. The Ishasha Sector is one of only two places in the world where you can reliably see tree-climbing lions. However, it is not just about the predators. This area offers a stunning contrast to the rest of the park. You will see vast savannahs and thick riverine forests. It is a place of quiet beauty and fewer crowds.
We believe that your travel should be stress-free. We do not ask you to manage the complex logistics of park entries or road navigation. Instead, we provide these as part of our comprehensive service. Your journey is private; the wildlife encounter is shared.
The primary reason visitors seek out the Ishasha Sector is the chance to witness the tree-climbing lions. In most parts of Africa, lions stay firmly on the ground. However, in this specific corner of Uganda, they have adapted to an arboreal lifestyle.
There are several theories as to why this behavior exists. Local researchers suggest that the lions climb to escape the heat of the ground during the day. By resting in the branches of sycamore fig trees, they catch the cool breezes that sweep across the savannah. Another theory involves the tsetse flies that live in the tall grass. By moving upward, the lions find relief from these biting insects.
Spotting them requires patience and a trained eye. Our local guides understand the movements of the prides. They look for the distinctive silhouette of a black-maned male draped over a heavy branch. Because your journey is private, you can spend as much time as you wish observing these magnificent cats without the pressure of a large tour group.
We offer a dedicated tracking service. This isn’t something you need to organize on your own. We provide expert drivers who navigate the technical terrain of the Ishasha Sector to find the best viewing spots. This reduces your stress and ensures you spend your time watching wildlife rather than searching for it.
The landscape of the southern park is vastly different from the crater lakes and thickets of the north. Here, you will find vast, open savannahs dotted with massive sycamore fig trees and acacia trees.
The sycamore fig is central to the ecology of this region. These trees grow large, sturdy horizontal branches that are perfect for a 400-pound lion. They also provide fruit for a variety of birds and monkeys, creating a miniature ecosystem within a single tree. The vastness of the Ishasha Sector allows for a sense of isolation that is hard to find in more crowded parks.
When we plan your route, we focus on these specific groves. We treat the environment with the utmost respect, ensuring that our presence does not disturb the natural rhythms of the animals. This is a core part of our “Inclusive Adventure” philosophy. We want you to feel like a guest in the wild, not an intruder. The geography here is a mix of riverine forest and open grassland.
While the lions are the stars, the Ishasha Sector is home to a diverse array of African wildlife. This is the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will see the topi. This beautiful antelope has a sleek, reddish-brown coat and dark patches on its legs.
You will also encounter:
The birdlife is equally impressive. The region is home to the rare shoebill stork, which is often spotted in the marshy areas near the Ishasha River. We provide high-quality binoculars in our vehicles to ensure you do not miss these details. Our guides are trained to identify hundreds of species, making this an educational journey for everyone involved.
Navigating the Ishasha Sector requires professional planning. The roads in the southern part of the park can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. This is why we handle all transportation details as part of our service.
Most travelers arrive from the Mweya peninsula, a drive of about two hours. Alternatively, many of our guests visit the area after trekking for mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive from the Kihihi region is roughly two and a half hours, making it an excellent bridge between the jungle and the savannah.
We use custom-built 4×4 Land Cruisers for every trip. These vehicles are maintained to high standards to ensure your comfort and safety on the rugged tracks. We do not recommend that travelers attempt to manage this region themselves, as the technical knowledge of the terrain is vital for a successful trip. By using our services, you avoid the stress of vehicle maintenance and navigation.
The Ishasha Sector offers some of the best photography opportunities in East Africa. However, shooting lions in trees presents unique challenges. The contrast between the bright sky and the shaded branches can be difficult for cameras to balance.
Our guides are trained to position the vehicle for the best light. We recommend using a telephoto lens (at least 300mm or higher) to capture the details of the lions’ faces. Because your safari is 100% private, you have the freedom to wait for the perfect shot. You aren’t competing with ten other people for a view through a window.
We also suggest bringing a beanbag or a camera mount that can be attached to the vehicle’s pop-up roof. This stability is essential for sharp images, especially in the low light of early morning or late afternoon. The open horizons provide a clean background for wide-angle shots of the herds as well.
Choosing the right lodging is a critical part of the experience. The Ishasha Sector offers options that allow you to stay close to nature without sacrificing professional comfort. We manage all these details so you can focus on the adventure.
We manage all the reservations and dietary requirements for you. By booking through All in Africa Safaris USA, you receive the benefit of our established relationships with these lodges. You can find more information about our accommodation standards on our safari planning guide.
The most important secret to a successful safari is the “bridge” between your home and the destination. Planning a trip to Africa can feel overwhelming. There are concerns about payments, contracts, and reliability. This is where we provide our most valuable service.
By choosing All in Africa Safaris USA, you are working with a company that understands American expectations. We provide clear, US-law contracts. Your money stays in a US bank until it is needed for your specific trip. This transparency is why many of our guests choose us over booking directly with overseas operators.
Our partnership with All in Africa Safaris (U) Ltd in Kampala ensures that once you arrive, you are in the hands of professionals. They handle the “boots on the ground” logistics while we provide the administrative safety and planning support from Utah. This dual-layered approach is unique to our company and ensures that your visit to the Ishasha Sector is both safe and authentic.
A trip to the Ishasha Sector requires some physical preparation. While the safari itself is not strenuous, you will be in a remote environment. We provide all the information you need to prepare, so you don’t have to spend hours on research.
We recommend visiting the CDC website at least two months before your trip. You will likely need a Yellow Fever vaccination and malaria prevention medication. It is also wise to check the US State Department for any current travel advisories.
We provide a comprehensive packing list to all our guests. This includes suggestions for neutral-colored clothing, sturdy shoes, and high-quality sun protection. Our goal is to reduce your stress by providing all the information you need in one place. When you are in the Ishasha Sector, being well-prepared allows you to focus entirely on the remarkable wildlife around you.
Our unique value proposition is simple: we provide the luxury of a private experience at the price point often associated with large groups. This is possible because of our direct ownership of the local logistics company in Uganda. We remove the “middleman” fees, passing those savings directly to you.
When you are in the Ishasha Sector, you won’t be sharing a vehicle with strangers. You will have your own professional guide and vehicle. This allows for a deeper, more educational experience. You can ask questions, stop whenever you see something interesting, and truly immerse yourself in the landscape. Our commitment to private travel ensures that your African adventure is exactly what you dreamed it would be.
The area is more than just a place to see lions; it is a place to reconnect with the natural world. From the quiet mornings on the savannah to the dramatic sunsets over the river, every moment is an opportunity for discovery. We are proud to be your guide on this journey.
As we move through the final stages of planning your trip, we look at the seasonal changes in the park. The Ishasha Sector changes dramatically between the wet and dry seasons. In the dry months, the wildlife congregates near the water, making sightings very predictable. In the wet months, the landscape turns a vibrant green, and the birdlife becomes the main attraction.
We help you choose the best time to visit based on your specific interests. Whether you are a photographer looking for the perfect light or a family seeking an educational adventure, we tailor the experience to you. The region offers a variety of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Our professional team is dedicated to making sure your time in Uganda is the highlight of your year.
Park entry fees are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Currently, they are approximately $40 per person per 24 hours. When you book with All in Africa Safaris USA, we handle all these permits and fees as part of your package, so you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.
Yes, it is very safe. The park is managed by professional rangers, and our local team has years of experience navigating the region. Furthermore, because we are a US-based company, you have the protection of US-law contracts and the ability to reach us easily in Utah.
A private safari ensures that you move at your own pace. If you want to spend an extra hour watching a lion, you can. You aren’t restricted by a group schedule. As we like to say, “Your journey is private; the wildlife encounter is shared.”
Absolutely. Because we are a US-based LLC, we accept all major credit cards and bank transfers through standard US banking systems. This eliminates the risk and high fees of sending money to an overseas bank account.
Most of our guests arrive via a private vehicle with one of our professional guides. We often combine this visit with a trip to Bwindi or the northern Mweya Peninsula. We handle all the driving and logistics so you can simply enjoy the scenery.
Ready to start planning your private African safari? Contact All in Africa Safaris USA today for your personalized itinerary.
