At the River Ishasha lodge is a budget accommodation located 4km from the main entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park and 18km from Kihihi town, on the southern border of the park, that is in the Ishasha sector.
The lodge offers en-suite cottages, rooms with shared facilities, and camping space, all with fabulous views of Ntungwe River and Ishasha plains. The lodge is set on 34 acres of land looking over to the opposite bank where the riverine forest is filled with healthy populations of black and white colobus monkeys, red tail monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species to enjoy, while on your game drive.
At the River Ishasha lodge is perfect for adventurous travelers and backpackers who want to keep their safari experience on a budget.
The lodge is located in the Ishasha sector of the park where there is the pride of seeing tree-climbing lions and ability of enjoying lion-tracking on foot. This gives you a great chance to do and see this unique experience.
At the River Ishasha campsite is a newly opened affordable lodge with beautiful views of Ntungwe river and in a short drive to the gate of Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The camp offers cottages and tents, with beds and soft pillows and pure cotton linen for a wonderful night sleep, as well as offering space to pitch your own tent. You can have food provided or cook for yourself while at the campsite.
Facilities At The River Ishasha Campsite
The beautiful site comes with two amazing panoramic view showers and flushing toilets. A dedicated kitchen and friendly staff to attend to your every need. Cold drinks are provided from the efficient solar fridge, with a full stock of sodas, beers, wine, and spirits.
The lodge area has comfortable seats which are set up high, so that you can have wonderful views of the river. It’s a good spot at night to view elephants while they pass by the campsite. There are also swing seats to relax in during the heat of the day set in different areas of the camp. The beach area is a popular spot for enjoying sundowners, sunbathing, and a brilliant area for children. There is also a small swimming pool for your comfort. Night game drives can also be organized right from this campsite.
At the River Ishasha campsite has 6 en-suite cottages (two family rooms) that have great views of the river and Ishasha wilderness of Queen Elizabeth national park on the opposite bank.
The cottages are spacious and come equipped with a flushing toilet, sink, and a hot shower with beautiful views. There are two large beds with mosquito nets, towels, and a bottle of water.
The cottages are cozy but airy, perfect for someone who doesn’t feel like putting up a tent. There are two large beds with mosquito nets, towels, and a bottle of water. These rooms are not self-contained but there are shared toilets and hot shower blocks nearby.
How to get to At River Ishasha Campsite
If you come using your own means, then you should first check with the campsite for the best route to take. This is important because sometimes bridges collapse due to heavy downpour, some roads are unpassable, closed or under construction. The lodge shall provide updated info on these issues and will be happy to share any information they have got.
Kampala- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Sector via Fort Portal
This is approximately 8 hours drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. You will drive to Fort Portal town, and then head south to Kasese. You will then pass through Kasese towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, and after crossing Kazinga channel you will take the next major turning point to the New Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) park headquarters. This is a murram road of about 70km to the Ishasha sector.
You cross a total of about 5 bridges, and after crossing the 5th bridge in approximately 500 meters you will turn left to At the River Ishasha campsite signpost.
Kampala- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Sector via Mbarara
This is also approximately 8 hours drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. You will then drive to Mbarara town. In Mbarara town you will turn right at the sign for Lake View Hotel and the after you will turn on your left and continue on road to Kasese.
After descending the Kichwamba escarpment and passing the Jacana Lodge signpost, you will then take a left turn just before UWA headquarters.
Kampala-Ishasha via Rukungiri
This route may take longer, so inquire about it route before taking it. It is approximately in a 10 hours drive from Kampala, passing through Mbarara to Kabale. After about 64km, you will get to Ntungamo town, and then turn right to travel the 50km road to Rukungiri town.
At Rukungiri town you will arrive at the roundabout and then turn left. After 100m down the main street, you will then turn right. Travel down the hill and continue on a very bumpy Murram road. After about 17km there is a very steep-sided river valley, which you will cross and head towards Kambuga hospital. A while after the hospital turn right to Kihihi. You may ask for directions en route but all roads eventually end up in Kihihi. From Kihihi you will head to Queen Elizabeth Park after 12 km, at the T-junction turn right. After 16km turn right At the River Ishasha signpost. Follow for 5 mins until you see another signpost on your left.
You may also use public means like a bus from Kampala to Kihihi.
Whichever route or way is convenient for you, you must have a vehicle to enter the national park. You can either bring a car or hire a special hire taxi for the day.
Besides wildlife game drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can also enjoy the amazing lifetime gorilla trekking safari in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.