Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp
This camp opened in August 2008 and is located about 3 km from the Ishasha gate at QENP. We took a game drive through the Ishasha area of QENP and the population of wildlife is much denser than the Mweya area. Our guide tried for several hours to find the tree-climbing lions but with no luck. We did see a couple of elephants close up, and one became a bit annoyed at us for being too close. The guide said we could either turn off the car engine which would calm the elephant, or immediately drive away. Before driving away I managed to get a photo of the annoyed elephant with its ears standing out.
Accommodation:
The rates are much less than the Ishasha Wilderness Camp which is located inside the park. In Feb 2009 we paid $210 for a twin-bedded tent for non-residents and $170 for residents and the rate includes all meals. Alcohol from the well-stocked bar is extra. Although there is no electricity, there are solar-powered refrigerators and an oven. So you don’t have to worry about getting warm beer!
The not-quite luxury tents have comfortable twin beds and enough space for your luggage, however, there are no shelves or tables for clothes and small items. An addition built onto the back of the tent houses a toilet, sink, and solar-powered hot shower. The back zipper of the tent opens into the facilities so the tents are fully self-contained. Netting on all tent openings ensures the tent to be mosquito and insect free so an additional mosquito net is not required.
Meals:
A superb young chef named Benson prepared the meals. A sample dinner was stuffed tomato, onion soup, homemade rolls, barbecued chicken with rice and gravy, fresh green beans and carrots, and sponge cake for dessert. We also enjoyed full breakfasts and wonderful lunches.
On one afternoon we were delighted by a local family who entertained us with traditional dancing, drumming and singing. We were all well taken care of by the excellent manager, Michael, and the staff.
Wildlife venture into the area where the camp is located and the Ntungwe River is nearby. Elephants, lions, and during the rainy season, hippos, can be heard at night. On our last night we heard several lions roaring in the distance beginning around 5 am.
The downside to this location is that when it rains the road leading to the camp is extremely slippery and difficult to negotiate, even with 4WD. However, the manager, Michael, assured me that the dirt road would be covered with murram which will alleviate the problem.
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