In the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, is centred around Lake Edward and Lake George. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is especially good for viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions which lounge nonchalantly on old fig trees. The beautiful steeply forested Kyambura Gorge nearby, is home not only to chimpanzees but also the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species.

The park is well worth a visit even if just to see the hippos and the birds on the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. From the launch trip on the Channel, one can watch hundreds of Hippos at close range, spreading their mouths wide and rushing to the water. The birdlife is spectacular and includes pelicans, fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants and saddlebill storks. Buffalos and waterbucks come to the water to cool off, and occasionally you may see elephant, lion and crocodile