Ishasha entrance gate is located on the southwestern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is the second most popularly used gate after the northern Katunguru gate in Mweya Peninsular. The gate is approximately 412 km, that is, about a 6-hour drive via Kampala – Mbarara route to the national park.
One can also access Ishasha entrance gate through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Kihihi. The gate is situated in a magnificent landscape dominated by savannah woodland tree species like the huge fig trees, cactus trees, and acacia trees among others.
Ishasha entrance gate derives its name from the Ishasha sector – which is famous because of the unique tree-climbing lions. The sector has become the most liked and frequently visited sector compared to other sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The undulating landscapes provide a clear view of wildlife and the entire national park to travellers, which is another interesting point about the Ishasha sector. The sector is approximately two hours from Mweya peninsular, but the experience is really amazing.
What To Do Around Ishasha Entrance Gate
Ishasha sector is the most visited section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the unique experience around Ishasha gate is extraordinary and rarely found in other parts of the Park
A game drive in the Ishasha sector offers you a huge number of mammal species such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, Uganda kobs, impalas, waterbucks, and warthogs among others. Experienced guides help in spotting these animals while explaining the characteristics of each of the spotted animal. Thus increasing visitors’ knowledge and understanding of wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You will also visit Lake Katwe which is known for salt mining; Lake Nyamunyanyange for migratory flamingoes and Lake Bunyaruguru, where salt mining has recently started. Travellers who visit these sites usually buy crafts and local products, which they take home for remembrance.
In addition to the above, a boat cruise at Kazinga channel is most liked by travellers. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and provides travellers with a great view of the national park and the nearby fishing areas. Travellers enjoy the fresh waters and air at the channel which freshness their minds and hence a memorable experience.
Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park always complement their visit with a gorilla trekking safari in the nearby Bwindi Forest National Park or a chimpanzee trekking expedition in Kibale National Park. Others could opt for a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to Murchison Falls.