Tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park often combine the experience of entering through Katunguru Gate with that of Ishasha Gate. Ishasha is the second most commonly used gate on the southwestern side of the park.
It is about 412 kilometers from Kampala and takes around six hours to drive via the Kampala–Mbarara route. You can also reach this gate through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, using the Kihihi route, which passes through beautiful woodland areas.
The fresh air at Ishasha Gate helps you feel relaxed after the busy towns. You can pause to take pictures of the large fig trees, cactus trees, and wild animals, but you must take photos carefully. Some animals react badly to camera flash, so make sure your camera settings are ready before you enter the park. Also, respect the privacy of your guides and other visitors, as not everyone likes being photographed.
Carry extra batteries or a power bank because you may not always have access to charging points, especially if you’re far from your lodge. This will help you capture every moment, including the many birds you’ll see. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 bird species, including migratory birds that visit for a season and later return to their home countries.
Ishasha Gate gets its name from the famous Ishasha Sector, which is well known for its tree-climbing lions. These lions are often seen resting in trees and are known as the kings of the jungle. They usually hunt animals such as zebras, buffaloes, kobs, and topis. Hunting elephants is rare, but when they do, it takes a whole pride of lions working together to take one down.
The wide, open landscape in the Ishasha Sector gives visitors a clear view of the animals, making it a great place for photography. After your visit to this area, you can drive for two more hours to reach Mweya Peninsula, where you can see even more wildlife. Always stay with your guide during your visit.
Ishasha Gate is a special part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and should be on your list of places to visit.
