Kabatoro gate is one of the entry gates of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest national park found on the western side of the country. This gate is the main entrance and is found in the northwestern part of the protected area, with easy access to the local community for traditional cultural experiences.
Dubbed ‘the medley of wonders’, Queen Elizabeth National Park is undeniably a biodiversity hot spot with over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. Besides that, the park boasts one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes for photography marked by crater lakes, valleys, rolling hills, forests, sweeping plains, and wetlands.
Every corner of this park is beautiful and from whatever gate you access it, your breath will be taken away. However, Kabatoro gate is one of the frequently-used gates and we shall explore some of the attractions close to it, and the different places of lodging.
Interesting attractions near Kabatoro Gate
Kabatoro Gate is a stone’s throw from the Katwe Salt Lake where local salt mining activities can be experienced. It’s also not far away from the beautiful Lake Munyanyange which is a good area for birding tours. So, don’t miss to see the pink flamingos, black-headed gonoleks, African hoopoes, white-browned robin chats, and many other bird species. The area is also good for cultural experiences and guided nature walks.
Lake Katwe
Lake Katwe, an ancient salt lake is one of the interesting highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This stunning lake is served by several streams without outlets thus making it salty. Travelers are provided the opportunity to learn about traditional salt mining, dating back to the 16th Century. You will get first-hand information about the nearby Katwe-Kabatoro community, take photos and also watch nearby bird species.
Lake Munyanyange
Lake Munyanyange, is a small seasonal shallow crater lake that is also close to Kabatoro Gate, in the northeast of the Lake Katwe Area. The banks of this shallow lake are dotted with lesser flamingos. These migratory birds usually arrive at the lake from Kenya in October and then return in April. Other attractions to see around the lake include buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, and warthogs among others.
Culture of the people
Using Kabatoro gate provides travelers the opportunity to meet the locals of the Katwe-Kabatoro community. Learn about how traditional salt mining is done, purchase local crafts and taste some of their local cuisines.
Accommodation facilities close to Kabatoro Gate
Kabatoro Gate is mainly used by travelers staying at Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Forest Hog Safari Camp, Marafiki Safari Lodge, Tembo Safari Lodge, and Simba Safari Camp.
Other nearby lodges include Njovu Park Lodge, Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp, Engiri Game Lodge & Campsite, the Kazinga Channel Lodge, and Parkview Safari Lodge among others.
Besides Kabatoro Gate, the other entrance gates into Queen Elizabeth National Park are Katunguru Gate, on the northern side of the park. This is used by visitors heading to Mweya Peninsula, Kazinga Channel, or staying at Mweya Safari Lodge.
There is Ishasha entrance gate used by travelers visiting the southern Ishasha sector to see the tree-climbing lions and experience its untouched wilderness. There is a Crater entrance gate on the northeastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is close to the Mbarara-Fort Portal highway and equator crossing in Kasese.
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.