Page 31 - July-Sept 2024 Edition

Katwe Salt Lake
Lake Katwe is one of the crater lakes within the park
and has been a source for traditional salt mining for
centuries. Tours of the lake are possible where you
can learn about the traditional manual method
of salt harvesting that has been passed down
through generations for several hundred years and
the significance that this historical process holds in
the cultural fabric of the community. Local workers
create salt pans near the shores of the lake by
digging shallow ponds that are filled with the salty
water from the lake. As the water evaporates from
these depressions, the salt crystals remain and are
then harvested and processed for sale. Salt mining in
Lake Katwe is not only a livelihood for the community
but a cultural tradition that is deeply rooted in the
people of the area.

Ishasha
Ishasha is the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National
Park. Although it’s part of QENP, the journey from the north
to the south can take about 2+ hours depending on road
conditions. The distance means it’s not a great idea for a
day trip and in fact, spending at least one night in Ishasha
is recommended as it has some great safari routes. It
is famed for the tree climbing lions, we know that cats
in general like to climb. In fact, lions all over Africa climb
trees but seldom do they make it a habit of it like the lions
of Ishasha. What makes the tree climbing lions of Ishasha
even more special is the type of trees they like to climb,
large fig trees that are very open which make it easy to Ishasha tree climbing lion
spot the lions draped over the large branches. No one
knows the exact reason why they climb, if it’s to avoid
the wet ground, get away from flies or to have a better
vantage point in a breezy place but no matter the reason,
it’s quite a spectacle to see them in the trees. The lions
have passed this habit on throughout generations, and
they teach their cubs at a young age to climb. It should
be noted before visiting Ishasha that the lions do not climb
early in the morning, they usually go up the trees in the Topi in Ishasha
mid to late morning and they don’t climb daily so don’t be
disappointed if you don’t see them. The good news is that
there are plenty of other great tracks to explore and wildlife
to see. It’s common to have good sightings of hyena,
elephant, and topi, which is an antelope only found in the
Ishasha sector of the park. A visit to the Ishasha river UWA
campsite is where can get you close to hippo wallowing
in the water, snorting, and honking at each other. This is
a good spot for a picnic with big shady trees and toilet
facilities. The river marks the border to the Virunga National
Park (Democratic Republic of Congo).
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