Tree climbing lions in Uganda

Tree climbing lions in Uganda; Uganda is one of the destinations that is known for harboring the tree climbing lions which are found in Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth nation al park. Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest and one of the most visited national park in Uganda located in western region in four district namely Kasese, Rukungiri, Kamwenge and Rubirizi. Apart from Queen Elizabeth national park, the tree climbing lions are also found in Lake Manyara national park in Tanzania.

Tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth national park will be viewed lazily lying up in acacia or fig tree branches during the game drive in Ishasha sector. You will also be able to view other animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, topi, warthogs, hippos among others.

Why do lions in Uganda climb trees

It’s believed that lions in Ishasha sector-Queen Elizabeth national park climb tree due to different reasons for example to protect themselves from ground heat and cool off from the tree branches especially during the dry season.

Lions in Ishasha sector climb trees to have clear views of their prey in that they will be on a high level hence they will have a wide view of the Uganda kobs that will be grazing in open savannah plains.

Tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector climb trees as a way of resting after having a meal.

Lions in Ishasha sector climb trees to run away from biting insects such as mosquitos and tsetse flies because during the rainy season, the grounds get infested with breeding insects that bite lions therefore the lions climb up in tree branches to protect themselves from the ground insects.

It’s also believed that lions in Ishasha sector climb trees as a behavioral adaptation from other generations that they are able to teach their young ones after birth.

Apart from the unique tree climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth national park harbors other wildlife species including leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, topi, giant forest hogs, primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and over 600 bird species such as palm nut vulture, African skimmer, shoebill, swamp flycatcher, great blue turaco among others.

Best time to visit the tree climbing lions in Uganda

Tree climbing lions in Uganda can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February because during this period there is less or little rainfall in the national park therefore access roads to Ishasha sector will be dry and passable compared to the rainy season when the access roads are wet, muddy and slippery.

During the dry season tourists will have high chances of viewing the tree climbing lions due to the fact that they climb trees to protect themselves from ground heat and the vegetation will be thin which helps you to have clear views of the tree climbing lions compared to the rainy season when grass in the park is tall.

How to get to Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park

Tree climbing lions in Uganda are found in Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park and the park can be accessed by road transport means where by tourists will drive from Kampala or Entebbe via Mubende, Fort Portal or Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth national park and then connect to Ishasha sector which takes about 7 to 8 hours’ drive.

Queen Elizabeth national park can also be accessed from Buhoma sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park which takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive.

Queen Elizabeth national park can also be accessed by air transport means where by tourists can book scheduled or charter flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kasese or Mweya airstrip and then connect to Ishasha sector which takes about 2 hours’ drive.

Where to stay during your safari in Uganda

There are a number of accommodation facilities in Queen Elizabeth national park where you can stay during your tree climbing lions safari including Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp, Topi Lodge, At the River Ishasha, Enjojo lodge, Savannah Resort Hotel, Bull bush River Camp among others.

Tree climbing lions in Uganda can be viewed during the game drive in Ishasha sector-Queen Elizabeth national park and can be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, bird watching, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, lion tracking experience in Kasenyi plains, nature walks among others. For more information about tree climbing lions in Uganda, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable packages.