Located in the heart of Africa, Uganda is home to a unique and fascinating phenomenon – the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, found in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This remarkable behavior is a rare sight in the animal kingdom, making Uganda’s tree-climbing lions a must-see attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Tree-climbing lions are a unique and fascinating phenomenon. It’s essential to note that tree-climbing lions are not a separate species, but rather an adaptation of the African lion (Panthera Leo) to their environment. They are primarily found in two locations; Lake Manyara National Park of Tanzania and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
Why Do Lions Climb Trees?
Unlike their savannah-dwelling counterparts, the lions of Ishasha have adapted to their habitat by developing the unusual behavior of climbing trees. This is primarily done to:
Trees provide shade and cooler temperatures, helping lions regulate their body temperature.
Climbing trees allows lions to ambush prey, such as antelopes, that seek shelter in the trees.
Trees offer lions protection from harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or intense sunlight.
Tree-climbing may be a social behavior among lions, helping to strengthen bonds within the pride.
To avoid irritations from tsetse flies on the ground
Where to Find Them
The tree-climbing lions in East Africa can only be sighted in two destinations that is; Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
The Ishasha sector.
Located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, this area is known for its unique landscape and wildlife, the area is characterized by open grasslands, wooded hills, and wetlands. Ishasha sector is suitably set in an area with riverine and vast savanna vegetation, acacia and fig trees, popular for its rare tree climbing lions which can easily be spotted lazily sprawling on tree branches.
The sector is shelters the highest number of tree climbing lions in the region comprising of 3 prides of lions with total of about 50 lions.
How to reach the Ishasha sector.
Visitors interested in seeing these majestic kings of the jungle can only visit the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is approximately 400 km from Uganda’s capital. You can drive for about 5-7 hours to reach the park along the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese road.
Located in southwestern Uganda, Ishasha Plains is an ideal detour for visitors on gorilla treks to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, offering a thrilling chance to spot the iconic tree-climbing lions at leisure in the treetops. This only takes about 1-2 hours to access the sector.
Alternatively, visitors to the Ishasha sector can fly into Queen Elizabeth National Park from either Entebbe International airport or Kajjassi Airstrip, to Mweya airstrip, Kasese airstrip and take about only 45minutes to reach the Ishasha sector. Nyakishara airstrip in Mbarara is also a perfect place to fly into while travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Ishasha sector.
The best way to see the Tree climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector is while on a game drive which is done all year round, but the best time is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During this time, the lions are more likely to climb trees to escape the heat and find shade. Also, during the dry seasons, the ground is less slippery compared to wet months-March, April, May and October, November.
Where to stay in the Ishasha Sector.
Looking for a place to call home while exploring the majestic Ishasha sector? Look no further, Ishasha sector has a variety of lodges ranging from luxury, midrange and budget suiting every traveler. Some of the lodges include;
Ishasha Wilderness Camp: This budget-friendly lodge is situated within the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjojo Lodge: Located in the heart of the Ishasha sector, Enjojo Lodge offers luxurious grass-thatched cottages. It’s a great spot for game drives, birdwatching, and cultural encounters.
Ishasha Jungle Lodge: This lodge is situated just 2 kilometers from the Katokye gate
River Ishasha Lodge: This lodge is located in the Ishasha sector and offers stunning views of the Ntungwe River.
Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp: This is a midrange camp situated on the banks of the Ntungwe River and offers comfortable tented rooms.
Lake Manyara in Tanzania
There is a thriving population of unique lions in the park which have the capability to climb tree; being nocturnal animals the animals spend most of their day resting up in the big fig trees and at sunset they descend when the temperatures are cooler. Lake Manyara National Park is one of the only two populations of these unique lions the other being in Ishasha area in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
Located in the Northern part of Tanzania along the Great rift valley, the park is famous for the Tree climbing Lions. Seeing these unique lions only requires one to pay a fee of $ 53 per person on entry.
Lake Manyara can be accessed by road from Arusha. The park is only 114km from Arusha which takes approximately 2hours to reach the park. Alternatively, visitors can opt to fly in the park from either Kilimanjaro International Airport or from Arusha Airport.
Lake Manyara National Park also offers other wildlife views during game drives such as Elephants, dik dik, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, antelopes among others. Bird watching is also done in the park, it hosts over 400 bird species including Flamingos