Tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park : They truly are “Kings of the Jungle”! For many years, people have wondered if lions can truly climb trees and, if so, what kind of animals they look like when they’re up there. Fortunately, you will be one of the few tourists to enter the area inhabited by these endangered tree-climbing lions; however, your chances of seeing one or more in the treetops depend on your luck and timing.

The world all over, tree-climbing lions are truly rare. The other place with the tree-climbing lions being Lake Manyara national park in the Republic of Tanzania.

Home to the tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park was renamed after the name of Queen Elizabeth II; in recognition of her visit and contribution to the park and Uganda as a whole. The park is situated on the western arm of Great Rift Valley in southwestern part of Uganda, a tiny landlocked country east of the continent of Africa which is genuinely gifted by nature.

With a broader spectrum of biodiversity, very cool climate, welcoming natives, security, modern and traditional infrastructure; its needless to wonder why Winston Churchill in his book entitled “African Journey” described Uganda As the Pearl of Africa or even why after making the first visit, thousands of visitors give positive feedback and as well make return visits.

Enough said; consider the uncommon lions that climb trees. If a tree is the only thing that saves a lion from attack and serves as both their haven and the best place to view, one might wonder what would happen. We wish to imagine just as much as you do.

The second-largest and most visited national park in the nation is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Everywhere you look, you can find different types of crater lakes, trees, and mammals. Furthermore, the Ishasha sector which is home to lions that climb trees is even more fascinating. Located in the equatorial belt; south of the park Ishasha sector is an unforgettable safari experience in Queen Elizabeth N/park.  The region is very gifted and a scenic link to amazing destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Virunga national park in DR. Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. A traveler can do a 3-4 hours game drive in Ishasha region in search of these residents and several other members like birds, mammals and unique tree species to mention but a few.

When asked, the local park rangers suggest even though it is by nature that these lions are born to climb trees, other reasons are undoubtedly; to have an aerial view of its territory and spot the next victim to feed on, escaping the heat and also hide from insect bites.

Almost certainly, any tree can serve as a home for lions that love to climb trees. They do, however, adore trees with broad branches, or candelabrums, such as sycamore and acacia. This is due to the fact that it offers enough room for sleeping and, on a fortunate day, one may spot a lion perched or sleeping on the branch. They usually lie on tree branches during the rainy season.

Note; except when the sun is up, the tree climbing lions don’t climb trees at dawn.

In addition to the lions that scale trees, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of large mammals, such as warthogs, elephants, Cape Buffaloes, hyenas, and various antelope species. Primates include the chimpanzees, while birds such as Turacos, kingfishers and Cranes can be spotted and unique tree species, Mweya Peninsular and the fascinating landscape to mention but a few.

Best time to see tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector.

Lions are present in the park all year round; though the best time to encounter them is during the month of June to September and December to early March. Activities in Queen Elizabeth National include; game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, primate trekking and cultural adventure and so much more.

Spending time with tree-climbing lions is a rare opportunity and very rewarding. The adventure lasts for approximately 2 hours, but the memories stay forever.

Multiple accommodation properties are available around Ishasha sector, so no need to wander with no clear address. Lions belong to the African Big 5 family together with the Elephants, buffaloes, leopards and Rhinos.