Spotting these lions is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience you should not miss while on your safari in Uganda.
There are only two populations of tree climbing lions in the whole world and fortunately Uganda prides in holding one of these! The Ishasha region in Queen Elizabeth National Park is habitat to the internationally famed tree climbing lions.
The region is located adjacent to Uganda’s border with Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ishasha lies on the far most southwestern rim of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s most toured national park. The landscape of the Ishasha region significantly differs from the other parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tree climbing lions are viewed lying up in acacia and fig trees and they climb trees due to different factors and theories;
- To escape from heat on ground especially during the dry season when there is a lot of sunshine.
- They climb trees to get the clear view of the prey and antelopes which be grazing in an open savannah plains.
- To run away from insect bites which breed on ground especially during the rainy season.
- The lions at Ishasha sector climb trees because the fig and acacia provide shelter during sunny season.
Spotting tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be a thrilling experience, but it requires some patience and luck.
Game drives in the Ishasha sector offer the best chance of seeing these unique lions in their natural habitat.
By; Alleriah K Bagateireyo
