TREE CLIMBING LIONS AT ISHASHA-QUEEN ELIZABETH

It is of a rare occurrence for lions to climb trees, Uganda is blessed to have one of the two species of the tree climbing Lions found in Queen Elizabeth.

These amazing tree climbing lions exist in only a few African countries such as South Africa, Tanzania and of course Uganda. Many visitors to Tanzania’s Lake Manyara have come to think they are a myth because it is very rare to catch sight of them during the visit. But if you are looking for validation of their existence, visit the Ishasha plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These marvelous kings of the jungle and their families are much easier to see here.

One of the tree climbing lions’ populations is found within the Ishasha sector which is found in the south part of the well-known Queen Elizabeth National Park within Uganda. The other tree-climbing lion’s population is found in Lake Manyara National Park in the Southern part of Tanzania. A 3-day Ugandan safari can enable you to see them.

It is said that this type of tree climbing Lions as a way of protecting themselves against the numerous biting tsetse flies on the ground level, whereas other people claim that they actually climb into the branches to escape from the heat on the ground and enjoy the cool breeze; There are people who believe it is simply an ingrained cultural preference, all the same, the reason why they climb up into the tree branches remains unknown. Tree climbing lions prefer sycamore fig and acacia trees. In Ishasha the tree climbing lions prefer sycamore fig tree. Tree climbing is not the only unique thing about the lions in Ishasha; their males also have black manes!!

Visitors on Uganda safaris generally end up visiting the Ishasha region primarily to see the population of the resident Tree Climbing Lions although they are also rewarded with views of other wildlife species.

In a scenario where you ever find yourself being chased by a lion, choosing to climb up into the trees as a way to escape from it will actually not help much especially within Queen Elizabeth National Park since these Lions have the ability to climb up into the trees. Actually, they are commonly seen sleeping in the branches in the afternoon as they digest their food after lunch.

Going to Ishasha to track climbing lions

Ishasha located within Queen Elizabeth is about 7 hours drive from Kampala via Masaka to Mbarara heading to Kasese, driving about 387 Km to Katunguru.

Those having private vehicles as well as equipment will certainly enjoy the seclusion of Ishasha the home of the tree climbing lions. Chances are that you will be just by yourself leaving alone the park’s staff. The route from Katunguru may be unreliable. However, the direct road to the border post of the Ishasha is normally full of mud through the rain season. It is better described as a seasonal route and requires a 4×4-wheel drive vehicle. The road is repeatedly being maintained however it takes just some little rain to actually destroy its surface such that a truck getting stuck delay your tracks or even necessitate a detour via Kihihi, Isaka, and Rukingiri.

This actually is a more dependable route. If coming from Mweya you are recommended to request for a radio message from the park’s office found in Mweya to the Ishasa Katookye gate asking for information if trucks are moving from the course of Katunguru. This will help you know if the road is accessible.

In conclusion, Uganda has a variety of unique and rare species of wildlife, but there is nothing comparable to the uniqueness of the tree climbing lions.

Unfortunately, most tourists and safari operators are so focused on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi or visiting the Mweya area that they swiftly bypass Ishasha on their way to these famous destinations and miss out on seeing the mystery that is the tree climbing lions. It would be nice to make a stop and see these lions that are such rarity.

Ishasha has about 3 prides of lions with an estimate of over 40 lions in total.

The interesting thing is you will get more than just a once in a lifetime opportunity to see tree-climbing lions when you visit ishasha, there is plenty of other wildlife species to see. There are elephants, buffaloes, and numerous antelopes.

If you are planning a Uganda safari trip, please remember to add Queen Elizabeth national park, specifically Ishasha on your itinerary. It is not every day or everywhere that you get to see lions climbing trees.

Below are some of our packages to Murchison Falls National Park to take on a Uganda safari tour;

3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari tours, 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi, 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi, 6 Days Chimpanzee safari tours & Wildlife Tour, 10 DAYS JINJA – SIPI- KIDEPO-MURCHISON SAFARI, 9 DAYS HOT SPRINGS SAFARI AND WILDLIFE SAFARI, 7 DAYS IN MURCHISON FALLS, KIBALE, AND BWINDI , 13 DAYS JINJA – QUEEN ELIZABETH AND BWINDI SAFARI , 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi, 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari in uganda, 17 Days Kidepo-All Uganda Safari, 10 Days Best of Uganda Safari Tour,