TREE CLIMBING LIONS UGANDA

Tree climbing lions can only be found in Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we all know its unusual behavior for these big cats, the lions are normally seen lazily up within the branches of the huge fig trees as they stare down and spot where its prey is as it is hard to find climbing lions anywhere else as evident as it is in Queen National Park.

This is an experience that you would never forget and you will be able to take videos and photos of lions lazing around in the trees, the lions climb these trees( acacia, sycamore and fig trees) because of there shelter during both sunny and rainy seasons. These lions climb the trees when the sun has risen and not before and you should know that the male lions have unique black manes in Queen Elizabeth national park.

The lions can be seen sitting in the trees while digesting their food and also spotting the little animals that move around the park while plotting for there next hunt, you will be able to enjoy watching them while driving through the park.

Why Queen Elizabeth Best In Tree Climbing Lions:

There are various lions in the different parks that are found in Uganda but not all of them can climb trees. The park has a vast land which allows the cats to move around easily giving them a freedom, and it has animals that act as food for the cats like Kobs, Cranes plus animals that are reared in the neighboring village. The availability of the strong trees like acacia, sycamore and fig trees also make it easily for the cats to climb up and be able to spot their prey moving around.

Why Do they Climb Trees?

There are some reasons people give as to why the lions climb trees and include;

Lions climb trees to escape the heat from the ground and get shelter from the trees and also during rain. The temperatures can actually go up to 28 degrees which is not conducive to the cats thus making them climb the trees.

They climb trees because the view is good to spot for their prey moving around the park and these big cats can easily pounce on their food with out being noticed especially the antelopes.

The trees provide good resting place for the big cats after their long day of hunting due to the wide branches they have that can accommodate them.

The trees also protect the cats from the insects that attach them especially during the wet seasons.

The Dangers That The Lions Face In Ishasha:

These lions are threatened by the constant and fast growing human population around the park for example in 2018 around a month of April, some lions were found dead and their cactus had insecticide poison in them which is believed to have come from the human population.

The fight between the dominant males over the leadership of the pride also leads to the loss of some lions in the park.

The cats are also faced with the problem of natural death which reduces on there number in the park.

Accommodations In Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park:

There are various accommodation facilities in Ishasha that can fit in everyone’s budget so you should not worry for where to stay when you visit the park and here are some;

Ishasha Jungle Lodge: The accommodation is located in a cool environment near the southern gate and it gives one the best view of the tree climbing lions in the area due to its vicinity with the lions, it gives off a good and clear view of the natural surroundings and other various animals that are located in the area.

The monkeys and baboons are courageous in that you can see them lounging on your poach at any time of the day. The rooms are very neat and self contained where you can enjoy the English breakfast and other types of meal prepared in the lodge.

Topi Lodge Ishasha: The accommodation is located in the heart of Ishasha, it offers exquisite accommodation to the tourists. You can relax at the verandah while enjoying a drink as you watch the different animals that pass around the lodge.

The environment surrounding the place is relaxing and the local food that is served is also to die for, the rooms are all decorated with different art pieces and it also offer game drives through the park for its visitors and its located few meters way from the southern gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjojo Lodge: This is located in the southern border of the park in Ishasha, it offers a wide range of activities like birding, tree climbing lion viewing and other animals like baboons, Talons, Colobus, monkeys, antelopes, buffaloes, and many more. The lodge has three thatched cottages which are inter linked, a safari house which offers privacy to the tourists and these can house up to 16 guests.

The lodge has a bar and you can get to enjoy with all the cuisines that are prepared by the locals plus the entertainment made by the women and children who live just at the boundaries of the park. You will be able to enjoy the souvenirs that are sold by the local people and also enjoy the bicycle rides with qualified tour guides.

The Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions View Lodge: The lodge has a very good view of lions as they laze up in the trees hence its name. The lodge has luxurious rooms which are self contained and offer comfort to the visitors, free WIFI, and also offers free entertainment to the people especially in the evenings to the locals, they offer biking , hiking, and guided walks to the tourists and also give guided game drives and get a close look to the lions.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp: It is located in the southern part of the park near river Ntungwe and it offers good quality accommodation to the tourists and also provides tourists with different activities that can be carried out like campfire cooking, viewing of the animals due to the strategic location like elephants, buffaloes grazing along the river bank and the famous climbing lions can also be spotted from the camp.

How To Get There:

Those having private vehicles as well as equipment will certainly enjoy the seclusion of Ishasha the home of tree climbing lions. chances are you will be just by your self leaving alone the parks 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 seasons, its better to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle, If coming from Mweya you are recommended to request for a radio message from the parks office found in mweya to the Ishasha Katookye gate asking for information if trucks are moving from the course of Kakungulu and this will help you know if the rod is accessible.