The African bush offers a theater for the remarkable, and among this grandeur are the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, southern Uganda. Consider a lion sitting elegantly on a sturdy limb of a huge fig tree, overlooking the grassland below. Yes, you read it correctly—lions, famous for their ability to live on the ground, have evolved a talent for living in trees in specific parts of Africa. Let’s look at this intriguing occurrence with Uganda’s big cats and how to see lions climbing trees in Africa firsthand.
What makes lions climb trees?
African lions, known for their strength and social systems, usually avoid climbing trees. The lion’s bulky frame isn’t designed for agility, unlike its leopard counterparts, which have the grace and muscle for seamless tree transit. Small populations within a species, on the other hand, might acquire distinct skill sets that enable them deal with or exploit their specific environment. This is the situation with the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and some sections of Tanzania, where African lions have broken the norm.
The exact cause of this behavior is unknown, however it seems to be tied to acquired habits and specific geographical circumstances. For example, lions seldom climb trees in Zimbabwe, but tree climbing seems to be a cultural behavior gained when an epidemic of stinging insects forced the lions into trees and warthog burrows near Lake Manyara.
Lions may also climb trees to avoid the heat and explore the environment for prey. In Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, lions reside in tiny prides with big herds of elephants and buffaloes. When confronted with a rush of buffaloes, lions ascend up into the trees, the safest location for them. Tree-climbing lions often climb African sycamore fig trees or umbrella acacia thorn trees with horizontal branches not more than a few feet above the ground.
Lions climbing trees is unusual, but when lions have developed a taste for the experience and the circumstances for climbing exist, they have taken to tree climbing with the enthusiasm of converts. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, whole families of African lions climb trees, and the behavior has been ingrained as a cultural practice. The enjoyment of tree climbing seems to have a substantial role in this habit.
The Ishasha Distinctive Environment
With its untainted atmosphere and rich animals, Ishasha Sector provides a game-viewing experience unlike any other. The tree-climbing lion population, which numbers fewer than 100 individuals dispersed over three prides, demonstrates the versatility of these magnificent beasts. Surprisingly, this behavior is most often noticed during the warmer seasons, adding to the already exceptional.
This largely savanna-like landscape is notable for its abundance of fig trees. These old trees’ huge, thick, horizontal, low-lying branches can sustain the tremendous weight of full-grown lions. A lion’s benefit in sitting on such a tree is that it gives a superb view point for seeing food and other predators. The trees also give plenty of shade. On sweltering days in Central Africa, Ishasha lions may be seen lazing in the lower branches of a big fig tree. It is very uncommon to witness the whole pride, more than a dozen animals, and even pups, on a single tree.
Ishasha boasts a rich tapestry of natural treasures beyond the enthralling realm of tree-climbing lions. The Ishasha River, which meanders across the countryside, is home to a thriving hippo population, which may be seen from the strategically positioned Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Bushbuck, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds, including the elusive Cassin’s grey flycatcher, may be found in the riparian woodland along the riverbanks.
Away from the river, you’ll discover light acacia forest and savanna, which are home to vast herds of Uganda kob, topi, and buffalo. Elephants are a seasonal feature that adds majesty to the scene.
Ishasha features two primary gaming circuits, the northern and southern loops, which are each around 20 kilometers long. The southern circuit, which passes through the primary kob breeding regions, yields more lion sightings.
Where else in Africa can you find tree-climbing lions?
Other populations of the elusive tree-climbing lions may be found near Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park in southern Tanzania, in addition to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector. There have been a few sightings in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
On a South Africa safari, there have been a few sightings of tree-climbing lions in Kruger National Park and Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, demonstrating a similar predilection for climbing trees.
Ishasha lodging options
Several hotels cater to diverse requirements for those wanting to go on this unique tree-climbing lion safari experience:
Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Located north of Ishasha Gate, this camp provides a magnificent getaway with ten well-appointed tents located beside the Ntungwe River. Guests may enjoy 5-course meals, guided birding, and river walks while being surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Ishasha-Ntungwe Tree Lion Safari Lodge: This lodge, located 3 kilometers from the Ishasha Gate towards Kihihi, offers four modest but comfortable safari tents nestled in a beautiful woodland. With affordable set meals and helpful personnel, the solar-heated hot water in the ‘bush’ showers provides a true safari experience.
At the River: This camp, situated 4 kilometers from the Ishasha Gate towards Kihihi, offers cabins and camping choices for budget-conscious guests. It’s a terrific alternative for independent travelers looking for a deeper relationship with nature, with a tiny splash pool, outdoor showers with a view, and a small beach area with river views.
UWA Ishasha River Camp: Located 8 kilometers southwest of the entrance, this campground near the park headquarters provides a low-cost stay. While minimal facilities such as non-potable water, cold showers, and pit latrines are provided, the unusual location along the Ishasha River affords a front-row seat to see hippos and antelopes.
Seeing Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha, Uganda
If you want to observe lions climbing trees in Ishasha, here is a short safari itinerary for you. Begin your vacation with a thrilling gorilla trekking excursion in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After that, take a drive into Ishasha Sector in search of the elusive cats before heading north to spend the night at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Nkuringo Safaris organizes another alternative that starts with chimp trekking in Kibale Forest. Spend two nights in the northern portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park, visiting the Kasenyi and Mweya game routes after leaving the chimpanzees’ forest. On the second day, take a boat ride across the Kazinga Channel. Drive south through the Ishasha Sector to see the rare tree-climbing lions. A exciting gorilla walk will round off your vacation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Allow our safari professionals to help you organize your lion safari. We recognize that arranging a safari vacation may be difficult, which is why we are here to assist. Our staff can propose tour providers, hotel alternatives, and transportation logistics. We’ll make sure you’re in the best place to see these rare lions and make amazing memories on your Uganda vacation. Send an email to info@ramaizasafaris.com to begin the discussion.
