Ishasha is the Best Place in East Africa to see Tree-Climbing Lions.
A sight not to be missed on Safari in Uganda – The Tree-Climbing Lions on the Ishasha Plains
The rare Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
“The Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha” in Queen Elizabeth Park should be on your Must See and Do List for Uganda. The Tree-Climbing Lions are one of Queen Elizabeth Park’s Star attractions since lions sleeping away the Day in trees is uncommon.
Seeing lions sleeping away the Day in trees is not an everyday safari occurrence. The Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth Park is the best place in East Africa, where you are most likely to see them on a game drive.
Ishasha is one of the few places in Africa where these majestic predators have the unusual habit of regularly sleeping primarily in fig or acacia trees.
Photographers have opportunities for excellent and clear shots of Lions sleeping in the trees without obstructing the savannah grass.
The Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth Park
Why do the Lions in Ishasha Climb Trees and sleep away the Day?
No one has come up with the exact answer, and limited studies have been made without a single solution.
Some conclude it is culturally ingrained in the Lions found in this area of Ishasha. That it is learned behavior the lions acquire rather than their instincts.
Nevertheless, getting up into a fig tree is quite a feat for an adult lion. It is not a rare occurrence in most of Africa, but in Ishasha, it has become normal behavior.
Others, including animal behaviorists, speculate that lions want to escape pestering insects, avoid the heat on the ground, and catch a fresh and cooling breeze as they rest and sleep the Day after a night’s hunt.
One added benefit is this. Being up in the trees allows them to observe their surroundings. See anyone approaching and spot potential prey and foe. Sure, Ishasha is the best place in Africa to see them. Be sure to fit time to see the tree-climbing of Ishasha.
The Best Way to see the Tree-Climbing Lions
In Ishasha, you take a game drive to see the tree-climbing lions. The lions return from the night’s hunt and climb into the trees after the sun has risen, and the best time to see them is between 10 am and 3 pm.
You might not know that lions are sleepyheads and can rest in the trees for up to fifteen hours, much longer than the seven to nine hours we sleep at night.
Suppose you are with us on a Safari. In that case, you will have the expertise of your driver-guide and a seasoned Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger. The vehicle has a pop-up roof allowing you to stand to get the best photos.
Besides Lions, you will often see herds of buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes, including Topi and Uganda Kob. You might also see a leopard in a tree with his prey, and it is to prevent hyenas and vultures from taking their prey.
Ishasha is part of an extended wildlife corridor from Virunga National Park in DR Congo to Kibale Forest in Uganda.
Where to stay in Ishasha?
The best choice is only lodge within the park in Ishasha is the luxury Ishasha Wilderness Camp. It gives you the best authentic Wilderness Experience of any club in the area.
The lodge is located along the Ntungwe River, where Wildlife such as Elephants come to bathe and water while you are having lunch.’
The lodge offers Sundowners in the Bush and a Bush Breakfast, both of which are must-do on an African Safari in Uganda.
Quality Midrange Lodges like Ishasha Jungle Lodge is located just outside the park.
The Luxury Ishasha Wilderness camp is your best lodge from where to see the Tree-Climbing Lions.
How to get to Ishasha to see the Tree-Climbing Lions
Please include it in your Safari Itinerary
The best way to see the Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha is to include it in your Safari itinerary. This way, you will not miss one of the major attractions in Queen Elizabeth Park.
It is a short drive from the Buhoma area of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We suggest you stay overnight in the park at the luxury Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
From Ishasha, you can quickly head to the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth Park, Kibale Forest, Semliki National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Fly to Ishasha:
You can fly with Aerolink Safari Airline to Kihihi. From there, it is a short drive to Ishasha. It is also the airstrip you fly to if you track gorillas in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Kihihi is the perfect starting point for a fly-drive safari, including the Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha. Free to contact us about including the tree-climbing lions in your safari.
See a video of the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth Park
