Lions that climb trees in the Ishasha Sector
Lions that climb trees in the Ishasha Sector: Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as the second largest and one of the most frequented protected areas in Uganda, inviting exploration and excitement. The national park is situated in the western region of Uganda, spanning across four districts: Kasese, Rubirizi, Kamwenge, and Rukungiri. The Ishasha sector, nestled in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is renowned for being the exclusive home of the famous tree-climbing lions in Uganda. In addition to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the tree-climbing lions can also be spotted in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vibrant habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, topi, leopards, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and various primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and olive baboons, along with more than 600 bird species.
In the Ishasha sector, you can encounter tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches of acacia and fig trees while on a game drive with an expert driver guide. Embarking on a game drive in the Ishasha sector is most rewarding in the afternoon or evening, offering the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, topi, giant forest hogs, hippos, and Uganda kobs, among others.
The reason behind the tree-climbing behavior of lions in the Ishasha sector
The tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector are thought to ascend trees for several intriguing reasons, as detailed below.
Lions in the Ishasha sector ascend trees to escape the pesky ground-dwelling insects such as tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
Lions in the Ishasha sector ascend trees to gain a better vantage point for spotting their prey, such as the Uganda kobs, particularly when the grass in the park reaches impressive heights.
Lions in the Ishasha sector are known to ascend trees to relax, evade the heat from the ground, and enjoy a refreshing breeze, particularly during the dry season.
Optimal moments to witness the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the Ishasha sector, the tree-climbing lions can be spotted throughout the year, but the dry season from June to September and December to February offers the most rewarding experience. During these months, the reduced rainfall leads to shorter vegetation, providing excellent visibility for observing these remarkable lions and other wildlife. In the dry season, the access roads and game drive trucks will be in excellent condition, making for effortless game drives.
Where to find accommodations in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several exciting accommodation options near Ishasha sector where you can rest during your Uganda safari. The options for accommodations are diverse, spanning from budget-friendly to luxurious choices. You can find unique places like Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, At The River Ishasha Lodge, Topi Lodge, Bull Bush River Camp, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp, Savannah Resort Hotel, Ishasha Pride Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Hub Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Simba Safari Lodge, and Kikorongo Safari Lodge, among many others.
Experience the thrill of tree climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector at Enjojo Lodge.
How to reach the Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Ishasha sector is nestled in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, accessible by road. You can embark on a journey from Kampala, traveling through Masaka and Mbarara to reach Ishasha, or take a route via Mubende and Fort Portal. This adventure typically spans about 8 to 9 hours in a safari vehicle.
The Ishasha sector offers an exciting opportunity for travelers to reach it by air. Tourists can book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi, Mweya, or Kasese airstrips, and then continue their journey to Ishasha by road.
Accessing the Ishasha sector from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes around 3 to 4 hours by car, while the journey from Kibale Forest National Park will take approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Exciting pursuits in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park presents a plethora of activities that perfectly complement a game drive in the Ishasha sector. You can embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you will encounter impressive numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the water. Bird watching offers the chance to spot a diverse array of bird species, while a guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest allows for intimate encounters with various wildlife. Additionally, you can enjoy thrilling game drives and lion tracking experiences in the Kasenyi area, as well as cultural tours that provide opportunities to engage with the local community, among other exciting options.
For further details about the remarkable tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector