If you’ve ever wondered what a lion looks like perched atop a tree, Queen Elizabeth National Park has the answer. In Uganda, tree-climbing lions are only found in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lions seldom climb trees, as we all know, and the ones at Queen Elizabeth Park are an exception to this rule since climbing lions are not as common elsewhere as they are here. Along with the senior lions, you will be able to watch the youngsters playing and dangling from the tree branches.

You will probably never forget this experience, which also allows you to capture images and films of the lions relaxing in the tree. Because the acacia and sycamore fig trees provide enough cover in both the sunny and wet seasons, lions often scale these trees. You should be aware that male lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park have distinctive black manes, and that these lions only climb trees after the sun has risen.

While driving through the park, you may enjoy seeing the distinctively formed tree-climbing lions as they relax among the trees. As they digest their meal and observe the little creatures that roam the park, the lions may be seen lounging in the trees, planning their next prey.

Lions that climb trees in Uganda – For what reason do lions climb trees?

The following is a summary of the explanations people have offered for why lions climb trees and why they might be observed sleeping on them:

Because the trees provide a wonderful view of the numerous prey that can be observed wandering throughout the park, lions climb them. Without being spotted, these large cats may leap on their prey, especially antelopes, with ease.

To gain cover from the rain and escape the heat of the earth, they climb trees. In fact, the temperature may reach 28 degrees, which is unsuitable for cats, which is why they climb trees.

Because of their broad branches, the trees provide the cats a comfortable spot to rest after a long day of hunting.

Additionally, the trees shield the lions from bug attacks, particularly from tsetse flies, which prey on the animals, particularly during the rainy season.

Why Queen Elizabeth is the greatest or most suitable location for lions to ascend

Although there are many distinct kinds of lions in Uganda’s parks, not all of them are able to scale trees. Quee Elizabeth National Park is home to lions that can climb trees, and I’ve explained why it’s the greatest or most suitable location for these animals.

Because of the park’s large area, the animals may freely roam about and enjoy their freedom. The park is the ideal location for lions to remain since it offers other creatures that serve as food for them, such as Kobs, cranes, and cows from the nearby settlement. Acacia and sycamore trees are also there. It is a favorable habitat for lions because of all these factors.

The risks that Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions confront

The ever-increasing human population in the park poses a hazard to these lions. For instance, in April of 2018, three deceased lions were discovered with pesticide poison in their cacti, which is thought to have originated from the human population.

Additionally, they deal with the issue of natural mortality, which significantly lowers their population.

Some lions in the park are also lost as a result of the conflict between the dominant males for the pride leader.

Lodging in Ishasha

You shouldn’t worry about where you’ll stay when you visit Ishasha to view the tree-climbing lions since there are a variety of lodging options that may suit any budget.

Lodge Enjojo
This is situated at Ishasha near the southern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides a variety of activities, like birdwatching, lions climbing trees, and seeing baboons, talons, Colobus monkeys, antelopes, buffaloes, and many other creatures. It is a great spot to unwind after a hard day at the park since it is surrounded by beautiful green greenery.

They include three interconnected thatched cottages that can accommodate up to 16 people, as well as a safari lodge that gives visitors seclusion. Additionally, there is a tavern where you may savor regional food made by locals as well as entertainment provided by the ladies and kids who reside just outside the park’s limits.

Additionally, you will be able to take bicycle rides with knowledgeable tour guides and purchase gifts from locals.

Lodge in Ishasha Jungle
Ishasha Jungle Lodge is situated close to the southern entrance in a cool location of Ishasha. Because of its close proximity to the lions, it offers the finest view of the area’s tree-climbing lions. It provides an excellent and unobstructed view of the surrounding natural environment and other animals. The baboons and monkeys are brave enough to be seen relaxing on your terrace throughout the day. In addition to the English breakfast and other meals served at the lodge, the rooms are quite tidy and self-contained.

Lions View Lodge, a tree-climbing resort in Ishasha
The lodge’s name comes from its excellent view of the lions relaxing on the park’s trees. It has self-contained, opulent rooms that provide comfort to guests, free WIFI, and free entertainment for everyone, particularly locals in the evenings. In addition to providing tourists with guided village visits, motorcycling, and hiking, they also provide guided wildlife drives that let visitors to get up close and personal with the lions.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp
This provides travelers with high-quality lodging and is situated close to the River Ntungwe in the southern section of the park. It The camp provides visitors with a variety of activities, such as cooking over a campfire, observing the animals because of its advantageous location, such as buffaloes that graze along the banks of the river, elephants that come to cool off from the heat of the river, and the well-known climbing lions that can be seen from the camp.

Ishasha’s Topi Lodge
Tourists may stay in luxurious accommodations at Topi Lodge, which is situated in the center of Ishasha. Watching the many animals go through the lodge while sipping a drink on the verandah is a great way to unwind. The native cuisine offered at the resort is likewise quite delicious, and the surroundings are tranquil. Only a few meters from the southern entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the apartments are all furnished with various works of art, and guests may take game drives into the park.

Because they are so uncommon, people must go to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see tree-climbing lions instead. You may see these climbing lions relaxing in sycamore and acacia trees as you make your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable Park. It’s best to stop at Ishasha to get a sight of these large cats up in the trees, even if most people just pause to see them in passing.

You may witness a variety of species, including buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, and many other small animals that the pride of lions constantly eats, in addition to the tree-climbing lions.

It is difficult to view the tree-climbing lions and learn about their diverse personalities in a few hours, despite the belief held by some that one day is sufficient. It takes more than a few hours to appreciate this glitzy scene of the large cats lounging in the trees when the sun is rising.

It is not difficult to go to Ishasha since there are several tour companies that will transport you there and provide you with knowledgeable tour guides to explain everything. Gorilla trekking is also an option in the nearby Bwindi. Additionally, because of the sightings of the tree-climbing lions that inhabit this isolated region of Uganda, Ishasha is a destination you would not want to miss on your safari in Africa.