Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha.

The Ishasha sector in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania are the two locations in East Africa where you may witness the distinctive and well-known tree climbing lions. Lions are the largest feline species. Situated in four districts—Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri—Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest national park in western Uganda.

Elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, leopards, hyenas, primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of bird species can all be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, in addition to the tree-climbing lions.

Game drives, lion tracking, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, often called the Valley of Apes, are just a few of the fascinating safari activities available at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Why do Ishasha lions climb trees?

For instance, there are a number of myths and beliefs that attempt to explain why lions in Ishasha climb trees.

According to some, lions in Ishasha climb trees to escape the heat of the earth and to cool themselves and repose in a refreshing breeze.
In order to obtain a clear view of their surroundings and identify potential prey, lions in the Ishasha sector are also thought to climb trees.

Additionally, some individuals think that the lions in Ishasha climb trees because it’s a deeply rooted cultural inclination or tendency that they inherited from their predecessors.
Some people think that the lions in Ishasha climb trees to protect themselves from insects and pests that reside in the lower areas, such mosquitoes and tsetse flies.

During the wildlife drive in a cozy 4WD pop-up safari vehicle with a qualified driver guide from All  In Africa Safaris, you can see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha lounging up on acacia/fig tree branches.

In addition to the distinctive tree-climbing lions, you will be able to see buffaloes, Topi, Uganda kobs, elephants, and a wide range of birds, such as the African wattled plover, grey backed fiscal, yellow billed oxpecker, greater honey guide, striped kingfisher, African green pigeon, Ross’s turaco, grey woodpecker, white-headed barbet, African wattled plover, grey-backed fiscal, broad-billed roller, white-brid robin chat, yellow-billed oxpecker, striped kingfisher, and African green pigeon, among others.

The best time to see lions that climb trees in Ishasha

The renowned tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park make the Ishasha Sector, which is situated in the southern section of the park, one of the top tourist destinations. Although the Ishasha sector is open year-round, the dry season—June, July, August, September, December, January, and February—is the greatest time to watch the tree-climbing lions.

Because there is less rainfall in the park during the dry season, Ishasha’s access roads and tracks will be usable, and the foliage will be sparse, making it easier to see tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.

Accommodations for your safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector

Enjojo Lodge, At the River Ishasha, Ishasha Ntungwe River camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Savannah Resort Hotel, Ishasha wilderness camp, Topi Lodge, and several additional lodging options are available in Ishasha for safari travelers.

How to travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector

Ishasha Sector is situated in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is accessible by road transportation. Visitors can drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Mubende-Fort Portal Road or Masaka-Mbarara Road, which takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, and then connect to Ishasha Sector, which takes roughly 2 hours.

Ishasha sector can also be reached by air. Travelers can organize or charter flights from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe international airport to Mweya or Kihihi airstrip, and then connect to Ishasha sector, which is around a two-hour drive away.

A must-see location in Uganda for engaging and distinctive encounters with tree-climbing lions is Ishasha Sector.