The Tree Climbing Lions of Uganda: Often referred to as the “The Pearl of Africa” thanks to its spectacular scenery and wildlife, Uganda is a top bucket list destination for many travellers seeking for an adventurous safari to Africa with sights of the tree climbing lions included.
These rare big cats defy the norm by displaying a behaviour uncommon among the species that is climbing the trees.
The tree climbing lions in Uganda are found in the Ishasha Sector in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, in western Uganda region where you will find a population of lions renowned for their arboreal antics. While lions are typically associated with savannah plains, the lions of this region have adopted a unique behaviour of climbing trees. The adaptability and complexity of these predators have intrigued researchers and visitors for years.
The phenomenon of the rare tree climbing lions in Uganda is not fully understood, but several theories have attempted to explain this unusual behaviour. One suggestion is that the lions climb trees to escape the scotching heat of the African sun, seeking refuge in the cool shade provided by the braches. Another theory proposes that tree climbing offers these lions a strategic advantage for hunting, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting prey or gain a vantage point for scouting the savannah below.
Observing these lions lounging on braches is an extraordinary sight that contrasts sharply with the usual image of lions as ground-dwellers. It is not uncommon to see them draped over branches, their powerful bodies at ease in a way that seems to defy gravity.
Best Time to Spot Tree-Climbing Lions
The best time to spot the these lions is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when the weather is favourable for safaris. Visitors to the Queen Elizabeth National Park are often treated to magical sights of these lions in fig and acacia trees, making for spectacular photography opportunities.
The tree climbing lions in ishasha sector are mostly observed during the late morning and early afternoon when they are most likely to seek refuge from the heat. Safari guides in Queen Elizabeth National Park know the behaviour and location of these fascinating lions well, enhancing the chances of witnessing this rare phenomenon.
This type of lions however not exclusive to Uganda, they have also been observed in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. However, lions in Ishasha Sector are particularly notable for their frequent and visible tree-climbing activities, making them a must-see attraction for anyone visiting on a Uganda Safari.
The conservation of the tree climbing lions of Uganda faces numerous challenges, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching. Through sustainable tourism practices, community engagement initiatives and habitat preservation efforts are being made for future generations to have the opportunity to marvel at the rare tree climbing lions of Uganda.