Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda

By, Go Wild Link Safaris

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Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda. Uganda is one of the very few places in the world where you can find lions that have mastered the unusual skill of climbing trees. While lions are generally known as ground-dwellers, spending much of their day resting on the savannah or in the shade of acacia bushes, a special population in southwestern Uganda has adapted to life in the trees. These tree-climbing lions are among the most iconic wildlife attractions in the Pearl of Africa and are a must-see for anyone on safari.

Where to Find Tree-Climbing Lions

The best place to see tree-climbing lions in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park, particularly in the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park. Here, prides of lions can often be spotted lounging on the branches of giant fig trees or acacias, with their tails dangling lazily as they survey the plains below.

While tree climbing is rare among lions across Africa, it has become a trademark behavior of the Ishasha lions, making this area one of the top safari highlights in East Africa.

Why Do Lions Climb Trees?

There are several theories behind this fascinating behavior:

1. Escape from Insects: The savannah plains can be swarmed with biting flies and tsetse flies, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Lions climb trees to find relief from these irritations.
2. Cooling and Comfort: Tree branches provide a cool, breezy place to rest away from the heat of the ground.
3. Better Vantage Point: From their elevated positions, lions can scan the plains for potential prey such as Uganda kob, buffalo, or topi.
4. Behavioral Adaptation: Over generations, this habit has been passed on within the Ishasha prides, turning into a learned behavior unique to this population.

Best Time to See Them

Tree-climbing lions can be seen year-round, but the dry seasons (December–February and June–September) offer the best chance. During these months, vegetation is less dense, and wildlife is easier to spot. Lions are most active in the early mornings and late afternoons, but during the hot midday hours, they often retreat to tree branches for rest.

Game Drives in Ishasha

A visit to the Ishasha sector offers a classic safari experience. Game drives are conducted across vast plains dotted with acacia and fig trees, where lions are usually spotted resting in the branches. Experienced rangers and guides know the trees that the prides favor, which increases your chances of an encounter.

Apart from the lions, Ishasha is also home to large herds of Uganda kob, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife, making the drives both rewarding and scenic.

Conservation Significance

Tree-climbing lions in Uganda are considered a unique ecological treasure. However, they face threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations. Conservation efforts led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and partner organizations focus on protecting the Ishasha ecosystem while supporting nearby communities. Sustainable tourism plays a critical role—every permit and safari visit contributes directly to conservation and community livelihoods.

Safari Itinerary Ideas

Many Uganda safari itineraries combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a visit to Ishasha to see the tree-climbing lions. A typical route is:

• Day 1–2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Day 3: Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive
• Day 4: Continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth for boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel

This combination gives travelers the best of both worlds—encounters with mountain gorillas and the rare tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation Options in Ishasha

The Ishasha sector has a range of accommodation options:

• Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge
• Mid-range: Savannah Resort Hotel, Ishasha Jungle Lodge
• Budget: Campsites and community lodges around Ishasha

Staying overnight in the sector increases your chances of multiple game drives and better lion sightings.

Why Ishasha Lions Are Special

Tree-climbing lions exist in only two main places in Africa: Ishasha in Uganda and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. This rarity makes seeing them in Uganda a once-in-a-lifetime experience for safari enthusiasts. Beyond just watching lions, visitors also get to appreciate the raw beauty of Ishasha’s wilderness, where rolling savannah meets lush forests and wildlife roams freely.