The Tree Climbing Lions In Ishasha
Have you ever wondered how a lion looks when it is up on a tree, then wonder no more because Queen Elizabeth National Park is the answer to your question and wonder. Tree-climbing lions in Uganda can only be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Ishasha sector. As we all know, it is very rare for lions to climb trees, but you will be able to see the cubs playing and hanging in the tree branches as well as the older lions. The tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park offer an unforgettable experience. These unique lions, with their distinctive black manes, climb acacia and sycamore fig trees for shelter from both sun and rain. They can often be seen lounging in the trees after sunrise, digesting their meals or observing prey as they plan their next hunt. Visitors can capture photos and videos of these majestic big cats as they laze in the trees, making for an incredible wildlife experience.
Why Queen Elizabeth Is The Ideal Place For The Climbing Lions
There are various lions in Uganda’s different parks, but not all of them can climb trees. The lions that climb trees are found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park has a vast land which allows the animals to move around easily, giving them freedom. It also has other animals which act as food to the lions, like the Kobs, cranes, the cows from the neighboring village, and the availability of the Acacia and sycamore trees also makes the park the best place for them to stay. All these conditions make it a conducive place for the lions to live.
The Dangers That The Tree Climbing Lions Face In Ishasha Sector
These lions are threatened by the constant and fast-growing human population around the park for example in 2018 around April, some lions were found dead and their cactus had insecticide poison in them which is believed to have come from the human population, also faced with a problem of natural death which reduces their number drastically and lastly the fight between the dominant males over the leader of the pride also leads to the loss of some lions in the park.
What People Think About The Tree Climbing Lions
Even though some people think one day is enough to see the tree-climbing lions and get to know their various characters, it is still hard to do all this in just a few hours. One needs to spend more than just a few hours to enjoy this glamorous view of the big cats enjoying the sun up in the trees. Getting to Ishasha is not very hard, as you will have various tour companies that will take you on this journey with trained tour guides to explain everything. You can also enjoy Gorilla trekking in the neighbouring Bwindi. And do not forget that Ishasha is one place that you would not want to miss when you take your safari to Africa due to the sightings of the tree-climbing lions that are located in this remote area in Uganda.
Why Do The Lions Climb Trees
The lions can be seen sleeping in the trees, and there are reasons that people have given as to why these lions climb trees, and these have been listed below:
- The lions climb the trees because the view is good for spotting the various prey that can be seen loitering around the Park. These big cats can easily pounce on their food, especially the antelopes, without being easily noticed.
- They climb trees to escape the heat from the ground and get shelter from the rain. The temperature can actually go up to 28 degrees, which is not conducive to the cats hence the climbing of the trees.
- The trees provide a good resting place for the cats after a long day of hunting due to the wide branches they have that can accommodate them.
- The trees also protect the lions from insect bites, especially tsetse flies that attack the animals especially during the wet season.
Where To Sleep In Ishasha
There are various accommodation facilities in Ishasha that can fit everyone’s budget, so you should not be worried about where you will stay when you visit the place to see the tree climbing lions including Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, the Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions View Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Topi Lodge Ishasha
Conclusion:
The tree-climbing lions are extremely rare and in order for someone to see them, they have to go to Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you head to the Bwindi Impenetrable Park, you will be able to view these climbing lions resting in sycamore and Acacia trees. Most people do not stop to view them, but it’s advisable to make a stop at Ishasha to get a glimpse of these big cats up in the trees. Besides viewing the tree-climbing lions, you will also be able to see various animals like elephants, antelopes, buffaloes and many other small animals that the pride of lions always feeds on.
