THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LIONS IN UGANDA

Ever heard about the tree climbing lions? Besides the rare mountain gorillas, Uganda also offers refuge to a large population of distinct tree climbing lions. A safari to sight these unique wildlife species in the wild is incomparably the most thrilling experience that comes once in a life time. When you think about lions, Uganda is undoubtedly a home to one of the only two populations of the rare tree climbing lions in the entire world. The Ishasha sector situated about 432 kilometers Southwest of Kampala in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a home to globally popular tree climbing lions and this makes it one of the most unusual safari destinations.

There are fewer than two populations in the entire world with such unique big cats that do climb trees as their daily behavior. It is believed that these large cat species climb the trees as a way of safeguarding themselves from the biting tsetse flies on the ground level, escape from the heat and enjoy the cool atmosphere or take a good sight at the surface as their prey come close for them to hunt. They are usually sighted lying lazily up within the branches of big fig trees as they look down at several Uganda Kobs that come to graze around the vast Ishasha plains and these are actually the prime prey species to these big cats. The beauty about these Sycamore fig trees and the Acacia trees offers adequate shelter to the tree climbing lions that some times it turns tricky to sight them at a distance especially they act as shelter during the wet season and are thick enough to offer support to the lions. The most important thing about the lions at Ishasha area is the fact that the manes of the males are black.

THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LION

These remarkable cats live in only a few African destinations like South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For most tourists to Tanzania’s Lake Manyara and Kenya, think that these tree climbing cats are a myth because it is unusual to sight them. But for those who get into the stunning Ishasha plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park, they certainly get the reality about these fascinating tree climbing lions in the wild. It is easier to sight these exceptional kings of the jungles and their families in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. Conveniently located along gorilla trekking destinations of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can make a stopover at Ishasha sector for yet astonishing experiences in your life. Over three (3) prides of Lions with about 40 members are all confined within Ishasha area. Most tourists on Uganda safari generally spend some time around this area to catch a glimpse of not only the tree climbing lions but also other wildlife species. If you ever imagined about climbing on the trees when you are chased by lions, probably you won’t be safe if you attempted it at Ishasha because they have that ability to climb into trees.

THE UNIQUE TREE CLIMBING LIONS

The Ishasha area is mainly credited for its flat undulating plains and woodland vegetation which also offers special wildlife species like elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, antelopes and many more for tourists on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park to enjoy in addition to the rare tree climbing lions.

Getting to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are three routes depending visitors’ choice to access Queen Elizabeth National Park. First direct from Kampala, through Mbarara-Masaka road about six hours drive. For visitors who have private vehicles and equipment, you will certainly catch a glimpse of remarkable cat family at Ishasha. The route from Katunguru is unreliable but a direct route to the border post of the Ishasha sector is usually muddy during the wet season. You are advised to use a 4 by 4 wheel drive vehicle to help you transverse through this kind of roads. If you are entering through the Mweya, you are encouraged to request for a radio message information if trucks are heading towards the Ishasha, Katookye gate and this is intended to assist you find out whether the route is passable or not.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you are planning for safari to Uganda, make sure you don’t miss sighting a few rare catch families in Queen Elizabeth National Park. For safaris to be complete in the park there must be lodging and accommodation facilities for visitors to spend a night. Queen Elizabeth National Park consists of various accommodations that range from luxury, mid range to budget. They include the Ishasha wilderness camp, Mweya hotel, Jacana safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Hippo hill camp and lodge, Bush camp and Kyambura game lodge and many more.

In conclusion, tree climbing lions are a few cat family that offer fascinating experiences to travelers. If you are planning for a safari to Uganda, make sure that you include viewing the tree climbing lions in your itinerary. Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is a main stopover for most tourists who travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. Enjoy your safari!