The Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a major tourist attraction. It is hard to believe that lions can climb trees unless you embark on a safari to the Ishasha sector. Spotting these lions chilling in the tree branches defies the original nature of the lions of not climbing trees. This adventure safari of spotting the tree-climbing lions is an epic experience only fit for the imagination. It would be an incredible experience to encounter their tiny cubs learn to climb for the first time.
Several myths follow why the lions of Ishasha suddenly learnt to climb trees. Some myths are that these lions were escaping the scorching hot sun and the biting ground insects. Other myths say that because of the long savannah grass in the Ishasha sector. It made it hard for these apex predators to spot their prey from far, and they resorted to climbing trees to stretch their vision. These myths are not deemed unreal but cannot be taken as facts. But one thing is certain: lions in Ishasha can climb trees and be spotted during safari experiences.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is probably the country’s best and most popular protected area. It is situated in the western region of Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a savannah grassland with an ecosystem characterized by openness, grasses, scattered acacia trees, bushes, and a hot climate. It was established in 1952 as an incredible animal sanctuary in the country’s western region. Queen Elizabeth National Park lies on the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, crossing the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri.
Queen Elizabeth National Park gained world recognition when it hosted the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1954. The visit of Her Majesty the Queen led to the changing of the park from Kazinga National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park sits on a land area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers, hosting a variety of wildlife and bird species. Some of these species in Queen Elizabeth National Park include animals such as lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, Ugandan kobs, leopards, hyenas, and waterbuck, to mention but a few. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also an important area for birding because it harbors over 600 bird species. Primates like chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and olive baboons are also in the park.
When would you like to spot the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Visitors should consider the dry season for a fantastic adventure experience in Ishasha for tree-climbing lions. Tree-climbing lions can only be seen on a game drive adventure safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector. The tracks in the park are dry in this season, thus enabling easy navigation, unlike in the wet season. The dry season runs from June to August and from December to February. The dry season is a period of dry weather and humid temperatures with minimal rain. However, the wet season can also be a good time to be in Ishasha for tree-climbing lions since these lions can be seen on top of tree branches. Thus, the dense and overgrown grasslands don’t affect visibility.
What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular park in the country, so there is a lot to do. Below are some of the tourist activities in the park.
Game drive
Game drives are the major tourist activity in the park and the best way to spot tree-climbing lions. These involve driving through the grassland plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and getting closer to the wildlife species in the comfort and safety of the safari vehicle. Some wildlife spotted on a game drive includes lions, hyenas, leopards, elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs, topis, etc.
Boat cruise
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat cruise adventures occur on the Kazinga Channel. This is the perfect tourist activity to explore the park’s aquatic side and get incredible views. Hippos and crocodiles are the most notable wildlife species, but elephants, buffalo, and waterbucks can also be often seen taking a drink on the shores of the channel.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the encounter of chimpanzee primates in their natural habitat, where they spend an hour in their presence. It is done at Kyambura Gorge. Kyambura Gorge is known as the valley of Apes due to its inhabitants of the chimpanzee primates. This gorge is located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Birding
With over 600 bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting incredible bird species is a guarantee on a birding safari. Several designated birding trails ensure that birders are led straight to the bird habitats. Queen Elizabeth National Park is an important area for birding. Some of the birds to look out for on a birding adventure include swifts, martins, grey-headed kingfishers, Nubian woodpeckers, African mustached warblers, African emerald cuckoo, black coucals, yellow bills, African fin feet, etc.
