Tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector

The tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, situated in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is the second largest national park in Uganda, following Murchison Falls National Park. The Ishasha sector is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, often observed resting on the branches of acacia and fig trees during game drives. The Ishasha sector is home to several creatures, including buffaloes, Uganda kobs, elephants, waterbucks, topi, gigantic forest hogs, warthogs, and a diverse array of bird species. In addition to the Ishasha area, the tree-climbing lion can also be observed in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

why lions in Ishasha sector climb trees

Lions in the Ishasha region ascend trees for several reasons, including obtaining a clear vantage point of prey and the environment, particularly when the grass is long during the rainy season.

Lions in the Ishasha area climb trees to evade ground-dwelling biting insects, such as tsetse flies.

Lions in the Ishasha area climb trees to alleviate heat and access cooler air, as the ground temperature rises during the day, particularly in the dry season.

Best time for observing the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector

Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector can be observed year-round; however, the optimal period is during the dry season, specifically in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During these months, reduced rainfall results in sparse vegetation, facilitating unobstructed views of the tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.

During the dry season, access roads to the Ishasha sector and game drive trails will be arid and navigable, facilitating game drives. Conversely, during the rainy season, the game drive tracks become muddy and treacherous, complicating drives as cars may become immobilized.

Directions to Ishasha sector

The Ishasha sector is situated in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is accessible by road. The journey from Kampala involves traveling through Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi, or alternatively via Mubende, Fort Portal, and Kasenyi, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours by car.

Accessing the Ishasha area from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires an approximate driving duration of 3 to 4 hours. From Kigali, Rwanda, you will traverse the Kayuna border and proceed over the Kabale-Ntungamo-Kasese road, which requires around 5 to 6 hours of driving.

The Ishasha sector is accessible by air, with options to book a scheduled or chartered domestic aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi, Mweya, or Kasese airstrips, followed by a road transfer to Ishasha sector, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Accommodation options in the Ishasha sector

The Ishasha sector offers a diverse array of accommodation options, encompassing budget, mid-range, and luxury facilities for your safari. Notable establishments include Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Topi Lodge, At The River Ishasha Lodge, Ishasha Pride Lodge, Bull Bush River Camp, Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp, Savannah Resort Hotel, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge, and Elephant Hab Lodge, among others.

Additional activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides additional engaging activities for guests to partake in throughout the safari, including

Game in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park often occur on the Kasenyi Plains and Mweya Peninsula, where one may observe various species such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and warthogs, among others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides nocturnal wildlife drives, allowing exploration of the park at night with spotlight torches and armed rangers.

Boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park

The boat ride at Queen Elizabeth National Park occurs on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat tour on Kazinga Channel occurs in two sessions: the morning session begins at 9:00 AM, and the afternoon session commences at 2:00 PM. During the boat excursion, you will observe aquatic species such as hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, and warthogs along the shoreline, in addition to other waterfowl.

Bird observation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park hosts approximately 600 documented bird species, establishing it as one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching locales. Birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be conducted during game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and nature walks in Maramagambo Forest, among other activities. While observing avifauna, one can encounter various species such as cormorants, kingfishers, bee-eaters, fish eagles, martial eagles, handsome francolins, saddle-billed storks, palm-nut vultures, collared pranticoles, swamp flycatchers, broad-billed rollers, African skimmers, pink-backed pelicans, papyrus gonoleks, and great blue turacos, among others.

Trekking chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park occurs at Kyambura Gorge, popularly referred to as the Valley of Apes. The trek commences early in the morning with a briefing on the norms and regulations to adhere to during the expedition. Following the briefing, you will commence a trip in the jungle, which may last between 2 to 5 hours, contingent upon the location of the chimpanzees, as they frequently relocate in pursuit of food. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you will be permitted to spend one hour in their natural habitat.

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides more engaging activities, like guided nature walks for on-foot exploration, lion tracking experiences, and cultural tours that facilitate interaction with local communities, among others.