Tree climbing lions of Ishasha: where and when to see them

Tree climbing lions in Uganda: the short answer

Tree climbing lions are lions that rest in the branches of large fig and acacia trees instead of on the ground. In Uganda, you find them in the Ishasha sector, in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Few places in Africa have lions with this habit, so a sighting is a highlight of any safari.

Sightings are never guaranteed, because the lions are wild and free. Still, a patient game drive in the right season gives a good chance of spotting a pride in a tree. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the sector, and you explore it by safari vehicle with a driver-guide.

Why do lions climb trees?

Scientists and guides offer several explanations, and none is proven for every pride. Lions in most places stay firmly on the ground. In Ishasha, they have made the branches a favourite resting spot.

• Cooler air. Branches catch the breeze, so the heat of midday feels milder.
• Fewer insects. Biting flies bother lions on the ground, and trees may offer relief.
• A better view. From a branch, lions can scan the plains for prey.
• Safety for cubs. A high perch keeps young animals away from buffalo and elephants.

The habit seems to pass from mothers to cubs, so it can last in a pride for generations. In other words, behaviour, not only environment, shapes it. That is why tree climbing lions fascinate visitors and researchers alike. Watching a pride drape itself along a branch is a sight few travellers forget.

Where to find tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector

The Ishasha sector lies in the south of the park, along the Ishasha River, which forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The landscape is open savannah dotted with huge fig trees. Ugandan kob, topi, buffalo and hippos graze or wallow nearby, and they attract the lions.

Ishasha sits along the road between the main tourist area at Mweya and the southern gorilla sectors of Bwindi. For this reason, it makes a natural stop on a gorilla route. The drive from Mweya takes a few hours, and the journey from Ishasha to Buhoma takes less than two hours, depending on the road.

Our Queen Elizabeth National Park guide covers the whole park, and our Uganda national parks guide shows how it fits into the wider country.

How a lion-spotting game drive works

A game drive in Ishasha follows a network of tracks through the savannah. Your guide drives slowly, scans the trees and checks with other vehicles by radio. When a pride is spotted, the vehicles approach carefully.

1. Early start. Morning drives find lions after the night hunt, often still active.
2. Tree check. Guides search the big figs and acacias along the tracks.
3. Midday search. Lions often climb as the heat builds, so a late-morning drive pays off.
4. Quiet viewing. Vehicles stop at a safe distance, with engines off.

Patience matters most. Lions spend much of the day asleep, so a sighting may mean waiting quietly for movement.

Ways to improve your chances of seeing tree climbing lions

You cannot control the lions, yet you can improve your odds with a few smart choices.

• Stay at least two nights. A second drive doubles your chances.
• Choose an experienced guide. Guides know the favourite trees and the pride's habits.
• Go in the dry seasons. Open ground and sparse grass make lions easier to see.
• Be flexible. If the lions are on the ground, wait and check again later.
• Carry binoculars. Tree branches hide animals well.

Even without a lion in a tree, the sector rewards you with big skies and wide views. Many visitors remember the empty plains almost as fondly as the cats.

The best time to see lions in the trees

For tree climbing lions, the long dry seasons, June to September and December to February, give the clearest views. Water is scarce, grass is short and animals gather near the river. Wet months bring tall grass and thicker foliage, though lions still climb. Heat matters too, since lions seek shade and breeze around midday.

A day with low cloud may keep lions on the ground, while a hot, still day can push them into the branches. Therefore plan flexible drives rather than one fixed slot. For the wider pattern of seasons in western Uganda, read our best time to go guide.

Other wildlife you may see in the south of the park

The Ishasha plains hold more than lions. A good game drive can add several species to your list.

• Antelopes. Ugandan kob, topi, waterbuck and bushbuck.
• Large mammals. Elephants, buffalo and giraffe in some areas.
• River life. Hippos and crocodiles in the Ishasha River.
• Birds. Raptors, storks, bee-eaters and many woodland species.

Leopards live here too, though they are shy and rarely seen. Our Uganda national parks guide lists the wildlife of each park, so you can compare.

A day in the south, hour by hour

A well-planned day balances early light with the midday search. This outline shows one way to structure it.

Adjust the plan to the weather and the lions' movements. If a pride is resting in a tree, you may spend an hour on one sighting, and that is a fine use of time.

Lions, people and conservation

Lions are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, and their numbers have fallen across Africa. In Uganda, lions share land with farmers and herders, which can lead to conflict. Park fees, community projects and careful tourism help local people see value in lions.

Your visit supports this work. Choose lodges that hire local staff, and buy crafts from community groups. Respect the park rules, and never encourage unsafe behaviour. These steps help tree climbing lions survive for the next generation of visitors.

What to pack for the plains

The savannah is hot, dusty and bright. Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colours, along with a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring a warm layer for dawn drives, since early mornings can feel cool. Binoculars and a dust-proof camera bag make a big difference. Our packing guide covers the rest.

Combining Ishasha with gorilla trekking

Ishasha is the classic link between savannah and rainforest. Many visitors drive from the northern part of the park to Ishasha, spend a night or two, then continue south to Bwindi. That route avoids long, tiring drives, and it adds a major wildlife highlight on the way.

Plan the order carefully. Do the lion drives first, then end with gorillas, because gorilla trekking can leave you tired. See our Uganda gorilla trekking guide for the forest side, and our Bwindi guide for sectors. Our 5-day gorillas and game safari follows this pattern, and our 10-day best of Uganda safari goes further.

Photographing lions in trees

Branches create tricky light. Lions often sit in shade, with bright sky behind them, so exposure needs care. Use spot metering or add exposure compensation to avoid dark shapes.

A lens of 300 to 500 mm brings the cats close, since vehicles must keep their distance. A beanbag on the window frame steadies your shot. Watch for tail flicks, yawns and cubs, because these give the best expressions. Never ask your guide to drive closer than the rules allow.

Rules and respect on the plains

Lions are powerful predators, and visitors must follow strict rules. Stay in the vehicle at all times, and keep your arms and legs inside. Speak softly, and never throw anything or make noise to attract attention.

Guides follow the park's viewing guidelines, which keep vehicles at a safe distance and limit how many gather at once. If lions look uneasy, the guide will move away. These habits protect the animals and keep the sector peaceful for the next visitor.

Where to stay near the lion trees

Accommodation in and around Ishasha ranges from tented camps inside the sector to lodges in nearby villages. Staying close to the game circuit lets you start before dawn. Rooms are often rustic yet comfortable, with the sounds of the night all around you.

We match lodges to your route and style. Tell us how much comfort you want, and we suggest options that fit.

Plan your tree climbing lions safari with us

We are a licensed Ugandan operator, and one named member of our team plans your route. We arrange transport, lodges and permits, and we place Ishasha where it fits best in your trip.

1. Tell us your dates. Send your dates and group size, or message us on WhatsApp.
2. Choose your route. We suggest how many nights to give Ishasha.
3. Get one clear quote. It lists everything included.

Our frequently asked questions answer the basics.

Frequently asked questions