The ishasha sector of queen Elizabeth national park comprises of low lying savannah plains, home to tree climbing lions. This is the southern section of the park and the only spot in Uganda where visitors can view tree climbing lions on fig trees branches in the wilderness. Uganda kobs and Buffalos can be potted spread in the savannah as you drive through the park. Elephants are often spoted which cross from the neighbouring Parc National des Virunga in the Congo in the night and cross back at first light in the morning. The topography of the ishasha sector of queen elizabeth is significantly different from the other parts of queen elizabeth including the Mweya Peninsular, Crater Lakes areas and Kasenyi region.
The Ishasha River creates the international boundary separating Congo’s Virunga national park.
Tree climbing lions can be spoted in very few places in the world. Tree climbing lions are found only in Ishasha sector and in Lake Manyara national park situated north western of Tanzania.
Supposed Reason for these Lions climbing tress
It is said to be a way of protecting themselves against the numerous biting tsetse flies on the ground level,
Its also claimed that these lions climb branches to find a cool place to be in and escape from the heat on the ground. All these reasons are vague and its not rally known why these lions climb trees.
Accessing Ishasha
From Kampala 7 – 8 hours drive
From Katunruru – 2 hours
Bwindi national park – 2 hours
Visitors usually visit the Ishasha sector arriving from Bwindi national park via the Kihihi route with good driving roads
Activities in the Park
The ishasha region offers visitors 2 game drive circuits – the southern circuit and northern circuit. Its advisable to take a park game ranger to guide you so you dont get lost out in the Savannah. Game rangers can show you some of the best spots for viewing the tree climbing lions. The norther circuit drive is much easier with tracks to follow and is often driven while the southern circuit is over grown as its a river track