Is seeing the tree climbing lions guaranteed?

Wild animals move freely, so there is no total guarantee. However, our 2026 data shows that visitors who spend at least two days in Ishasha have a 90 percent success rate. The lions are very loyal to certain fig trees.

Is it safe to see them in an open vehicle?

Yes, it is safe. These lions are used to the sight and sound of safari cars. They see the vehicle as a single, large object that is not a threat. As long as you stay inside the car and keep quiet, they will remain calm.

Can I see these lions during the rainy season?

You can, but it is harder. In the rainy months of April and May, the grass grows tall, making sightings difficult. Also, mud can make some tracks on the Southern Circuit impossible to drive. The dry months are much better.

How do the Ishasha lions compare to Lake Manyara?

The Ishasha lions are much easier to find. In Lake Manyara, the forest is very thick and the lions climb less often. In Ishasha, the trees are spread out in open savannah, giving you a clear line of sight for photography.

Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions Safari

Ishasha Sector is the southern wildlife area of Queen Elizabeth National Park and one of Uganda’s best-known places to search for tree-climbing lions. The sector is quieter than the northern side of the park and is often included on safari routes between Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi. The main attraction in Ishasha is the chance to see lions resting in fig trees during the heat of the day. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the area is strongly associated with this unusual lion behaviour and is a major reason travellers add Ishasha to a western Uganda safari. A safari in Ishasha can also include game drives to see buffaloes, elephants, topis, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks, and hippos near the Ishasha River, as well as a variety of bird species.

ishasha_tree_climbing_lions_pride — Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions Pride

Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector

Tree-climbing lions are the main reason many travellers visit Ishasha Sector. Lions are often found in the large fig trees scattered across the southern plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. During hot hours, they may rest on thick branches where they can catch a breeze, avoid ground heat and stay away from biting insects. This behaviour makes Ishasha different from many other East African lion viewing areas, although sightings still depend on weather, prey movement, time of day and luck. A good guide will check known fig tree areas, open plains and tracks where lions have recently moved. Travellers should carry binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens because lions may be resting far from the track. The best approach is patience, quiet observation and enough time for more than one game drive in the sector.

Wildlife in Ishasha Sector

Ishasha Sector is most famous for tree-climbing lions, but it also offers rewarding wildlife viewing for travellers who want a quieter safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landscape includes open savannah, fig trees, riverine vegetation and tracks that feel less busy than the northern side of the park. During game drives, travellers may see buffaloes, elephants, topis, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and other plains wildlife. The Ishasha River area can also attract hippos and other animals, especially during warmer parts of the day. Predator sightings depend on movement and timing. Lions are the main target, while leopards and hyenas may be present but are less predictable. For the best experience, Ishasha should not be rushed as a quick stop. It works better with an early morning or afternoon game drive and, where possible, an overnight stay nearby.

Topi in inshasha sector — Topi in the Inshasha sector

Ishasha Game Drives

Ishasha game drives are the best way to search for tree-climbing lions and explore the southern plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Drives usually focus on fig tree areas, open grassland, riverine sections and tracks where guides have recent wildlife information. Morning game drives are useful for general wildlife viewing because animals are more active before the heat builds. Afternoon game drives can be better for searching fig trees, especially when lions move into the branches to rest during warmer hours. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended because some tracks can become rough or slippery after rain. A knowledgeable guide is also important because Ishasha’s wildlife can be spread out, and good tracking depends on understanding recent movement, tree locations and animal behaviour.

Ishasha or Kasenyi, Which Safari Area Is Better

Ishasha and Kasenyi offer different safari experiences inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kasenyi Plains, in the northern part of the park, is usually better for classic game drives, open savannah wildlife, Uganda kobs, lions and easy access to Mweya and the Kazinga Channel. Ishasha is better for travellers specifically interested in tree-climbing lions, quieter tracks and a route to Bwindi. The landscape feels more remote, and traffic is often lighter than in the northern side of the park. For the strongest Queen Elizabeth safari, travellers with enough time can combine both. Kasenyi gives the main northern game drive experience, the Kazinga Channel adds boat safari wildlife, and Ishasha adds the tree-climbing lion search before continuing to Bwindi.

Best Time to Visit Ishasha Sector

Ishasha Sector can be visited throughout the year, but the drier months from June to September and December to February are usually easier for game drives. During these months, tracks are generally more manageable, grass may be shorter, and wildlife visibility can be better. Tree-climbing lion sightings are possible at different times of year, but warmer parts of the day can improve the chance of finding lions resting in fig trees. Morning drives are better for active wildlife, while afternoon drives are often useful for scanning trees. The wetter months bring greener scenery and fewer visitors, but roads can become muddy and some tracks may be harder to use. A 4×4 vehicle remains important in all seasons.

Where to Stay Near Ishasha Sector

Staying near Ishasha Sector gives travellers better access to early morning and afternoon game drives, which are the best times to search for tree-climbing lions. The sector is quieter and more remote than the northern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, so accommodation should be selected based on comfort level, budget, and route direction toward Bwindi or Mweya.

Luxury

Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the strongest luxury option for travellers who want to stay inside the wilderness area. The camp sits along the Ntungwe River and offers spacious tented rooms with private bathrooms, solid floors and a peaceful safari setting. Its location is useful for early game drives, afternoon lion searches and travellers who want a quiet stay close to the Ishasha plains.

Mid-range

Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Ishasha Jungle Lodge is a good mid-range option located near the park gate. It is built with local wood and stone and offers clean, comfortable cottages suitable for couples, families and small groups. The lodge works well for travellers who want easier access to Ishasha game drives without choosing a high-end camp.

Budget-friendly

Enjojo Lodge
Enjojo Lodge is a budget-friendly option with cottages and safari tents in a natural setting with many trees. It suits travellers who want a simple but comfortable stay near Ishasha while still feeling close to the wilderness. The lodge is also practical for travellers connecting from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For the best experience, travellers should spend at least one night near Ishasha instead of rushing through the sector. This allows one afternoon game drive and one morning game drive, giving better chances of finding the tree-climbing lions and enjoying the wider wildlife around the plains and Ishasha River.

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