Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
You are standing in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The sun is high, and the heat reflects off the golden grass. You look up at an old sycamore fig tree. A large male lion rests on a thick
branch ten feet above the ground. His paws hang down, and his tail moves slowly to swat away flies. This is the reality of the Ishasha sector in 2026.
Most lions in Africa stay on the ground. In this part of Uganda, the prides have a different habit. They spend their afternoons in the canopy. Seeing a group of lions sleeping in a tree is a sight most travelers never forget. This behavior is rare. Only two places in the world show this pattern daily. One is Lake Manyara in Tanzania, and the other is right here in Ishasha.
Why Ishasha Lions Spend Days in the Trees
Nature experts have studied these lions for many years. We have found a few clear reasons for this behavior. First, the heat on the ground is intense during the day. In 2026, temperatures in the southern sector often reach 28 degrees centigrade. The breeze in the tree branches is much cooler. It
helps the lions keep their body temperature down.
Second, the ground is full of biting insects. Tsetse flies are common in the tall grass. These flies have a painful bite that can pierce thick skin. By climbing up, the lions escape these pests. It allows them to sleep without being bothered.
Third, the trees provide a better view. The Ishasha plains are flat. From a high branch, a lion can see herds of Uganda kob from a long distance. This helps them plan their hunts for the cooler evening hours. Young cubs learn this from their mothers. They start climbing when they are just a few months old. By the time they are adults, they move through the branches with great ease.
Best Hours to Spot the Pride in 2026
Timing is the most important part of your visit. If you arrive at the park gate at 7:00 am, you might not see them in the trees. During the early morning, the lions are often on the ground. They are busy hunting or walking through the dew.
The best window to see them is between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. This is when the sun is hottest. The lions move to the sycamore fig trees and acacia trees to rest. While many visitors enjoy these sightings from a distance, those who want a closer look at conservation can join a Lion Tracking Experience in the northern part of the park. This research activity helps the park staff monitor the health and movement of the prides using radio collars.
Look for the dark shapes in the green leaves. Sometimes, a tail or a leg hanging down is the only clue. Our team uses radio calls and local tracking to find where the prides are resting. In 2026, the main pride in Ishasha consisted of about 25 to 35 individuals according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The Ishasha Southern Circuit Safari Route
The Ishasha sector is divided into two main tracks. The Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit.
Most of the tree-climbing action happens on the Southern Circuit. This area has a high density of fig trees.
Your day starts at the Katokye gate. We drive along the river tracks where the soil is firm. You will see large herds of Topi. These are purple-brown antelopes that stand on mounds to look for danger. They are a sign that lions are nearby.
We stop at the Edward Flats. This is a wide-open area near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can see the mountains in the distance. Here, the lions often wait for the kob to move toward the water. The drive is quiet compared to the northern part of the park. You will not see many other vehicles. This makes the encounter feel personal and private.
Reaching Ishasha from Bwindi and Mweya
Many travelers use Ishasha as a bridge between two destinations. It sits between the Mweya peninsula 
and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. If you are coming from a gorilla trek in Buhoma, the drive is about 60 kilometers. The road is unpaved and can be dusty. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the Ishasha gate from Buhoma. If it has rained, the mud can make the trip longer. A 4×4 vehicle is a requirement for this route. If you are coming from the northern part of Queen Elizabeth, the drive is about 2 hours. Most people spend one night in Ishasha. This gives you two chances to find the lions. One afternoon drive and one morning drive. This increases your success rate to almost 90 percent.
Entry Fees and Park Costs for 2026/2027
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sets the prices for the park. For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, these are the standard rates:
Foreign Non-Residents: 40 USD per person for 24 hours.
Foreign Residents: 30 USD per person.
East African Citizens: 20,000 UGX.
Vehicle Entry: 30,000 UGX for Ugandan-registered cars.
You must pay these fees at the gate or through a registered tour operator. We suggest keeping your receipt. If you leave the park and come back within 24 hours, you do not have to pay again. These funds go directly toward protecting the lions and paying the park rangers.
Lodges in the Ishasha Sector
Ishaasha Wilderness Camp. This is the only luxury camp located inside the park. It sits on the banks of the Ntungwe River. The rooms are large tents with solid floors and private bathrooms. You
can often see elephants bathing in the river from your deck. It is a peaceful place with no fences.
Ishasha Jungle Lodge. This lodge is just outside the park gate. It is built using local wood and stone. The cottages are clean and comfortable. They use solar power for light and hot water. It is a great middle-range option for families and small groups
Enjojo Lodge. This lodge offers a mix of cottages and safari tents. It is set on a large piece of land with many trees. The food is fresh and grown in their own garden. It is a budget-friendly choice that still feels like a part of the wild.
Other Wildlife and Activities in Southern Queen Elizabeth
The lions are the main focus, but the area has more to offer. The Ishasha River is home to many
hippos. You can take a short walk with a ranger to the riverbank. You will hear them grunting and see them splashing in the deep pools.
The bird life here is diverse. You can spot the Martial Eagle or the Black-rumped Buttonquail. If you are lucky, you might see the Shoebill Stork in the marshy areas near Lake Edward.
The landscape itself is beautiful. The candelabra trees look like giant cacti. They grow across the hills and provide a unique background for photos. Unlike the busy Mweya area, Ishasha feels like old Africa. It is raw and quiet.
The Future and Conservation of the Ishasha Pride
The tree-climbing lions face many challenges. The human population around the park is growing. Sometimes lions wander into nearby villages and attack livestock. In the past, this led to conflict. In 2026, conservation groups are working hard to stop this. They help farmers build better pens for their cows. They also use GPS collars to track the lions. This lets the rangers know if a pride is getting too close to a farm. The number of lions has stayed stable at around 30 individuals over the last two years. By visiting, your park fees help pay for these programs. Your presence shows the local community that lions are worth more alive than dead. We hope to see these prides thrive through 2030 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seeing the tree-climbing lions guaranteed?
Wild animals move freely, so there is no total guarantee. However, our 2025 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. Our guides know these spots well and check them daily.
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 continue to nap or look at you calmly.
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 very tall. This makes it difficult to spot them if they are on the ground. Also, the 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 the Lake Manyara lions?
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 an open savannah. This gives you a clear line of sight for photography.
What should I pack for an Ishasha safari?
Bring a good pair of binoculars. Even though the lions are in the trees, they might be 50 yards from the track. A camera with a zoom lens is also helpful. Wear neutral colors like khaki or green. This helps you blend in and stay cool in the afternoon heat.
Do I need a special permit for the Ishasha sector?
No special permit is needed. Your standard Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fee covers the Ishasha sector. You just need to show your receipt at the Katokye or Ishasha gate. The fee is valid for 24 hours from the time you first enter the park
