ISHASHA SECTOR – TREE CLIMBING LIONS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA
The Ishasha sector is the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park of Uganda famous for Tree climbing lions that hang in the branches of Fig trees. Ishasha is dominated by figs (Ficus) and acacia savanna woodland trees which provide shade and cover to animals. This southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park called Ishasha sector is the only part of East Africa where one can track the climbing lions with ease. Tree climbing lions in Uganda are exceptional tourist attraction for a Safari tour taken in Queen Elizabeth national park. The lions are attracted and prey on huge herds of Topi, Uganda kobs, warthogs and buffaloes present in the park.
Lions climb trees due to the hot ground during the dry season with tall bushy environment and also to relax from flies after the hunt. They also climb the Fig trees in order to spy on the Uganda kobs feeding in the field as they plan to make them their meal.
Besides tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector, there are many other animals to see during the game drive safari which include; Uganda kobs, Buffaloes, Giant forest hogs, hyenas and African elephants. The African elephants are named so because of their African shaped ears. Ishasha sector is also good for bird watching with different species seen on lake Edward and along Ishasha river which include long crested eagle, African green pigeon, grey woodpecker, African hoopoe among others.
Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth national park can be visited anytime on Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari throughout the year though the best time is in the dry season when the vegetation in the park is short. This is gives a clear view of the animals feeding in the savanna vegetation, the dry season is usually in the months of June to September and December to February. Both morning and evening game drives in Ishasha sector are so rewarding to successful encounters to the tree climbing lions of Uganda and other animals.
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park offers all categories of accommodation that range from budget, mid-range and luxury safari lodge where visitors to Uganda can have a comfortable stay. The Safari lodge in Ishasha sector include @The River lodge, Topi Safari Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge which are located on the edge of the park and the luxury Ishasha Wilderness Camp that has more comfort inside the park. Accessibility to this sector is by both by road and air transport from Kihihi Airstrip and Mweya Airstrip which are served by aero link Uganda.
Visitors to Queen Elizabeth national park and the ishasha sector are advised to carry some items like good cameras for photography, binoculars to see clearly the climbing lions in trees and have an open roof vehicle for good game viewing and safety.
