Queen Elizabeth: Ishasha sector and the tree climbing lions

Kisenyi fishing village and the Ishasha sector of queen Elizabeth

After the central area of Queen Elizabeth, we headed to Ishasha sector, a place know for tis tree-climbing lions. However, we had a brief stop at the fishing village of Kisenyi for a cultural experience. We got here when the fishermen had just delivered their catch to the shores. It was nice interacting with them and seeing the village economic life here. After the village we proceeded to Ishasha sector to look for the famous tree-climbing lions. We stayed at Ishasha Wilderness eco- camp

The tree- climbing lions of Ishasha

The Ishasha Sector is actually today very famously because of its mystifying population of the tree-climbing lions that are a very exceptional attraction and as well one of the major highlights for which most guests visit this park. The Lions are normally seen lazily lying up within the branches of the huge fig trees staring down at the numerous Uganda Kobs that are graze in the open Ishasha plains and these are actually the main prey to these lions.

It is somewhat uncommon for lions to actually climb trees. There are only a few places in the world where such lions that do actually climb trees as one of their day after day behavior. One of these populations is found within the Ishasha sector, which is found in the south part of the well-known Queen Elizabeth National Park within Uganda.  The other population is found in Lake Manyara National Park in the North Western part of Tanzania.

It is supposed that this type of lions climb trees as a way of protecting themselves against the numerous biting tsetse flies on the ground level, whereas other people claim the they actually climb into the branches to escape from the heat on the ground and enjoy the cool breeze; nonetheless the reason why they climb up into the tree branches remains unknown.

Visitors to Queen Elizabeth generally end up visiting the Ishasha region primarily to see the population of the resident Tree Climbing Lions although they are also rewarded with views of other wildlife species.

In case you ever find yourself being chased by a lion, choosing to climb up into the trees as a way to escape from it will actually not help much especially within Queen Elizabeth National Park since these Lions have the ability to climb up into the trees. Actually they are commonly seen sleeping on branches in the afternoon as they digest their food after lunch.

A tree climbing lion at Ishasha sector

The banana trader who had to ride 30kms to deliver the banana in exchange of fish at the village of Kisenyi

This lady was selling hot beverages to the fishermen

This was my favourite shot. The boy here followed the person with the camera here and all he was excited about was to see his reflection on the lens. Not even his picture taken. This is genuine joy.

A lady fish vendor

A boy sort out fish

Tree climbing lion

Elephant trenches at the end of Ishasha Sector

The upper side of Ishasha river

I had to give a hand to one elder who was riding 30kms to Kisenyi to trade banana for fish

Boats on the beach at Kisenyi

Ishasha Eco-camp

Ishasha camp

Ishasha camp

Stopover to buy Uganda Tea