Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, on where to see tree-climbing lions and why they climb.
Tree-climbing lions are real, and they are unusual. The behaviour is reliably seen in only a few places, and the two most accessible are the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Most lions elsewhere climb only occasionally and briefly.
Why do tree-climbing lions climb?
At Ishasha and Manyara, whole prides spend hours resting on the branches of fig and acacia trees. Possible reasons include escaping biting flies and ground heat, catching a cooler breeze and getting a better view across the plains. Researchers still debate the exact cause.
Ishasha, Uganda
Ishasha is in the far south of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is worth the detour if tree-climbing lions are on your list. It is often combined with a Bwindi gorilla trek, since the route between them passes close by. See the Queen Elizabeth National Park guide.
Lake Manyara, Tanzania
Manyara is a shorter stop on a northern Tanzania circuit, usually combined with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. See the Lake Manyara National Park guide.
How to fit them into a trip
In Uganda, Ishasha lies between the main part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi, so an afternoon or a night there fits naturally into a gorilla trip. Ask us to add it to any Uganda itinerary that includes both parks, such as our Uganda National Parks Safari: Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls (10 days). In Tanzania, Lake Manyara lies on the route from Arusha towards Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, so a half-day or full day there adds no detour.
Improve your chances of seeing tree-climbing lions
Sightings are good but never guaranteed on a single visit. A guide who knows the trees a pride favours, and enough time at the park, make a real difference. Lions often rest in the trees through the heat of the day, and your guide will advise on the best times.
Plan the trip
See the Uganda national parks guide and the Tanzania national parks guide, or where to see the Big Five.
Plan a trip to see tree-climbing lions
Gorilla and park permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Uganda Tourism Board publishes official visitor information. Park fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and, for the crater, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.
Lions are one of the Big Five; see our Big Five vs Big Nine guide for the full list and the Big Nine extras.
Lions are not the only cat that rests in trees: see our guide to leopards in East Africa.
For the route through Ishasha, see our Uganda safari itinerary guide.