4 Days Tree Climbing Lion Safaris in Ishasha Sector Uganda

4 Days Tree Climbing Lion Safaris in Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience, few adventures compare to tracking the elusive tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Uganda. This 4-day Uganda wildlife safari takes you deep into the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region famed for its unique population of lions that have adapted to lounging in large fig and acacia trees—an incredibly rare behavior among the world’s big cats.

Beyond the majestic lions, this safari offers a well-rounded experience of Uganda’s most biodiverse national park. From open savannah game drives across Kasenyi Plains to a spectacular boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 600 bird species, this itinerary brings you face-to-face with Uganda’s rich natural heritage.

Why Tree-Climbing Lions Are So Special

Tree-climbing lions are a rare phenomenon found in only two places in Africa: Ishasha in Uganda and Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Scientists suggest this behavior helps the lions escape the heat and biting insects on the ground. Catching them resting in trees, especially during the warmer hours of the day, is an unforgettable wildlife moment and a photographer’s dream.

Tour Highlights

Scenic drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
Game drives in Kasenyi Plains (north) and Ishasha Sector (south)
Close-up encounters with tree-climbing lions
Optional stops at crater lakes, forests, or local communities
Comfortable lodge accommodations

Itinerary – 4 Days Tree Climbing Lions Safari Uganda

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy a scenic 6–7 hour drive southwest through the lush countryside, with rolling hills, plantations, and towns that paint a beautiful picture of rural Uganda. En route, make a stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos and experiments, then proceed through Mbarara for a lunch break.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in at your lodge near the Mweya Peninsula. In the late afternoon, head out for a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometre-long natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This cruise is a wildlife bonanza—you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, herds of buffalo and elephants drinking at the shore, and prolific birdlife including kingfishers, pelicans, and African fish eagles.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi – Transfer to Ishasha Sector

After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, the northern savannah region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These plains are rich in antelope species such as Uganda kobs, which attract predators like lions and leopards. Look out for elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, and perhaps a hyena or two.

Later in the afternoon, drive southwards through the park to Ishasha Sector, the remote and less-explored southern region known for its tree-climbing lions. Arrive in time for a brief game drive in the area and check in to your lodge for the evening.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge
Budget: Topi Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning and Evening Game Drives in Ishasha Sector

Wake up to the sounds of the wild and head out for a sunrise game drive in Ishasha. This is the best time to find lions either climbing or descending the fig trees, especially during the cooler hours. Your guide will help you track other wildlife as well, including buffaloes, elephants, topis, and various bird species.

After a relaxing lunch and some downtime at the lodge, return for an evening game drive, offering a second chance to witness the lions in action and soak in the golden African sunset over the open savannah.

Optional Activity: Visit a nearby community or crater lake for a cultural or scenic tour.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, check out and begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, enjoying scenic views and optional en route stops such as the Igongo Cultural Centre or Buganda royal drum makers along the highway. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your exciting 4-day Ishasha safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Inclusions

Full-time safari driver-guide
4WD private safari vehicle
Park entry fees
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Game drives in Kasenyi and Ishasha
Accommodation (3 nights)
Meals as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water

Exclusions

International flights and visas
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities not included in the itinerary

Best Time to Visit Ishasha Sector – When to See Tree-Climbing Lions in Uganda

When planning a safari to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, timing your visit can make a big difference in terms of wildlife sightings and overall safari experience. While Ishasha is a year-round destination, the dry seasons of June to September and December to February are widely considered the best times to visit—especially if your main goal is to see the famous tree-climbing lions.

Why the Dry Season Is Ideal for Wildlife Viewing

During Uganda’s dry seasons, the vegetation becomes thinner and shorter, making it easier to spot wildlife during game drives. Animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, including rivers, pools, and wetlands—drawing predators like lions to these hotspots. This improves your chances of observing a wide range of animals in one area, including elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs, along with leopards and birds of prey.

Best Chance to See Tree-Climbing Lions

The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are most frequently seen lounging in fig and acacia trees during the dry season. These unique lions climb trees to:

Escape the ground heat and biting insects
Survey their territory and prey from a higher vantage point
Rest during the hottest parts of the day

During the rainy seasons, the lions are harder to find in trees because:

The ground is cooler and more comfortable
The wet conditions make the tree branches slippery
Visibility is reduced due to thick vegetation

Dry Season Breakdown

June to September: This is the long dry season and peak tourism time. It’s excellent for game drives in Ishasha and boat cruises on Kazinga Channel. The weather is sunny and pleasant.
December to February: This short dry season is another great window for safari. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, and it’s a great time to combine Ishasha with gorilla trekking in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Can You Visit During the Rainy Season?

Yes, you can visit Ishasha in March–May and October–November, but be prepared for:

Muddy roads and slippery trails, which may make access difficult
Dense vegetation, making animals harder to spot
Lower chances of seeing lions in trees

However, the rainy season also brings fewer tourists, greener scenery, and discounted lodge rates, so it may appeal to travelers seeking a quieter, more budget-friendly experience.

Plan for the Dry Season

For the best chance of spotting tree-climbing lions and enjoying comfortable game drives, plan your visit to the Ishasha Sector during the dry months of June–September or December–February. These periods offer optimal weather, excellent wildlife visibility, and a truly unforgettable African safari experience.