Where to see Lions in Uganda? : According to the most recent study and census conducted between 2018 and 2020, Uganda has approximately 373 lions in the wild. Lions can be seen during game drives in the following Uganda safari destinations.
Where can you see lions in Uganda? : Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest wildlife park, contains the most lions of any park, with around 250 lions. The national park is now the greatest place in Uganda to go on safari to observe lions. Previously, the chances of seeing lions in Murchison were 50/50, but it has recently been noticed that the park is undergoing a surge in lion population. Many prides with many cubs and youngsters may be spotted on game drives on a regular basis (from 215 lions in 2013 to 250 in 2020, the only lion population increase among all parks).
Furthermore, because Murchison Falls National Park is vast and has few driving paths, a big portion of the park will not be explored in order to increase the possibilities of encountering lions. However, the park has opened up a few additional drive routes, and with the increased population of lions, the park now guaranteed lion sightings.
You will look for lions on the northern bank of the Nile, which separates the park into north and south halves. The savannah in the north is home to lions and other large animals. Murchison Falls National Park is also a quicker journey from Kampala than other parks with significant lion sightings.
Where can you see lions in Uganda? : Viewing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The most recent research and census, conducted between 2018 and 2020, estimated the lion population of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second biggest park, to be only 52 lions.
Queen Elizabeth National Park had a reputation as Uganda’s lion park, where you didn’t have to look hard to spot lions. However, unlike Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a biosphere, which means that animals and man have coexisted harmoniously in the same eco system since time immemorial. It is not uncommon to come across a pride of lions or an elephant herd and then come across a local man strolling or going about his business, unconcerned about his surroundings.
However, it was not long before the quickly rising people and its growing economic requirements caused conflict with wildlife, with predators being the first animal casualties. inhabitants began growing cattle within and near the park (which is really banned), which the lions began eating on, and the inhabitants responded by massacring them. To put that in context, the lion population in Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2010 was 144; ten years later, it has been cut by more than half.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has begun fencing certain areas of the park to keep animals from entering settlements and vice versa. This is intended to lessen human-wildlife conflict, and we will soon have a restored park with many lions.
However, all is not lost because Queen Elizabeth National Park still has a good probability of spotting lions. The Kasenyi plains, which serve as a breeding habitat for antelopes, also serve as a hunting field for lions and other predators.
The Mweya peninsula, near Mweya Safari Loge, was a breeding location for a lion pride and is one among the areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you may see lions. To ensure that you spot lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a lion tracking as an activity in which you may join a group of researchers to identify collared lions that are being monitored. If you want to understand more about lions, this exercise gives you a better up-close look at them.
The tree-climbing lions live on the Ishasha plains, south of the park. The tree-climbing lions have become the park’s most recognizable feature. The lions in this region of the park climb fig trees in the afternoon to relax after their morning hunt and to avoid the flies and pests on the ground. Many visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park wish to see a whole pride of lions “chilling” high up on tree branches like monkeys. However, some luck is required.
It is important to highlight that Queen Elizabeth National Park is not just about lions and animals; the beauty is also an incentive to visit. Its terrain consists of lush plains, green hills, and a succession of crater lakes including lakes Edward and George that attract a variety of fauna.
Where can you see lions in Uganda? : Spotting Lions in Kidepo Valley National Park.
According to a census and research conducted between 2018 and 2020, the lion population in Kidepo Valley National Park is predicted to be 70 individuals. Kidepo National Park is typically represented in photographs by one or two lions perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the spectacular nature of Kidepo. It’s like a scene from The Lion King! The Kidepo Valley National Park is a great spot to watch lions in Uganda. However, because to the immensity of the park, sightings are often too distant or the lions are not visible.
When is the best time to see lions in Uganda?
Lions may be observed throughout the year, regardless of the season. The dry season (June – August, December – February) will, however, give better conditions for exploring the driving routes and seeing more regions of the park. In addition, the savannah is shorter and less dense, making it easier to locate lions amid the shrubs.
The best time to watch the lions is undoubtedly early morning, when they are actively hunting or have just returned from a hunt and are still wandering around in the open. As the day heats up, they will seek for some shelter, usually under a thicket where they will be difficult to notice, and sleep the day away. The next best time to watch the lions is in the evening, when they are up and ready to hunt. It is also colder at this time, so they will be going outside.
Finally; If you don’t want to miss out on the lions on your Uganda safari, the best option is to visit at least two of the parks featuring lions. Murchison Falls National Park plus one of the other two. Because of the lower distances, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park would be simpler to combine. However, if you can stomach the lengthy drive or trip to Kidepo, it will be rewarding.
