Thrills & Chills Safaris

Combining Gorilla Trekking With Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of only a handful of places on Earth where lions regularly climb trees — a behavior seen consistently in just a couple of populations worldwide. Paired with a Bwindi gorilla trek, it makes for one of Uganda’s most memorable two-activity combinations.

Why Ishasha’s lions climb trees

Researchers debate the exact reason, with theories ranging from escaping biting flies and heat at ground level to simply resting with a wider vantage point over the plains. Whatever the cause, sightings of lions draped across the branches of the area’s distinctive fig trees have made Ishasha a specific bucket-list stop in its own right.

Combining the two experiences

Ishasha sits roughly 2-4 hours from Bwindi’s Buhoma or Ishasha-adjacent sectors, making a gorilla trek followed by a day or two in Ishasha a natural extension rather than a detour. Many itineraries route travelers from Bwindi through Ishasha en route to the rest of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

What else Ishasha offers

  • Classic savanna game drives, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, and antelope species alongside the lions
  • A quieter, less-visited feel than the park’s northern Mweya sector
  • River crossings and open plains that make for dramatic, unobstructed wildlife photography

Timing your visit

Tree-climbing behavior can be seen at any time of year, though early morning and late afternoon game drives generally offer the best odds, when lions seek shade or a breeze in the branches during the day’s heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tree-climbing lion sightings guaranteed in Ishasha?
No sighting in the wild is guaranteed, but Ishasha offers some of the most consistent odds for this behavior anywhere in Africa.

How far is Ishasha from Bwindi?
Roughly 2-4 hours by road, depending on your Bwindi sector, making it a practical add-on rather than a major detour.

Is Ishasha part of Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Yes, it’s a distinct sector within the park, known specifically for its tree-climbing lion population.

What’s the best time of day for game drives in Ishasha?
Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best combination of cooler temperatures and active wildlife.

Thrills & Chills Safaris regularly links a Bwindi gorilla trek with a stay in Ishasha for this exact combination.