Lions in Uganda

Uganda lion safari

Lions are referred to as the toughest or more so the kings of the Jungle, termed as the extreme & utmost brutal/fierce carnivores residing within the Savannah parks transversely the country. Uganda is sanctified with very wonderful setting/backdrop transversely; the flora cover is stunning as some places are enclosed with forests (Savannah vegetation & other vegetation types), so all these act as abundant homes/shelter for the lions- the King of the jungle. Lions also fall under the famous “Big Five” that one who tours Africa believes and excited to spot. Uganda with all its offerings as a tourist destination has a number of prides of lions. They are located in several parks and mostly spotted while on a Game drive and the excitement on while watching the King of the Jungle then the next in line to be demanded is the shy Leopard.

A well grown lion does have a weight of between 150 kg-250 kg(Males) and females do weigh between 120 kg-182 kg and can last in an area of residence(wild) for about 14 yrs, can reside in zoos for about 20 yrs.Usually the females do engage in hunting while the males to consume 7 kg of meat while the females consume 5 kg of meat all per day. Normally where there are thickets is where these lions pull animals like the Ugandan Kobs in that they don’t get distracted by the safari moving cars and the Hyenas. Lionesses usually give birth or produce at the count age of 4 yrs, can mate with any male before it perceives & this mating can be of several days. (Gestation period -110 days after which the female will produce 1-4 cubs-their weight usually is 1.2-2.1 kg in an isolated area).

Where lions can be found in Uganda

Lions can be spotted and located in National parks transversely the country and these include: –

Murchison Falls National Park

Located in close North western parts of Uganda, this National Park is very easily retrieved/accessed. It contains springs of savannah grasslands & Borassus palm trees which give an attractive scenery/ backdrop for a lion home. This National Park (Murchison falls) of course has the brilliant and thunderous Murchison falls as its focal point which makes the place simply attractive. So in that case you can engage in a 2 Day/3 Day safari, embark on a Game drive and spot some lions and a diversity of other wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park 

This is the most famous park for travelers/tourists who want to spot lions, perhaps the most popular park for people looking to see lions, but the most distinguished section is the Ishasha section where you can be able to spot the tree climbing lions. This section of the park is remarkably attractive although infrequently toured by tourists to the park. Make it a point to involve Ishasha section to your Uganda safari travel plan (itinerary). In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you are able to chain up with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and engage in the Gorilla Trekking tour.

Kidepo Valley National Park

This National park is positioned in the north eastern bend of Uganda. It is very isolated & distant, but is worth a tour. It is a lovely place and the tourist congestion is very minimal because of the trouble in availability so if you make it there you will relish the wilderness without so many masses around. Kidepo Valley National Park is the perfect destination to tour if you are searching for some sense of seclusion. And the catch there is a total of lions in the park, you can even catch sight of a tree climbing lion.

Lion Research Tracking Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Once you are to embark on the Lion Tracking activity it needs you to wake up early in the morning at about 8:00 am & in the evening at around 4;00 pm so that you are able to monitor, research about the king of the Jungle(Lion). This experience takes about 2-3 hrs depending on the activities of the lions. Lion Tracking is done by researchers using Radio collars & radiation locators to know where these animals are hiding and the information gotten is composed by the researching team in preservation and the better indulgent of the Wildlife.

Lions do transfer in groups of 3-25 members and their groups are termed as ‘Prides’, but then as tracking goes on the number does increase therefore its imperative to record down the total first seen in order not to get confused.

More important to also record down the altering signs that can enable you trace lions, for instance night time noise/sounds (loud roars), their passion, hyenas’ way of laughing and any other infrequent upsetting call for prey. Not only that but still take note of the bent shape of grass because it might be warning you and letting you know the direction where these animals are/have moved. Just 95% is the chance you have gotten, that if all this is done, you can be able to spot lions in Savannah plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Cost of Lion Research Tracking Experience

Lion Research Tracking Permit in Queen Elizabeth National Park costs $60 per person for foreign Non-residents, East African citizens are charged Ugx 100,000 excluding the park entrance charges. Uganda Carnivore Project is given $10 of the money gotten from the Lion research tracking to enable it continue preserving the carnivores/lions too.

When should one book Lion Research Tracking Activity

With the fact that this activity permits few/a limited tiny total of people to track, booking should therefore be done early enough/in advance. Quiet a high demand since every tourist having a tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park is looking forward to having a gaze at the lions at a very near range/position ,and wanting to know more about these animals’ manners and way of behaving too.

You can still book your Lion Research permits via the head offices straight by Email/telephone calls on the date you desire to involve yourself in the Lion Tracking. Still these permits can be booked by an honesty tour/safari company like we- Monumental Expeditions Safaris. This is however the best alternative in that the safari company will have to inform the Uganda Wildlife Authority park headquarters about your decided dates when you desire to track Lions.

Why track Lions?

Lion tracking did not start as a tourist activity, No, the lion tracking experience was on-track to basically monitor the movement of these lions, to map out their area code/habitats and to find out more about their actions/conduct. It also helps park wardens/rangers know when the lions are sick or when they are in danger (e.g. when they get too close to the villages and risk being shot by villagers).

Are Lions endangered species/threatened as well

The answer is yes, lions are also threatened and the biggest threat they have is man (the pastoralists & villages that impinge/intrude in the lions ‘homes). Due to the fact that they are terrible slayers/hunters, that’s why these people mentioned above hunt & kill them. Pastoralists rustle lions to safeguard their cattle and themselves, villages them too to safeguard their human populace.

But even though these animals are typically dangerous, they are still one of the most wanted/required animals for people on Uganda safaris and tours in other parts of Africa.

Other activities that you have to supplement on the Lion Tracking

When it comes to activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can’t exhaust all because they are many. These involve the following

• Hiking and Nature walks

This is done via the Mweya Peninsular and Maramagambo forest. Here you are permitted to step out of the safari vehicle, bounce your legs meanwhile as you relish the sounds and smell of the park’s wilds.

• Birding

This activity mainly takes places when you tour Kyambura Gorge. Also normally done during your Boat cruise at the Kazinga channel. According to the Biding International, they chose out Queen Elizabeth National Park as an important Biding Area. Queen has gotten over 619 bird species. The thick vegetation which is related to Uganda and Congo has permitted you to watch and find out both the eastern and central African birds.

• Game Drives

This activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park can either be done/performed during day so that you are able to have a wide view of various animals in the park or at night to have a sight at nocturnal animals like Leopards, Lions, Bush babies,etc.

• Chimpanzee Trekking

Another exciting activity one should get engaged in and it is mainly carried out in the Kyambura Gorge at a cost of $50 a permit, here you will get chance to spot the familiarized Chimpanzee families and others mammals/animals like Red tailed monkeys,Baboons,Black & White monkeys,etc.