Where to See Lions in Uganda – Big Five Safaris in Uganda

Where to See Lions in Uganda – Big Five Safaris in Uganda

Introduction: Tracking the Kings of Uganda’s Wilderness

Lions are among the most iconic symbols of Africa’s wilderness, representing power, majesty, and the thrill of the wild. In Uganda — often celebrated as the Pearl of Africa — seeing lions in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of any safari adventure. While Uganda is best known for its gorillas and chimpanzees, it also offers some of East Africa’s most unique lion encounters, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

For travelers seeking a true Big Five safari experience, Uganda’s diverse national parks provide the perfect combination of open savannahs, dense forests, and riverine ecosystems that sustain thriving lion populations alongside elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Home of Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most famous destination for lion safaris, especially in the Ishasha Sector, located in the southern region of the park. Here, visitors are treated to the extraordinary sight of tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed only in a few places in Africa.

These lions often rest on the broad branches of fig and acacia trees during the heat of the day, offering a spectacular photographic opportunity. The Ishasha lions are known for climbing trees to escape insects and heat and to get a better view of prey on the plains below.

Apart from Ishasha, the Kasenyi Plains in the northern part of the park also offer excellent lion-viewing opportunities. Here, lions are often seen stalking Uganda kob, buffalo, and warthog — their preferred prey. Morning and evening game drives provide the best chances for sightings.

Best time to visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons).

Highlights:

• Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha

• Game drives in Kasenyi Plains

• Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, elephants, and crocodiles

2. Murchison Falls National Park – The Land of the Roaring Plains

As Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, Murchison Falls National Park is a top destination for classic game drives and lion sightings. The park’s northern section — especially the Buligi, Pakuba, and Delta areas — is home to healthy lion populations.

Early morning game drives through the open savannah reveal prides resting under acacia trees or stalking herds of antelope, buffalo, and giraffe. The dramatic backdrop of the River Nile cutting through the park adds to the wild beauty of the experience.

A boat safari to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls complements the game drives, offering views of crocodiles, elephants, and even occasional lions coming to drink by the riverbanks.

Highlights:

• Excellent lion sightings in open plains

• Combination of game drives and Nile boat safaris

• Witness the mighty Murchison Falls

3. Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Hidden Lion Kingdom

For travelers craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda offers one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness experiences. This remote park is famous for its stunning scenery, raw beauty, and exceptional lion viewing.

The Narus Valley is the best area to spot lions, where they are often seen lounging on termite mounds or stalking buffalo herds. Because Kidepo receives fewer visitors than other parks, lion encounters here feel private and exclusive — truly a photographer’s dream.

The park also supports other predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas, as well as elephants, zebras, and giraffes, offering a full Big Five–style safari without the crowds.

Highlights:

• Remote wilderness with high lion density

• Incredible photography opportunities

• Chance to see cheetahs — rare in Uganda

4. Lake Mburo National Park – Small but Scenic

While Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah park in Uganda, it provides a great stopover for travelers heading to or from Bwindi. Lions are rare here, but sightings do occasionally occur. The park is better known for its zebras, eland, impala, and hippos, but the tranquil landscape offers an intimate safari experience with less traffic.

Highlights:

• Ideal for short or stopover safaris

• Opportunities for horseback and walking safaris

• Peaceful setting for birdwatching and photography

5. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Completing Uganda’s Big Five

To complete the Big Five experience in Uganda, travelers should visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located en route to Murchison Falls National Park. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos, which were reintroduced after becoming extinct in the country in the 1980s.

Ziwa offers guided walking safaris to observe white rhinos up close in their natural habitat — a unique and unforgettable experience that perfectly complements lion viewing in the national parks.

Highlights:

• Rhino tracking on foot

• Birdwatching and nature walks

• Convenient stop between Kampala and Murchison Falls

Big Five Safari Routes in Uganda

Uganda’s Big Five safari circuit typically combines several parks and reserves for a complete wildlife adventure. The most popular route includes:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhinos

• Murchison Falls National Park – Lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes

• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Tree-climbing lions and leopards

• Kidepo Valley National Park – Lions, elephants, buffaloes, and cheetahs

This route can be tailored to fit different budgets and durations, from 5-day classic safaris to 12-day luxury adventures.

When to Go for the Best Lion Sightings

The best time to see lions in Uganda is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February). During this period, vegetation is less dense, and wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings easier and more frequent.

However, the wet seasons (March–May and October–November) transform the landscape into a lush, green paradise with fewer tourists and great photography conditions.

Tips for a Successful Lion Safari in Uganda

• Book early: Game drives and gorilla trekking permits fill up fast during peak seasons.

• Use professional guides: Local guides know lion territories and behaviors best.

• Plan early morning drives: Lions are most active in the cool morning hours.

• Stay inside the park: Overnighting in park lodges increases your chances of dawn sightings.

• Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance and avoid making loud noises during encounters.

Conclusion: Roaring Adventures in the Pearl of Africa

Uganda offers more than just gorillas — it’s a land where the wild truly roars. From the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the open plains of Murchison Falls and the remote beauty of Kidepo, each park reveals a different side of the African wilderness.

Whether you’re after the full Big Five experience or simply want to witness the majesty of lions in their natural habitat, Uganda’s parks promise thrilling safaris filled with life, color, and adventure. Here, every game drive is a new story, and every roar echoes across the timeless savannah.