Are you planning to go on a Uganda safari and looking forward to relishing breathtakingly large prides of lions while on holiday? Then make Uganda your next travel destination for unforgettable wildlife viewing memories. The Kings of the Jungle or the Kings of the Beasts and their prides can be sighted while on a safari in Uganda, and are referred as “Simba” in Swahili. Lions inhabit several habitats that include forest, thick bushes, woodlands, grasslands and savannas. These mammals are one of the most interesting attractions you will be rewarded with when you visit Uganda and are characterized by several interesting facts that include;
Roaring to seduce and attract lionesses for mating, the Kings of the Jungles live for around 12 years in the wild and females normally give birth to at least 3 cubs. Lionesses are always responsible for hunting for their prey and do it in packs or prides while the males are responsible for protecting the family. Whereas in humans it is children to feed first before adults, the lions are exceptional because feeding is done from the top of the hierarchy (the cubs feed last because they are always last inline) hence will be last in receiving their share. Male lions develop wonderful manes at the age of one year and a half after being born.
After understanding all these interesting facts about Lions, the next thing would be knowing where to find them while on a safari in Uganda. African lions can be spotted within;
Murchison Falls National Park
The largest and oldest National park in Uganda is one of the best places to see the African lions while on a safari. This Park is very accessible and is characterized by magnificent savannah plains patched with Borassus palm trees that offer the best opportunity for memorable lion sighting in Uganda. Most tourists always see the lions in this Park while on game drives unlike other places where they may be seen by chance. Interestingly, even when you are outside the lodge, you can see or hear the King of the Beasts wandering around hunting for prey. In addition to the spectacular views of the Nile River and the powerful Murchison Falls, this Falls National Park is one of the perfect destinations to spot prides of lions. The fact that the Park is near the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (the only habitat for the Rhinos in Uganda), it makes your dream of seeing the big five animals in a safari possible.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Majority of tourists who visit Queen Elizabeth National Park have higher chances of seeing African Lions within areas of the Northern sector like the Kasenyi Plains. Not only that, you will also engage in the Lion Tracking Research Project. Most interestingly, the Southern sector (Ishasha sector) is where you will encounter the exceptional Tree climbing Lions relaxing on the Fig trees although other parts of the Park also offer opportunities for sighting African Lions.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in the remote North-eastern side of Uganda is the Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the perfect destinations to see African Lions in the wild. This Savannah Park is situated at the Uganda-Kenya-South Sudanese border and is known for its rugged terrains, spectacular Landscapes and definitely African Lions. Of all the places in Uganda, Kidepo Valley is the only National Park with an increasing number of Lions and still maintains its authentic nature because it receives fewer tourists.
In conclusion, African Lions are always the top on the list of must-see wildlife species by tourists on safaris in Uganda and are found within Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
