Best Place to See Lions in Uganda

Lions — powerful, majestic, and deeply symbolic — are among Africa’s most captivating creatures. In Uganda, these kings of the savannah roam through scenic landscapes that blend open grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and lush river valleys. While Uganda is best known for its gorillas and chimpanzees, it’s also home to several thriving lion populations, offering rewarding opportunities for both first-time safari travelers and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.

If you dream of hearing a lion’s roar echo across the plains or watching them laze in the golden morning light, here are the best places to see lions in Uganda.

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

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most famous destination in Uganda for lion sightings — particularly because it is home to one of Africa’s rarest and most fascinating lion behaviors: tree-climbing lions.

In the park’s Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth, lions have developed a remarkable habit of resting in large fig and acacia trees during the heat of the day. Scientists believe they climb to escape biting insects, get a better view of prey, or simply enjoy a breeze above the ground. Whatever the reason, seeing a pride of lions draped gracefully across tree branches is a breathtaking and unique wildlife moment.

The open savannahs of the Kasenyi Plains, in the northern sector of the park, also provide excellent opportunities to see lions on game drives. Here, they’re often found stalking herds of Uganda kobs — their preferred prey — or resting in the tall grass near the Mweya Peninsula.

Best time to visit:
All year, but particularly from June to October and December to February, when vegetation is thinner and animals gather around water sources.

Where to stay:

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp

• Enjojo Lodge

• Mweya Safari Lodge

• Kasenyi Safari Camp

2. Murchison Falls National Park – Lions and the Mighty Nile

Uganda’s largest park, Murchison Falls National Park, offers some of the most classic and accessible lion-viewing opportunities in the country. The park’s northern sector — particularly the Buligi, Nyamsika, and Delta areas — is prime lion territory. Here, you can see lions prowling the grasslands, often hunting among large herds of buffaloes, giraffes, and hartebeests.

The backdrop of the Victoria Nile adds to the magic. Morning and evening game drives reveal not only lions but also elephants, leopards, and an abundance of antelope species. The combination of wildlife density, open landscapes, and the dramatic power of the falls makes Murchison one of Uganda’s most rewarding lion destinations.

Best time to visit:
From December to February and June to September, during the dry seasons when visibility and wildlife activity are highest.

Where to stay:

• Paraa Safari Lodge

• Baker’s Lodge

• Pakuba Safari Lodge

• Nile Safari Lodge

3. Kidepo Valley National Park – Wild and Untamed Lion Encounters

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience, Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda is a true hidden gem. Remote, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful, Kidepo is home to some of the most relaxed lion populations in East Africa.

Lions here roam freely across open savannahs framed by rugged mountains and dramatic skies. Game drives through the Narus Valley often yield spectacular sightings of large prides resting in the grass or surveying the plains from rocky outcrops. Because the park receives fewer visitors, your encounters here feel deeply personal — just you, your guide, and the roar of the wild.

Kidepo’s lions share the park with cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a true wilderness safari.

Best time to visit:
September to March and June to October, when the Narus Valley teems with wildlife gathering near remaining water sources.

Where to stay:

• Apoka Safari Lodge

• Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp

• Kidepo Savannah Lodge

4. Lake Mburo National Park – Rare and Elusive Sightings

While Lake Mburo National Park is better known for zebras, impalas, and elands, there have been occasional sightings of lions wandering through the park’s woodlands. However, they are rare and not guaranteed here. This makes Mburo more of a destination for peaceful walking safaris, boat trips, and antelope photography rather than lion tracking.

Still, if you’re driving between Kampala and the western parks, the chance of spotting a transient lion adds a hint of mystery to your journey.

5. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (En Route Stop)

Although primarily famous for rhino tracking, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, located between Kampala and Murchison Falls, occasionally records lion movements from neighboring reserves. It’s not a primary lion destination but can serve as a fascinating stopover for visitors heading north, completing Uganda’s “Big Five” circuit when combined with Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

Tips for the Best Lion-Viewing Experience

• Go on early morning or late afternoon game drives when lions are most active.

• Use experienced guides or Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers — they know the prides’ territories and behaviors.

• Be patient: Lion sightings often reward those who take their time.

• Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to capture distant or resting lions.

• Respect distance: Stay in your vehicle during sightings and avoid loud noises to keep the experience natural and safe.

Conservation and Lion Protection in Uganda

Uganda’s lion populations face challenges from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, but conservation efforts are strong. Organizations like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and conservation partners work tirelessly to protect these apex predators through anti-poaching patrols, research, and community education. Revenue from safaris directly supports these initiatives, ensuring the long-term survival of lions in Uganda’s protected areas.

The Call of the Wild

Seeing a lion in Uganda is more than just a tick on a safari checklist — it’s an emotional encounter with the spirit of the African wilderness. Whether it’s the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the roaring prides of Murchison, or the wild solitude of Kidepo, each experience tells a different story of strength, survival, and beauty.

In Uganda, the lion’s roar still echoes across untamed landscapes, reminding every traveler why this land remains one of Africa’s most magical safari destinations.