Lion Census in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lion Census in Queen Elizabeth National Park

 Lions are top predators in Queen Elizabeth National Park including the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest National Park located in the western part of the country covering an area of about 1978 sqkm and home to a diverse array of wildlife and stunning landscape features. The park is home to a variety of animal species including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, antelopes, Topi, waterbucks, warthogs, forest hogs, monkeys, baboons, and other animals, 600 bird species including the African Fish Eagle, Shoebill Stork, White-winged Tern, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Brown-headed Parrot, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Purple Heron, African Openbill Stork, Red-chested Cuckoo, Pied Kingfisher, Crowned Crane and other species.

The park was gazetted as Kazinga National Park in 1952 and later named Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954 to commemorate the visit of the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II. Today, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most popular national parks for safaris, and most travelers planning to go on a Uganda safari flock to it.

Historically, there used to be a large number of lions in the park, but later, due to several factors, including human-wildlife conflict, most lions were killed by the Basongora people, who used to graze in the park.

How many lions are in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park consists of over 140 lions including over 35 tree-climbing lions that are located in the Ishasha sector of the park. The tree-climbing lions make the park a true medley of wonders and thus the most visited National Park in Uganda offering Unique amazing safari encounters for visitors on a Uganda safari.

How is the Lion Census done in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The lion census is a scientific effort aimed at monitoring the lion population and understanding the dynamics of lions. The lion census is done by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and some organizations for researchers. The lion census is done in various ways which include the following.

Camera Traps

This is one of the best ways to monitor and track a particular pride thus easing census. Camera traps are placed in most parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park including the Kasenyi sector which is a popular area for game drives in the park.

GPS Tracking

 This is the best monitoring and tracking system where lion movements are monitored all the time. Lions are fitted with GPS collars that transmit data on their locations and movements, especially their territories.

Paw Prints and Scat Analysis

 With this method, rangers move and track for physical signs of lion activity, such as paw prints, scat, or markings. These clues help estimate the population and monitor the health of the species.

Direct Observation

 This is one of the most challenging methods where lions may keep hiding in thickets thus giving a wrong estimate. Rangers and field surveys, observing lion behavior, pride composition, and the condition of the animals.

Where to see lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Seeing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park is not guaranteed which makes the whole experience more magical as you search for the lions in their natural habitats. However, the lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are usually seen in the major two sectors of the park including the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector.

Kasenyi sector

The Kasenyi sector is located in the northern part of the park and is popular for game drive activities and a great home for a large number of lions in the park. The Kasenyi plains are typical dry savannah plains and the lions are ground dwellers where visitors can have a chance to spot lions working in groups to stalk down or hunt prey.

Ishasha Sector

 The Ishasha sector is located in the southern part of the park and is home to the famous tree-climbing lions which make the park a most visited destination and a true medley of Wonders. Lions in the Ishasha sector can be seen lounging on large tree branches of fig and acacia trees thus providing an extraordinary sight.

Lion Tracking Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The lion tracking experience is done in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park where tourists are allowed to go off track with the help of game rangers following the movements of specific lion prides. The activity may involve searching for physical signs, such as paw prints, fresh kills, or scat, and using radio tracking equipment to locate the lions. The lion tracking experience is priced higher than standard game drives including going off the track. A lion tracking experience costs USD 200 for Foreign Non-residents, USD 150 for foreign residents, and UGX 200,000 for East African Citizens.

What to in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drive Safaris

 Game drives are the most popular way to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guided tours in open-top safari vehicles take you through various habitats, from savannah grasslands to thick forests, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, and more. There are both morning and evening game drives, with an early morning offering cooler temperatures and better chances of seeing predators like lions and leopards.

Boat Cruise Safaris

One of the most unique features of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Boat safaris along this channel are an incredible way to see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species up close. The channel is particularly famous for its large population of hippos and water birds.

Bird watching

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true bird watcher’s destination consisting of over 600 bird species where a birder/nature lover on a safari in the park will spot a variety of bird species including the Lesser Kestrel, African Grey Hornbill, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Buffalo Weaver, Red-billed Firefinch, Grey-crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork, Whiskered Tern, Dusky Lark, White-faced Whistling Duck, Squacco Heron, Hamerkop, Broad-billed Roller, White-crowned Robin Chat, Chiffchaff, Spotted Thick-knee, Papyrus Gonolek, Brown-backed Honeybird, Woolly-necked Stork, Black-headed Heron, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and African Pygmy Goose.