Lion tracking research is an off beaten experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s an exceptional encounter with the kings of the jungle in their natural habitat. The experience rewards you with an up close encounter with lions unlike in mere game drives. Lion tracking is almost similar to mountain gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. The experience is all about in depth research about lions, their feeding habits, social habitats, and lifestyle of lions in the wilderness. The experience is managed by the Uganda Carnivore project aimed at educating local people on how they can live in harmony and close proximity with lions. A limited number of travelers are allowed to take part in this experience unlike in regular game drives where there is no limit on the number of participants. Lions are one the most sought after animals in Uganda that every traveler yearns to see on his/her Uganda safari. Lions rank second after mountain gorillas in attracting the highest number of traveler to the Pearl of Africa. Interestingly, lion population has steadily increased day by day which give hope for sustainable lion tracking in Uganda. A new pride of 11 lions recently spotted near Hamukungu in Queen Elizabeth national park a clear indication that the population of lions in Uganda is steadily increasing.
When to book for lion tracking experience
You are advised to book for lion tracking experience as early as possible. High demand for this experience is a reason why interested travelers are advised to book as early as possible.
How is it done?
To trace lion’s movements, Park management set radio callers in the jungle to trace the movement of lions. Whenever a pride of lions pass by the radio caller, it automatically alerts the team of researchers on which side are the lions. Researchers together with travelers will then follow the movement of lions as alerted by the radio call.
How much is lion tracking?
Lion tracking experience costs $50 for foreign residents and UGX 100,000 for Ugandan residents and members of east African community. Bookings and Payment are made to Uganda wildlife Authority a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda. Alternatively, you can book through Africa Adventure safaris, the number of travel agent in offering memorable Uganda safaris and other wildlife experience in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. $10 of all money collected from lion tracking is given to Uganda Carnivores project to ensure continuous conservation of lions in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Where to do lion tracking in Uganda
Lion tracking is only done in Queen Elizabeth national park; Uganda’s second largest and oldest national park. The experience is done in Kasenyi plains which also has a high concentration of animals like elephants, buffalos, and antelopes among others. These together give travelers reward travelers with memorable Uganda safari experience. The experience lasts for 2-3 hours leaving travelers with a memorable experience.
When to do lion tracking
Lion tracking is all done all year round. Travelers can therefore book a lion-tracking safari any time of the year with no fear. Regarding the time, the experience is done in the morning at 8:00am and early evening to catch-up with lions hunting before they retire to day and night rests.
Why limited number of participants?
Like said before, few people take part in the exceptional lion tracking experience. The activity is done on first come forest serve basis with no compromise. The reason for the limited number of participants is to ensure accurate research with no congestion. Also, crowds of travelers often stress and disrupt animals forcing them to behave wildly. Few travelers therefore allow lions to keep calm hence accurate research and information. Travelers also have enough space and time to capture nice photos and videos unlike in mere game drives.
How to trace lions’ movements?
Besides following the radio calls, travelers follow the movements of lions by different signals. Travelers are always reminded to listen to nocturnal vocals with loud roars of lions and hyenas laughing loud. Also, look out for the bent grasses in the plains.
How do lions make their territories?
Each pride of lion (25-30) members ha a territory where it belongs. One king who does not allow any other king around his territory leads the pride. To garzete his territory, the male lion rubs his hind feet in the ground to mark his territory. Also the king of the ride urinates on the tree stems, bushes and trails to inform other kings that the territory belongs to him. Male lions have black manes that make them different from other lions.
Other activities o do in queen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth national park is rich in activities and attractions. The park has a high concentration of wildlife in Uganda and hence on the most visited parks in the pear of Africa. Among other activities to do in Queen Elizabeth national park include:
• Game viewing
This is key activity in Queen Elizabeth national park. The savannah plains of the park shelter various animals including elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs, warthogs water bucks, leopards, ands, hippos and hyenas among others. Morning and evening game drives reward travelers with spectacular views of animals browsing and hunting in the open savannahs. Donot miss driving through ishasha sector a spot for tree climbing lions seen resting lazily in acacia trees.
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge
• Birding watching
• Local community visits
• Boat cruise at kazinga channel
• Mongoose tracking
• Visiting crate lakes (Katwe salt lake, and Munyanyange for flamingoes) among others.
• Bat watching
• Forest/nature walks
In general, Queen Elizabeth national pack has it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations on your Uganda safari. Go lion tracking in kasenyi plains, track chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, enjoy a boat ride at kazinga channel and visit local communities for a rich cultural encounters with Africa Adventure Safaris.
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