Latest news from the wild show that cable/satellite TV channel Nat Geo Wild popularly known for wildlife and natural history programming will be bringing to screen a brand new documentary on Africa’s Tree Climbing Lions. Yes Lions in Africa climb, but only in a few special places; particularly the Serengeti in Tanzania, but more famously in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an incredible Biodiveristy hotspot in Uganda. I am told some have been sighted in the sausage trees of Kidepo Valley National Park, up north.
Seasoned videographers and photographers, Alexander Braczkowski Jnr, Steve Winter, Matt Myhill and Luke Ochse were in Uganda last year (around late October) in pursuit of these unusual kings of the jungle who not only rule the savanna plains but also savor the glorious views of the African wilderness from on-high (above, in the fig trees).
Why do they climb?
Well I have attended various debates on why these lions climb trees with some theories suggesting that the large felines reach for higher ground to get better views of the savanna grazers after which they launch surprise attacks on prey; while other arguments present a need to get off the hot African ground to reach for the cooler points high in the trees for a cool afternoon nap. One other interesting theory from a scientist friend of mine suggests that all cats (with no exception to the Big Cats) have an inherent ability to climb, although most of them choose not to. Whether true or false, let’s leave that discussion to the scientists.
Going through Alexander’s Instagram posts, you can easily tell how ecstatic he was and how lost for words tourists always are at the sight of this wonder of the world, “the tree climbing lions of Ishasha”.
Let’s roll a few of those Instagram shots here…
The team at the Equator in Uganda.
Yes those are lions in the trees
A branch for a throne.
You just can’t get enough of these lions
They make Queen Elizabeth National Park special. An absolute medley of wonders!
Family time, is always good time!
Okay this is the last one… or maybe one from NatGeoWild as well.
And a final one from Steve Winter
Haha please bear with me. This adorable one just had to find some space too. I promise he’ll be the last.
I know you can’t get enough of these shots so go ahead, scroll through their Instagram feeds; they have some really cool photos on there: NatGeoWild, Alexander, Steve, Mattand Luke.
As one avid lover and promoter of tourism, particularly tourism in Uganda, I am always pleased with any kind of positive PR for Destination Uganda. And of course, like all other big announcements on the National Geographic Channel, I cant wait to watch this new documentary.
