Spotting lions in the wild is always an exciting experience. But seeing them lounging on branches of trees is even more thrilling. I’ve seen tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Serengeti especially during the green season. While tree-climbing behavior is more commonly associated with leopards, some lion populations in Tanzania’s northern savanna have developed this unusual habit. This behavior may serve various purposes, including:
Escaping Heat: Climbing to a higher vantage point can provide relief from the intense heat of the African sun. Lions are prone to overheating, and finding shade in the branches of a tree allows them to regulate their body temperature.
Avoiding Insect Bites: Being elevated off the ground reduces exposure to biting insects, particularly tsetse flies that are prevalent in some areas, which can irritate and disturb animals.
Vantage Point for Prey: From a tree branch, a lioness can survey her surroundings for movement, allowing her to spot potential prey from a distance, which could lead to stalking opportunities.
Resting and Relaxation: Trees offer a safe and serene place for lions to rest, especially if there are fewer territorial competitors below. Lying on branches not only provides comfort but also keeps them away from potential threats.
Tarangire National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic baobab trees. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and leopards, making it a prime safari destination. The abundance of prey and the presence of towering trees create an ideal environment for lions to explore their arboreal instincts. Tarangire’s iconic baobabs and acacia trees provide ideal resting spots for these majestic cats. Witnessing a lion stretched out on a branch, paws dangling, and eyes half-closed, is both fascinating and serene—a perfect blend of power and grace.
But furthermore, what makes this spotting more exceptional is that the tree-climbing lioness encountered here has visible spots. This beauty was spotted by clients during an early morning game drive in Tarangire. The spots on this lioness may indicate that she is still a juvenile, as lion cubs are born with spots that fade as they mature. But for her size, she seems to be a young adult already that still has her rosettes. Occasionally for females, remnants of these spots can persist into adulthood. Seeing such a lovely lioness with prominent rosettes basking on a tree branch adds a layer of uniqueness to the sighting. Such a sighting in Tarangire is a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the endless wonders that await in the East African wilderness. Moments like this make a safari truly unforgettable.
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