The tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara national park are one of the major attractions of visitors to this beautiful park located in the North of Tanzania. These lions exhibit a unique and odd behavior among lions of climbing trees which gives visitors an interesting and amazing sight of seeing a pride of lions lazing around up on the branches of the acacia, fig and sausage trees of Lake Manyara national park. A thriving population of these tree climbing lions exists in Lake Manyara National Park and visitors can be able to see them while on game drives around the park.
Lions of this same nature with tree climbing abilities are also found in Uganda in Queen Elizabeth national park in the Ishasha sector.
Why do the lions in Lake Manyara climb trees?
- A few reasons as to why the kings of the jungle climb trees have been speculated and they include:
- To keep themselves away from the bites and stings of the insects and ants while they rest on the ground.
- To get a better view of their prey from up in the trees.
- To enjoy the cool breeze during the hot scotching sun of the afternoons in Lake Manyara national park.
- To stay away from the African Elephants and the cape buffalos that usually charge at them.
- Whatever the real reason is for this unique behavior among these lions. The above are just speculations to try and understand why these particular populations of lions climb trees.
Lions are not built to climb trees like the masters of climbing trees. The leopards but the continued practice has made them improve this skill and gain confidence in climbing trees. A skill that is being copied by the cubs in a given pride. Hence keeping the behavior going and growing among the tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara national park.
Imagine the sight of watching a lion lift its heavy body up a tree and lazing on the tree branches. Well, it will not be as swift and smooth as a leopards’ climb. But it is a sight to look forward too. For a chance to witness this unusual behavior in the tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara national park. Take park in wildlife game drives around the park. Engage in other activities too for a full wilderness experience. Like guided walking safaris, night game drives, tree canopy walkway, birding safaris and canoeing on the famous Lake Manyara.
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