Where to See Lions in Uganda and Rwanda

For many travelers, seeing lions in the wild is one of the most exciting moments of an African safari. The sight of a lion walking through the savannah, resting beneath an acacia tree, or watching over its pride creates a truly unforgettable experience. Uganda and Rwanda may be best known for gorilla trekking, but they also offer excellent opportunities to see lions in some of Africa’s most beautiful landscapes.

A safari through these two East African countries allows visitors to experience much more than wildlife alone. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, rich culture, and diverse ecosystems while searching for Africa’s most iconic predators. From Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions to Rwanda’s successful lion conservation story, every destination offers something unique.

At PrideMark Safaris, we help travelers explore the best lion safari destinations in Uganda and Rwanda while creating experiences that feel personal, authentic, and unforgettable.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Home of Uganda’s Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular destination for lion safaris in Uganda. Located in the western part of the country, the park stretches between lakes, volcanic hills, open grasslands, and thick forests. Its incredible diversity makes it one of the most scenic wildlife destinations in East Africa.

The park is home to several lion prides, especially in the Kasenyi Plains and the Ishasha Sector. Early morning game drives often reward visitors with sightings of lions resting after a night hunt or slowly moving through the grasslands in search of prey. Uganda kobs are common throughout the park, and they form an important part of the lions’ diet.

What makes Queen Elizabeth National Park especially famous is its rare population of tree-climbing lions. In the Ishasha Sector, lions are often seen lying lazily on the branches of giant fig trees. This unusual behavior is something only a few lion populations in Africa are known for, making Ishasha one of the most exciting safari locations on the continent.

Watching a fully grown lion stretched across a tree branch is an experience that surprises many visitors. It creates incredible photography opportunities and makes every game drive feel unique.

Apart from lions, the park also supports elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, and hundreds of bird species. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel adds another dimension to the safari, bringing visitors close to hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of animals gathering along the shoreline.

Many travelers combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, creating a safari that blends classic wildlife viewing with unforgettable primate encounters.

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s Largest Wildlife Haven

Murchison Falls National Park offers another remarkable destination for lion sightings in Uganda. As the country’s largest national park, it provides vast open landscapes that are ideal for wildlife viewing.

The park is divided by the mighty River Nile, which flows through the reserve before forcing itself through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls. This dramatic scenery makes the park feel both wild and powerful.

Lions are commonly spotted in the northern sector of the park, especially around Pakuba and the Buligi Game Tracks. During game drives, visitors may encounter lions resting beneath shrubs, walking through the savannah, or closely watching nearby antelope herds.

The abundance of wildlife in the park supports healthy predator populations. Giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, hartebeests, and Uganda kobs are frequently seen during safaris, while leopards and hyenas also roam the area.

One of the highlights of visiting Murchison Falls is the boat safari along the Nile. Unlike a traditional game drive, the boat cruise offers a peaceful opportunity to observe animals from the water. Hippos fill the riverbanks, crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come to drink at the edge of the river.

For bird lovers, the park is equally rewarding. The rare shoebill stork can sometimes be spotted near the Nile Delta, making Murchison Falls a dream destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Untouched Wilderness

Kidepo Valley National Park is often described as Uganda’s most remote and wild safari destination. Located in the northeastern corner of the country, the park is surrounded by rugged mountains, wide valleys, and endless savannah plains.

The journey to Kidepo itself feels like an adventure, and once visitors arrive, they quickly understand why the park is considered one of Africa’s hidden treasures.

Lions in Kidepo are usually seen within the Narus Valley, where wildlife gathers around permanent water sources. Because the landscape is open, visitors often enjoy clear views of predators moving across the plains.

Unlike busier safari destinations, Kidepo offers a peaceful atmosphere that allows travelers to feel deeply connected to nature. Game drives often feel exclusive, with long stretches of wilderness and uninterrupted wildlife sightings.

The park also offers strong cultural experiences through interactions with the Karamojong communities, whose traditional lifestyle has remained closely connected to the region’s natural environment.

Kidepo’s dramatic scenery, combined with its raw wilderness, creates a safari experience that feels both authentic and unforgettable.

Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Remarkable Lion Conservation Story

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and the country’s best place to see lions. The park lies in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border and is characterized by rolling plains, lakes, wetlands, and woodland landscapes.

Akagera’s lion story is one of Africa’s greatest conservation successes. Lions once disappeared from the park due to poaching and human conflict, but conservation efforts successfully reintroduced them, helping restore Rwanda’s Big Five experience.

Today, lions once again roam the plains of Akagera, and sightings have become increasingly common during game drives. Visitors often encounter lions resting in the shade during the day or becoming active during cooler morning and evening hours.

The park’s beauty adds something special to every safari. Unlike many savannah parks, Akagera combines open grasslands with lakes and wetlands, creating diverse scenery throughout the journey.

Boat trips on Lake Ihema provide another exciting safari activity. While cruising across the lake, visitors can spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species along the shoreline.

Akagera is also easily accessible from Kigali, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to combine wildlife safaris with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Best Time to See Lions in Uganda and Rwanda

Lion sightings are possible throughout the year, but the dry seasons generally provide the best wildlife viewing conditions. During these months, grass becomes shorter and animals gather around water sources, making predators easier to locate.

The best safari months are usually:

June to September

December to February

Morning and evening game drives often provide the most rewarding lion encounters because lions are naturally more active during cooler temperatures.

Why Combine Lion Safaris with Gorilla Trekking

Uganda and Rwanda stand out because travelers can combine traditional wildlife safaris with unforgettable primate experiences. Few destinations in the world allow visitors to see lions on the savannah and mountain gorillas in misty forests during the same trip.

A combined safari can include:

Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park

Chimpanzee trekking adventures

Boat safaris and cultural tours

Scenic drives through East Africa’s beautiful landscapes

This variety creates a safari experience that feels complete, exciting, and deeply rewarding.

Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the most memorable lion safari experiences in East Africa. Whether watching tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the wilderness of Kidepo Valley, cruising along the Nile in Murchison Falls, or discovering Rwanda’s remarkable conservation success in Akagera National Park, every safari brings unforgettable moments.

These destinations combine incredible wildlife encounters with beautiful scenery, rich culture, and unique adventures that go far beyond ordinary travel experiences.

With PrideMark Safaris, travelers can experience the very best of lion safaris in Uganda and Rwanda while enjoying expertly guided journeys designed to create lifelong memories.