Lion Research tracking at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lion research tracking is an exciting and adventurous activity that involves the use of technical knowledge and field work to investigate and monitor lion populations, social behavior, movements, and feeding habits. The main aim of this activity is to gather information to help in conservation efforts, understand bionomics, and reduce human-lion conflict.

Lion research tracking activity is carried out in Queen Elizabeth National Park situated in the Western region of Uganda and this park is the second largest park in Uganda. this park is home to diverse wildlife mammals such as 4  of the big 5 animals in the wilderness namely lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalos. In addition to these big 4 four,  there are other animals like warthogs, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, and waterbucks among others. More to the animals are approximately 612 bird species.

Lion research tracking activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park is controlled by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in alliance with the Uganda Carnivore Project. This special way of monitoring lions is mainly carried out in the Kasenyi plains. In this venture park rangers carry out monitoring different carnivores like lions, leopards, and hyenas to find out their behavior, mark their major territories,  and devise means of keeping them free from any risks of danger,  provide a conducive atmosphere to avoid sicknesses and irresponsible shorts by people in Villages close to the park. in this activity, researchers are allowed to get sidetracked and draw nearer to the lions which gives visitors a chance to have clear photography.

Methods used in Lion Research tracking

Lion research tracking in the Kasenyi plains is done using the following  methods

Using Camera Traps

Researchers set up touch-off cameras like traps in places where they expect the lions to pass. The cameras help to capture images and videos of the animals as they move. This helps researchers to have a clear study of the size, sex ratio, and individual markings which information enables them to study the behavior, how they get their prey, and other activities done by lions at night.

Using GPS collar tracking

In this situation, researchers fit lions with GPS-enabled collars that can send information via the satellite or store data that can be redeemed later. This method helps researchers to locate and monitor animal movements and study how lions relate with other animals.

Using directional antennas

These antennas are attached to radio callers to detect signals, this method is so efficient and affordable and is mainly used to monitor lions in remote areas that have no satellite connections.

 Using drones

Drones fitted out with cameras are flown to provide aerial views of lion dominions, with the ability to count them, map, and spot the danger zones.

Using   genetic sampling and analysis

Here researchers collect lion blood, hair, or any body part to get clear genetical information of the available lion species, this helps them to monitor their ancestry, health, and hereditary population.

At times researchers use the field monitoring system, where they spend some time in the lion habitats viewing, surveying, and recording the lion’s behavior, interactions within the prides, and how they relate with other animals in the jungle.

All the above methods help to make the protection and conservation of the lion’s habitat easier and safer for the multiplication of animal species. The areas are also protected from poaching and human trespass.

 Where is lion research tracking experience done?

Lion tracking in Uganda is conducted in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Kasenyi plains sector with the highest concentration of wildlife and various activities that enable you to catch sight of different animals as you enjoy game drives.  In addition to lions,   the sector houses many other animals such as elephants, buffaloes, zebras the Uganda Kobs, hyenas, bushbucks,  waterbucks, and warthogs among others. The Ishasha sector also is popularly known for tree-climbing lions.

Lion research tracking experience enables travelers to have closer sight of lions in the jungle thus giving them the advantage of having clear photographs and videos of the king of the jungle for about one to three hours while off track.

Cost of the Lion research tracking experience

The lion research tracking experience costs 110 USD per person per day for both non-foreign residents and foreign resident. It costs UGX 140,000 per person pay day for East African residents. This cost is exclusive of the park entry fees and 10% of the money collected is given to the Uganda Carnivores Project to ensure continuous research, conservation, and protection of the lions.

Bookings around this activity are done directly to the park headquarters via email or telephone. For the exact dates, you wish to engage in the activity, bookings can be made through trusted tour operator companies who will help arrange transport and accommodation facilities. There fore in this case, look no further than Vacation-safaris to tailor your safari to the home of the king of the jungle.

Best time to go for a lion research tracking experience

Lion Research tracking can be done any time throughout the year but due to the high demand, a limited number of 4 trackers are allowed per set off for the experience. This helps to control congestion, and the visitors get enough space for photography and video coverage.  With fewer people, there is less noise, and the lions are not scared.

The activity is done twice a day that is at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm for about 2 to 3 hours. However, the activity is most profitable in the dry season when the roads are passable and driving along the tracks is easier.

Lion Research tracking activity is a popular must-do activity that provides more knowledge about the life of lions and other wild creatures in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have memorable lifetime expeditions through visiting different national parks in the Pearl of Africa.

What other activity can you do at queen Elizabeth national park

Game drive at queen Elizabeth national park

With over 90 mammal species that are found with in queen Elizabeth national park and the savannah grassland that embraces the biggest area of the park like Kasenyi sector and ishasha sector. This has made the park the most visited park in Uganda as is considered to be a prime destination for the wildlife enthusiast. Animals like elephant, buffalo, bushbucks and primates like baboons, all can be encountered during the game drive. Add on the well-established trails for the game drive, then this becomes a must do activity while visiting the queen as popularly known.

Boat cruise at Kazinga channels

At queen Elizabeth national park, boat cruise is done at the famous kazinga channel. Kazinga channel joins lake Edward to lake George but the channel is famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles and other primates like black and white colobus monkey. During the game drive, you will also be able to spot different bird species and other aquatic life that inhabit within or at shores of the channel.

Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura gorge

Chimpanzee trekking is on of the most popular activity in Uganda. This involve trekking the closest human relative in their natural habitats at kyambura gorge. The trekking last for one hour once chimpanzees are meant. You will spend this one hour while observing the behaviour of these great apes. The permits for chimps trekking at kyambura gorge is 50 US Dollars and it is done in 2 sessions of morning and afternoon.

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