Lion and Leopard Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Lions are often active at night and early morning as they hunt and move around. Leopards are also present in the park, and both belong to the cat family. Tracking these animals gives visitors a chance to see at least one pride or an individual, while also helping researchers study their behavior.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions and leopards. Lions live in groups called prides, while leopards are more solitary. Tracking usually takes about three hours and allows researchers to collect useful data.
Leopards are more likely to be seen during mating season or when they are with their young, known as cubs. At around two years old, cubs begin to live on their own. Leopards make sounds similar to other cats, but unlike lions, they cannot roar.
Lions are often tracked in the northern part of the park, especially in the Kasenyi section. Here, you may see lions resting in trees to escape the heat and insects on the ground. Tracking is done either on foot or in vehicles. Guides may use radio tracking devices to follow the signals from collars placed on some lions. This gives tourists a close and unforgettable experience.
To join this activity, you need to buy a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Mweya at least 24 hours before tracking. The permit costs USD 100 for foreign tourists and UGX 100,000 for Ugandan and East African citizens. This price does not include park entry or night game drive fees.
After the activity, you will receive a certificate as a souvenir. You are also allowed to take photographs of the animals. The tracking is part of a research and conservation program to monitor predators in the park.
Only one 4×4 vehicle is allowed per tracking session, and overland trucks are not allowed. Visitors must bring their own vehicles. Tracking usually starts in the morning or late afternoon, which is when lions and leopards are most active.
Lion or leopard tracking is one of the most exciting activities to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
