Murchison Falls: Leopards and Lions

Spotting lions and leopards in Uganda’s national parks, including places like Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience due to the elusive nature of these big cats. Here are some tips to increase your chances of spotting lions and leopards:

1. Guided Game Drives: Join guided game drives conducted by experienced rangers and guides who possess knowledge of the parks’ wildlife behavior and territories. They can lead you to known hotspots and recent sightings of lions and leopards.
2. Early Morning and Late Afternoon Drives: Big cats are often more active during cooler parts of the day, especially early mornings and late afternoons. Plan your safaris during these times for better chances of encountering lions and leopards as they may be hunting or moving about.
3. Patience and Quiet Observation: Be patient and observant during game drives. Lions and leopards might blend seamlessly into the surroundings, so scanning the trees, bushes, and open plains with a keen eye can lead to successful sightings.
4. Use Binoculars and Cameras: Carry binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to scan the landscape and zoom in on distant sightings. This helps in observing details and identifying animals even if they are far away.
5. Night Drives and Nocturnal Activity: In some parks where night drives are permitted, nocturnal safaris offer opportunities to spot leopards that are more active at night. Guides equipped with spotlights can help locate reflective eyes or movements in the dark.
6. Expert Local Guides: Engage with knowledgeable local guides who are familiar with the park’s wildlife behavior and habitats. They can provide invaluable insights and increase your chances of locating these elusive predators.
7. Respect Wildlife and Environment: Remember, these are wild animals in their natural habitat. Respect their space and follow the guidance of your guides to ensure your safety and the animals’ well-being.
8. Research and Park Information: Prior research about the park’s wildlife, recent sightings, and the best areas for lion and leopard spotting can be helpful in planning your safari.
9. Stay Quiet and Listen: Lions and leopards might not always be visible but can be heard through their calls. Listen for roars or alarm calls from other animals, as they might signal the presence of predators nearby.
10. Be Flexible and Enjoy the Experience: Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. While the goal is to spot lions and leopards, enjoy the overall experience of being in the wild and encountering diverse wildlife.

Tips on spotting lions and leopards during the game drive.

1. Always go very early to help you see leopards. This is because they are shy and live a solitary life, and during the day, the be hiding.
2. When looking for the predators, ensure you look out into skies. This is because scavengers like the vultures will always be in the skies following these predators to kill and they can also join.
3. Point number two above also applies to the hyenas. Once you see them, it’s also a sign that predators are around.