When people think of the “King of the Jungle,” they usually imagine a lion prowling the golden grasses of the African plains. But in specific corners of the Masai Mara, the kings have taken to the skies.

​While tree-climbing behavior is most famous in Uganda’s Ishasha sector, a rare and fascinating phenomenon is occurring right here in Kenya. At Expeditions Wild Jungle, we specialize in locating these “Arboreal Prides,” offering wildlife photographers a perspective that most safari-goers never see.

​Why Do Lions Climb Trees in the Mara?

​It’s a question scientists and guides are still debating. While lions aren’t naturally built for climbing like leopards, several prides in the Mara Triangle and the Lemek Hills have mastered the art. The primary reasons include:  

​Escaping the Heat: Catching a cool breeze above the shimmering heat of the ground.  

​Avoiding Insects: Getting away from the relentless tsetse flies and biting ants found in the long grass.  

​Tactical Advantage: Spotting distant prey like Topi or Wildebeest from a higher vantage point.  

​A Photographer’s Dream: Capturing the Unique Angle

​For wildlife photographers, a lion in a tree is the ultimate “portfolio-filler.” It breaks the standard “lion in the grass” trope and provides a dramatic, clean background.

​Why Photographers Book With Us:

​Low-Angle Positioning: Our custom-designed safari vehicles allow you to get low to the ground, shooting upward to emphasize the lion’s power against the sky.

​Patience & Timing: Tree-climbing is most common during the heat of the afternoon (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM). We don’t rush the sighting; we wait for that perfect moment when a lioness adjusts her gaze or a cub attempts its first climb.

​The “Lemek” & “Mara Triangle” Expertise: We know exactly which sausage trees and desert dates (Balanites aegyptiaca) these prides favor.

​Top Spots to Witness the Behavior

​While sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, our expert guides track specific groups known for this behavior, such as the Ormoti Pride in the Mara Ripoi Conservancy. These lions have passed the “climbing gene” down through generations, making them the most reliable subjects for your lens.  

​Plan Your Photographic Safari

​Don’t just take a photo—capture a story. Witnessing a 400-pound male lion delicately balancing on an acacia branch is a memory that stays with you forever.

​Explore our Masai Mara Photography Packages at Expeditions Wild Jungle