A Glimpse Through My Lens in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The wild is my studio, and the heartbeat of Uganda is my muse.

On a recent adventure through Queen Elizabeth National Park, I was privileged to capture something truly fascinating of a young lion gracefully scaling a tree, pausing mid-climb to glance at me as if to acknowledge the shared moment.

Seeing lions in trees is a rare and majestic sight, one that fuels my ever-growing passion for wildlife photography. While lions are not natural climbers like leopards, some have adapted this skill, especially in Uganda and parts of Tanzania. The reasons they do this are as fascinating as the sight itself:

Escape the heat – Trees offer a cooler breeze and shade in the scorching African sun.

Avoid biting insects – Tsetse flies and other ground-dwelling insects can be relentless.

Better vantage point – From a tree, a lion can observe prey or threats from a safe height.

Comfort and play – Young lions, like the one in my photo, often climb out of curiosity or for play.

The gaze that keeps me going. This moment alone made the long wait worth it 📸.

Every time I press the shutter, I’m reminded of why I started this journey. Wildlife photography is more than a job or a hobby but my calling. It's about patience, respect for nature, and being present in the moment.

Photography keeps me grounded, inspired, and hopeful. With every image, I not only get to tell the stories of Uganda’s untamed beauty but also give back to the community that raised me. Part of the proceeds from my print sales and steem you vote goes to local charities, a small gesture with a big heart.

If these images stir your soul as they did mine, consider supporting conservation photography. Share, vote, comment, or even join me on one of my local trips in Uganda. Let’s explore, conserve, and capture the wild together.

Stay wild📸,
@hillaryonbless