A lion sleeping in Ishasha Sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

© Gunter Nuyts/Getty Image

Snooze and conquer. Lion, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, some lions take napping to new heights—quite literally. The tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector have a habit of sprawling across the branches of giant fig trees, as seen in today's image. Experts believe they climb to escape ground-level heat or pesky insects, but these naps make for an unforgettable sight. This vast park spans volcanic craters, open plains and dense forests. A safari here promises encounters with Uganda's incredible wildlife.

Lions may not roam the streets of London, but they're everywhere in the United Kingdom—on flags, statues and even the coins in your pocket. These creatures have long been a symbol of strength and power, and in the UK, they've held that status for centuries. The Royal Arms of England, dating back to the 12th century, feature three golden lions on a red background—a design still used today by English sporting bodies. You'll also find lion statues guarding Trafalgar Square, standing tall outside historic buildings, and even on British coins. Fossils show that cave lions once roamed prehistoric Britain, hunting large prey like deer and bison. These Ice Age giants were larger than today's African lions and vanished around 12,000 years ago due to climate change and human activity.