Lions sleep 20ft up as a tree offers the only shade in scorching wilderness

It may have felt unbearably hot in the UK this week - but the temperatures have been nothing compared to what these sleeping lions must endure.A pride of the big cats were spotted taking shelter in the branches of a tree as they escaped the blistering sun in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.Around ten lions were seen slumbering 20ft up while sprawled lazily over branches under the shade of the leaves.

Sleeping lions: A pride of the big cats were spotted taking shelter in the branches of a tree in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Sleeping at this height, the lions can also watch over their grassland territory and keep an eye out for any approaching prey while catching some sleep.In this part of the Serengeti, temperatures can reach a staggering 32C by 8am so it's no wonder the lions were taking advantage of the shelter.The amazing pictures were taken by amateur photographer Alexandr Kirichko, 50, from Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.

Mr Kirichko said he was thrilled to see such a rare wonderful sight while on safari and said he got within 15 yards of the animals.Sleeping mainly during the day, lions are primarily nocturnal, which suits the high temperatures of their native habitats.

Comfortable? One lion appears to sleep in an awkward-looking position with three legs dangling 20ft above his grassland home

Sprawled over branches: The lions used the tree to escape the heat while also gaining a good view of their territory in the Serengeti 

Good vantage point: Sleeping at this height, the lions can watch over their territory and keep an eye out for any approaching prey

Making the most of the shade: In this part of the Serengeti, temperatures can reach a staggering 32C by 8am