A vacation in Uganda with kids- a family safari holiday is amazingly one way to share great moments together. Memories of family trips are always held close to the heart because you spend quality time with people you love most on earth. For all family vacations, no better destination is worth visiting than Uganda- The Pearl of Africa.
Uganda is a wonderful family safari destination with several opportunities for both adults and children to have fun. Western Uganda is the most preferred location for a family vacation the fact that it has several attractions including national parks, reserves and unique landscapes plus plenty of outdoor activities.
To the Northwest, there is Murchison Falls National Park the largest park in Uganda with plenty of safari activities for adults and children to engage including nature walks. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi are the other remarkable destinations worth considering for a vacation in Uganda with kids.
In the Central region, the main areas of interest to consider for vacation in Uganda with kids include Ngamba Island, Ssese Islands, Lake Victoria, and more. To the Eastern side of the country, Jinja, Sipi Falls should be a must-visit.
Family-friendly activities in Uganda
Birding
A total of 1080 bird species make Uganda a preferred birding safari destination. Birding can be done both by adults and children, and there are several birding spots in Uganda with interesting birds such as palm nut vultures, shoebill stork, African fish eagles, superb sterling, great blue turacos, African spoonbills, saddle-billed stork, pied kingfishers, bee-eaters, malachite kingfishers, etc.
The best birding destinations in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo, Budongo, Mabamba Wetland, UWEC, etc.
Behind the scenes experience at UWEC
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is one of the places you and your children should consider a must-visit on a family vacation in Uganda. Behind the scenes experience is a special experience of its own, get to feed giraffes, rhinos, chimpanzees, etc.
Game drives
Guided game drives are some of the friendly activities in Uganda you should expect on vacation with kids in the Pearl of Africa. The best places offering distinct game driving experiences in Uganda include Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo valley national park, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. A game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is a great opportunity to see a range of wildlife including leopards, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, birds and more.
Boat tours
Boat safaris in Uganda on a family trip allow you to share special moments together as you navigate through the water while keeping an eye on aquatic life. The best boat cruise locations in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking & gorilla trekking
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking are some of the few thrilling experiences you and your family can embark on. But family members should be 15 years and above to be allowed to engage in a trek to see mountain gorillas or chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking destinations to consider a must-visit in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest while mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Please note, for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, the activities call for a minimum of 15years of Age.
Sipi Falls safaris
Visit the Sipi Falls- The Triple Waterfalls located in Eastern Uganda at the foothills of Mt. Elgon. They are reachable on a guided walk and you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the falls and the spectacularly breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
When to visit Uganda for a family vacation?
Family vacations in Uganda are perfectly done at any time of the year. But, the most preferred time of the year is during the dry season- from June to September, December to February. These are the preferred months of the year when low or no rains are experienced making it easier to conduct a number of activities including guided game drives, nature walks, etc.
What to carry on vacation in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking packing list- strong hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, insect repellents, daypack, camera with no flashlight, waterproof jacket/raincoat, trousers, first aid kit, bottled water, snacks, etc. General packing list- toiletries, light safari clothing, sweater, anti-malarial medication prescribed by a professional medical person.
Where to stay
There is plenty of family-friendly accommodation in Uganda. They include budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation including Paraa Safari Lodge, Sipi Falls Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Lake Victoria Serena, Primate Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kidepo Savanna Lodge, etc.
Leave a Reply