Uganda family safaris create some of the happiest memories a family can share. Picture your children’s faces as an elephant crosses the road, or as a hippo surfaces beside your boat. We plan every trip to match your family’s ages, energy levels and interests. That way, everyone stays excited, from the youngest explorer to the grandparents.
Of course, a safari can also bring challenges for children, such as hot days and long drives. For this reason, we keep driving times sensible, build in rest breaks and choose child-friendly lodges. Big or small, every encounter becomes a story your kids will remember.
Our 3 day Murchison Falls safari is an ideal escape if you want to get away and relax in the wild. On the way, you meet white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Then, in Murchison Falls National Park, you enjoy a game drive, see the falls from the top and
Our 5 day Uganda safari from Kigali combines mountain gorillas and classic big game in one rewarding trip. First, you track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Then, you enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot lions, elephants and Uganda kob. Finally, a boat cruise
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip. You track rhinos on foot, cruise the Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls and look for chimpanzees in a hidden gorge. Then you search for tree-climbing lions, meet mountain
Uganda offers far more than game drives. Below are the activities our families enjoy most. Naturally, we mix and match them to suit the ages in your group.
Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Armed, professional ranger guides lead you into the forest to find a habituated family of mountain gorillas. Please note that trekkers must be at least 15 years old, in line with the rules of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. While older family members trek, we can arrange a nature walk or a community visit for younger children. Read more in our guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Kibale National Park is the best place in Uganda to see habituated chimpanzees in the wild. Treks usually run in the morning and again in the afternoon. Alternatively, the habituation experience lasts most of the day. Watching chimps feed, play and call to each other is especially fascinating for older children. Age limits also apply here, so we confirm the current rule when you book.
Game drives are a highlight of most family trips. They take place in Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. On a typical drive, for instance, you may see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and warthogs. Our wildlife safaris and game drives page explains what each park offers.
Tracking southern white rhinos on foot with a ranger is a thrilling experience for the whole family. It takes place at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district, on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. Since rhinos are one of Africa’s Big Five, kids love ticking them off their list.
Boat trips are perfect for families because everyone can sit back and watch. The best ones run below Murchison Falls and towards the Lake Albert delta, along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, and on Lake Mburo. From the boat, you can spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and elephants coming down to drink. You will also see many birds, such as the African fish eagle and several kinds of kingfisher. In addition, you can take relaxing boat trips on Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Victoria.
Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, so it is a great place for families who love birds. Every national park has its own species, and our expert guides help you find them. As a result, even young children quickly learn to spot birds. Look out for the great blue turaco, the African green broadbill and colourful kingfishers. Our bird watching tours can be added to any family itinerary.
Rafting on the River Nile, the world’s longest river, is a big adventure for older children and parents. Different rafting packages suit different family groups and ages. So, we help you choose the right section for your family.
Many safari lodges, guesthouses and tented camps in Uganda welcome children and offer good value. Some also have family rooms, bandas or cottages. Typically, these are either larger than normal or have connecting bedrooms for the children. Before you book, however, decide whether your children are old enough to sleep on their own. After all, rooms can sometimes be a short walk apart. Most adventure camping tents, meanwhile, fit two adults and one or two children.
Packing well makes the trip much easier for everyone. In particular, we suggest you bring:
For more tips, see our guide on what to pack for gorilla trekking.
Want a ready-made route? Our 8-day gorillas and wildlife family tour includes rhino tracking, a Nile boat trip, tree-climbing lions and gorillas. Of course, we can shorten or extend it to fit your holiday. Travelling with friends or another family too? Then take a look at our group tours in Uganda.
Yes. In fact, Uganda is a peaceful, friendly and welcoming country for families. We plan your route carefully, and your driver-guide stays with you throughout the trip.
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old. However, younger children can still enjoy game drives, boat trips, rhino tracking and village walks.
Most families choose between five and ten days. Overall, that gives you time for two or three parks without too many long drives.
Love to Travel? We are the whole Tool & Box that you need. At Roots Tours & Travel Uganda we look forward to speaking to you!