Planning a Family Safari in Uganda

No safari feeling beats the excitement of seeing your children encounter wildlife in the wild and not within Zoos. Therefore undertaking a family safari is a dream of a lifetime and definitely the best gift you can ever give your children. One thing you will be sure of is that these memories will be shared their entire lives but before you even make a bucket list, there are a number of things to be considered. These include; safari destinations to visit, best time to go for the family safari and what activities are in stock for the children?

Why go to Uganda for your family safari?

Having experienced safaris in several countries within Eastern, Western and Southern Africa region, travellers find many reasons to return to Uganda for trips with children. Therefore the country is wonderful for family safaris for a number of reasons that include.

Numerous game species

From seeing the big five game (Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes and Lions) to the primates, antelopes, Rothschild giraffes, wide array of bird species and Hippos, Uganda has it all.

Remarkable family-friendly National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

The 10 National Parks and 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda offer visitors, especially children the opportunity to see different species of animals in their natural environment. These places are scattered around the country and most interestingly are malaria-free hence perfect for families with infants.

Additionally, there are numerous family-friendly adventures in Uganda that travellers can freely combine with other safaris.

Which Ugandan destinations are best for family safaris?

There are a number of destinations in Uganda to visit for family safaris and they include;

Murchison falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is situated about 305 kilometers from Kampala, in the north-western side of Uganda. For families looking for self-drive tours in this Park, all that is needed is paying Park entrance fees and freely explore the safari destination. For $40 per person (foreign non-residents), $30 per person for foreign residents and Shs. 20,000 per person for East African residents, adults are offered entry into this Park for 24 hours while children pay $20 for foreign non-residents, $10 for foreign resident and Shs. 5000 for East African residents. Over 76 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, breathtaking waterfalls and other stunning sceneries are offered here. This Park also offers several family-friendly places of lodging (Camps, Lodges or Campsites).

Lake Mburo National Park

Family safaris in Uganda are incomplete without visits to Lake Mburo National Park. This small savannah Park is the closest to Kampala City and offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation facilities. Interestingly, some of these Safari Lodges/Tented Camps have swimming pools for cooling-off after mid-morning and afternoon tours. The activities-guided game drives, horseback rides, boat cruises and walking safaris are all children-friendly.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is another popular safari destination in Uganda and interestingly offers unforgettable safari experiences for all ages. It hosts over 95 mammal species and about 600 bird species in addition to magnificent landscapes. It is not just adults that are left open-mouthed by the raw beauty of this wilderness area and its numerous animals but also children are mesmerized. Activities such as game drives, hot air balloon tours, swimming, bush walks near the places of lodging, community tours and boat cruises are open to children younger than 10 years.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park seems uncomfortable for children, given its dense vegetation and mountainous slopes but worry not because as adults go gorilla trekking, children can be booked for simple forest walks, mountain biking and cultural tours.

When is the perfect time to undertake family safaris in Uganda?

Uganda is an all-year round safari destination but the perfect time to undertake family safaris is between June and September or December and February when game viewing opportunities are at the climax.

What to pack for family safaris in Uganda

You don’t need a special packing list for family safaris in Uganda but be at liberty to add children’s stuff on the trip. However, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunhat or cap, anti-malarial tablets, exciting wildlife guidebooks, rain jacket, pair of binoculars, insect repellant, comfortable closed shoes, camera, backpacks and re-usable water bottles are essential for family safaris in Uganda.

Important tips on planning a successful family safari in Uganda

• Prepare early and incorporate ideas from all family members.
• Check the place of lodging to ascertain that children are allowed before making bookings and avoiding disappointments at the last minute.
• Feel free to make your interests known to the Tour Operator so that you can be offered the best and family-friendly itineraries.
• Keep children focused and interested during the safari by securing cameras and binoculars to allow them also identify different animals during the family safari.

Choose age-appropriate activities. You can’t plan only a gorilla safari with putting into consideration the activities to be undertaken by younger children.