A family safari in Uganda is a great way to introduce both you and your children to a new environment, sparking their imagination about life beyond home. Uganda offers a range of safari activities, like game drives, cycling, quad driving, nature walks and others keep in mind that some activities, like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safaris, have age limits, with the minimum age for trekking set at 15 years. For younger children, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy, additionally such as climbing or rafting, may be too strenuous or risky for minors, so it’s important to choose activities carefully. Below is a list of the to 10 activities to enjoy on a Uganda safari.
Boat Cruise
Sailing lazily on the waters as you watch different birdlife and wildlife with your family will surely make your safari in Uganda memorable. The best places for a family boat trip are Jinja at the source of the Nile, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. In Lake Mburo, most of the wildlife comes to quench its thirst giving you opportunities to spot different species. A boat cruise is a great way to experience the diversity with plenty of chances to spot a lot of wildlife at once.
Nature Walks
Nature Walking safaris are a great way to experience nature and wildlife up close in the wilderness. Families can embark on Nature walks in Uganda, where they are accompanied by an armed ranger guide, who directs and identifies different wildlife species during the adventure. Your youngsters will enjoy the jungle as they discover a lot of things in the bush. Nature walks are greatly done in the savannah parks of Uganda, especially in Lake Mburo National Park.
Horse Riding
Horse riding will give excitement to youngsters. Horse riding can be done during a wildlife viewing experience at Lake Mburo National Park or a visit to the Nile River at Jinja.
Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is located in Entebbe, one of the popular tourist towns in Uganda. The UWEC was created as a reception Centre for wild animals that were found as causalities, however, this place is a perfect destination for safaris in Uganda. A tour to UWEC is beyond just seeing animals but learning and participating in conservation efforts. UWEC helps rescue animals and veterinary staff and animal keepers are always on standby to attend to injured, sick, or stressed animals.
Rhino Tracking
Rhinos are one of the Big Five African Animals and tracking them with your family is really exciting. In Uganda, Rhinos are endangered and can only be found in The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Rhino tracking in Uganda is such a relaxing and family-friendly activity where individuals enter the home of the southern white rhinos on foot, accompanied by a ranger guide to track Rhinos. Tracking can be done along with children above 6 years of age, making it suitable for families.
Visit the Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in Uganda’s eastern district of Kapchorwa at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park. A visit here is a popular activity and many visitors usually get a chance to learn more about the culture here. Of the three waterfalls at Sipi, the longest drop is 100m. The falls are formed by the Sipi River as it cascades downhill from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon into the Kyoga Basin. With a cooler climate, this is a very nice place to unwind, relax, and chill out away from the very busy towns and cities.
Community and Cultural Tours
Uganda is a country with a diverse range of cultures, offering unique experiences for cultural tours. With over 50 different cultures, there are many types of culture in Uganda, each with its own traditions, beliefs, and norms. The major ethnic groups in Uganda are the Bantu tribe, located in the central, eastern, and southern regions, and the Nilotic tribe, found in the northern and northeastern regions. On Uganda safaris, you can visit any culture, but the most visited are often those of marginalized groups. Among the most visited cultures is the Buganda, where you can explore various traditional sites, including the Kasubi tombs, and the palace, among others.
Cycling
Cycling is an easy and fun activity to undertake, especially in wildlife habitats. While traveling as a family, youngsters can enjoy biking on some of the popular trails in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park is a perfect place to have this experience since it has no predators. Biking or cycling tours through the park allow you to see lots of wildlife and nature up close and personal. This experience is memorable and one to consider when traveling to Uganda with Family. We recommend that you book early enough if interested, for better preparation of kid bikes.
Quad Biking
Quad biking is one of the Top 10 Uganda Safari Activities Suitable for family trips. This activity is such an epic and thrilling experience that families can undertake during Uganda family safaris. Quad biking in Uganda does not require prior experience and it gives a less strenuous experience compared to cycling making it suitable for those who can’t go through rough trails. The best place to visit for these exciting experiences is Jinja, the East African Adrenaline city. Quad biking is fun and will have your youngsters excited.
Nature Walks
Nature Walking safaris are a great way to experience nature and wildlife up close in the wilderness. Families can embark on Nature walks in Uganda, where they are accompanied by an armed ranger guide, who directs and identifies different wildlife species during the adventure. Your youngsters will enjoy the jungle as they discover a lot of things in the bush. Nature walks are greatly done in the savannah parks of Uganda, especially in Lake Mburo National Park.
Game Drives
One of the best ways to explore Uganda’s National Parks and wildlife reserves is by getting on a safari vehicle and embarking on a safari game drive. The game drives will give you opportunities to see different wildlife species and bird life in top safari parks in Uganda. During the drive, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable driver guide, who will help you identify different species. You will enjoy a game viewing during Uganda wildlife safaris on a visit to the savannah parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park among others.
Conclusion:
A family safari in Uganda is a perfect way to create lasting memories while experiencing the beauty and diversity of nature. With activities like boat cruises, nature walks, horse riding, and wildlife education, there is something exciting for every member of the family. Whether it’s tracking rhinos, visiting cultural sites, or enjoying thrilling quad biking adventures, Uganda offers a variety of experiences that are both fun and educational. When planning your family safari, remember to consider the age and safety guidelines for certain activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.