Uganda Tour with Kids

Uganda Tour with Kids

A Uganda tour with kids creates long-lasting memories as a family. Uganda is the best destination for family tours. What makes Uganda stand out as a family-friendly destination is its multiple safe experiences or activities for kids and adults to engage in, family-friendly lodges, and generally safe places to visit with children.

Best destinations to go for Uganda tours with kids

Top family-friendly destinations in Uganda include;

Murchison Falls National Park

Known for its mighty Murchison Waterfalls and abundant wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park is a special destination for your Uganda tour with kids. Murchison is found in the Northwestern end of Uganda and is Uganda’s largest park, with many wildlife and birdlife. A family tour in Murchison Falls National Park allows you to explore the diversity of wildlife in a 4×4 safari vehicle during a guided game drive or boat cruise.

A game drive along the game tracks of Murchison Falls National Park comes with exciting sightings of your favorite wildlife. Expect to see the cape buffaloes, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribis, warthogs, leopards (on a lucky day), and many bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideal for Uganda tours with kids. At Queen Elizabeth National Park, expect to explore the myriad of wildlife with your children during a guided game drive through the Kasenyi or Ishasha track. Expect to come across lions (including tree-climbing lions), leopards, Uganda Kobs, hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, and more. Queen Elizabeth Park also shelters up to 620 species of birds, including the elusive shoebills.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the most accessible family tour destination from the heart of Kampala. Unlike most parks in Uganda, it is only a 4-5 hour drive from Kampala city. Its proximity to the vibrant Kampala Capital makes it possible to organize a short Uganda tour. While at Lake Mburo National Park, expect to explore the diversity of wildlife and birds.

Lake Mburo National Park protects wildlife species such as duikers, Uganda Kobs, topis, zebras, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and impalas. Exciting experiences to engage with kids in Lake Mburo Game Park include nature walks, game drives, cycling, horseback riding, and community visits.

Ngamba Island

If you are interested in chimpanzee encounters, a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary should be a must. Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a friendly family safari site where you can witness chimpanzees at close range while being fed and well-taken care of by the caretakers. You can also participate in some of the activities, like feeding chimpanzees, as guided by an expert.

Kibale National Park

Known for its enriching chimpanzee trekking and chimp habituation experiences, Kibale National Park is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Uganda. Kibale protects over 13 species of primates and has a record of over 1500 chimpanzees. Additional primates include olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.

The beauty of embarking on a Uganda tour with kids in Kibale National Park is that as parents engage in chimp trekking or chimpanzee habituation, children can also keep busy with their activities. If children are below the acceptable age limit, which is 12-15 years, to track chimpanzees, they can engage in guided nature walks or forest walks to explore a range of primates, birds, butterflies, and floral species. They can also visit the nearby community or explore the Bigodi wetland on a guided nature walk.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Lying in extreme Northeastern Uganda, Kidepo is a lush savanna protected area home to diverse species. The 1442 sq. km Kidepo shelters wildlife species such as cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, elephants, lions, caracals, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope families. A visit to Kidepo with kids allows you to enjoy a game drive or visit the Karamojong community to learn more about their lifestyles, cultures, and traditions.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is among the most visited places by tourists on an Uganda tour with kids. This family-friendly destination offers the best rhino-tracking experiences, birding, and nature walks. Expect to encounter not just rhinos but also other species at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Additional wildlife at Ziwa includes oribis, leopards, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, giant pangolins, reedbucks, Uganda Kobs, aardvarks, duikers, and over 300 species of birds. Notable birds include the shoebill stork, African grey hornbill, African fish eagle, grey-crowned cranes, Abyssinian ground hornbills, pied kingfishers, African jacanas, and more.

Bwindi & Mgahinga

A safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga often focuses on gorilla trekking, yet this adventure requires persons over 15 years old. Kids below the acceptable age limit aren’t allowed, but the great news is that there are multiple options for them, too. While adults go for gorilla trekking, kids can be kept busy with nature walks and community tours.

Uganda family tour highlights –what to expect

On a guided Uganda tour with kids, expect to visit safe, family-friendly destinations and engage in exciting activities that guarantee lasting memories. Multiple travel plans are available to suit the family traveler’s interests.

A checklist of family-friendly experiences to enjoy on an Uganda tour with kids includes game drives, boat cruises, nature walks/forest walks, community tours, cultural experiences, etc. All safari activities are led by an experienced guide from Uganda.

When to go for a Uganda tour with kids

The best time to travel for an Uganda tour with kids should be during the dry season, when the weather conditions are generally favorable. The dry months to consider exploring Uganda as a family extend from June, July, August, and September, or travel any time from December, January, and February.

During the dry months, it is possible to engage in a number of activities, including forest walks, without much disturbance from rain. The rest of the months are characterized by heavy rains and run from March to May and then from October to November.

How to plan a family tour in Uganda –important tips & guidelines

Planning a family tour in Uganda requires adequate time to ensure everything is done right to guarantee a safe and secure vacation. The first step should be introducing the idea to your children and getting their views.

When choosing a means to connect to Uganda, consider using direct flights to reduce long journeys that can cause stress to the kids. Be sure that children fall within the acceptable age bracket, depending on what you intend to do in Uganda –visitors do gorilla trekking above 15 years.

When planning a tour to Uganda, remember to include family-friendly activities. Carry some wildlife books, healthy snacks, and a pair of binoculars. On the actual trip, allow everyone to capture the moments.

Engage with a reputable tour operator such as Native Africa Tours to plan and book an unforgettable family tour to Uganda. Don’t forget to obtain travel insurance for you and the kids. Always remember to respect wildlife regulations or etiquette. Above all, ensure proper supervision of the kids.