Planning A Family Safari in Uganda
Undertaking a family safari is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable gifts you can give your children, but if you ate the one in charge of the planning, the trip is likely to be a headache. Unforgettable memories will most definitely be created but prior to that, there is the difficult task of crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s in every last detail before departing. Leave the worrying to us because we shall bring you the important tips for planning a successful and stress-free family safari in Uganda.
Family Safari in Uganda
Uganda, “the Pearl of Africa” has slowly become every traveler’s favorite bucket list safari destination. Known for its diverse wildlife, richness in culture, and mouth-watering food, this small East African country has a lot to offer to visitors on family safaris and always delivers memorable experiences. Regardless of how amazing Uganda is as a family safari destination, planning is crucial in understanding what your family is in for and in so doing, helps in having the best times of your lives.
Ugandan destinations for family safaris
This might sound obvious but it is not. Uganda is a small country with numerous destinations for family safaris. Over 10 National Parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves, a number of Sanctuaries, beaches, and Cities comprise the Pearl of Africa. All you will need to do is figure out your family’s ideal experiences and then find out the destinations that can provide the experiences. These are the unmissable destinations for family safaris in Uganda;
Murchison falls National Park
Set in the north-western side of Uganda, the 3840-square-kilometer Murchison falls National Park is one of the unmissable destinations for family safaris in Uganda. You can visit this Park for children-friendly game drives aboard a 4WD safari vehicle while spotting leopards, spotted hyenas, Rothschild giraffes, lions, buffaloes, elephants, Topis, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks. Other children-friendly activities in this Park are the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, hot air balloon tours, nature walks, the drive to the top of the falls, and so much more.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The incredible Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a wonderful destination for teenagers as well as youthful generations, as most activities involve hiking through steep slopes and high altitudes hence requiring physical fitness. If your child has made 15 years and is physically fit, he/she can try the mountain gorilla treks, while the younger ones can also engage in forest walks, bird watching, and mountain biking.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is usually at the top of the list for younger families with children. You can enjoy the game drives with the hope of seeing leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, Rothschild giraffes, Topis, bushbucks, impalas, Olive baboons, zebras, giant elands, and Oribis. Other interesting activities offered in this Park are horseback rides, Quad bike rides, boat rides, community tours, and bush walks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The World-renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park is another bucket list destination for family safaris. Family-friendly activities include the game drive and lion tracking tour, hot air balloon tours, guided nature walks, chimpanzee trekking (children above 12 years), boat cruises, and community tours. You can climax your day’s safari in one of the secluded sundowner spots to enjoy a cocktail, ice cream, unwinding, and beautiful sunset views over the far horizon.
Other exciting safari destinations for family safaris in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, and bird watching, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and its beautiful Islands, the spectacular Ssese islands for typically beach vacation and unwinding, Entebbe Town, to mention but a few.
Which Airlines fly to Uganda?
While you might not realize it, flying your family to Uganda is sometimes an investment in time, miles, money, and points. You can research some of the good ways to get to this beautiful country on miles and points. To make it easier, begin your research by checking routes on Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Delta, Kenya Airways, and others. Always target on earning on cards that offer flexible points such as “Capital one Miles”.
Family Safari in Uganda
Visa requirements for Uganda
Your passport might allow you to travel to Uganda, but make sure that you have researched the visa requirements prior to leaving your home. It would be so disappointing to invest so much money and time in planning a family safari in Uganda, and realize when it is too late that a Visa is actually a requirement. It is important to note that Visa requirements are normally based on your Nationality, not your country of residence.
When to travel to Uganda for your family safari
Traditionally, the perfect time to undertake a family trip (or any other safari) to Uganda is the dry months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. However, Uganda is still an all-year-round safari destination. The dry months are the perfect time to undertake wildlife safaris/game drives because most animals converge around watering points hence providing spectacular game-viewing experiences. Also, for families thinking of enjoying gorilla and chimpanzee treks, these are the best months because forest trails also tend to be drier and less muddy or slippery.
What to pack for the family safari in Uganda, besides snacks
If you ask us, there is nothing really special to pack for your family safari in Uganda, except for comfortable walking shoes, short and long-sleeved shirts, pairs of shorts and long pants, good cameras, binoculars for sighting far animals, insect repellant, the sunscreen for sizzling days, some sort of entertainment to keep little ones occupied, first aid kit, safari hats, rain jackets, warm sweater, medications (if any) and swimsuits among others.