Memories of family safari are always held close to the heart because it is time well spent with the people you love most in the world. Uganda Safari tours with your family, will definitely be that kind of African Safaris trip, none of you will ever forget about, the adventure that you all experienced together as a family.
As it happens, more and more people are discovering the magic of going on Family Africa Safari with their loved ones. It is a great and exciting way to introduce your children to other cultures and ways of life, and to discover places beyond the borders of their home country.
There is of course a lot more to consider when travelling to Africa with your family compared to when you’re travelling alone. You need to consider the length of the journey, the ages of your children, which activities would be good for the whole family, the long drives through Africa and so much more, But an African safaris trip experience will be well worth it.
Yes you might have zoos back home that the children have visited, but the wilderness of Africa just cannot be replicated. Coming to Uganda and seeing the animals on the game drive, or enjoying a boat ride on the Murchison falls, or if they are old enough to do tracking the gorillas and seeing them up close, these are extremely unique experiences.
What do you consider when planning a safari in Uganda for your family?
Please note that there are some activities that have an age limit. Gorilla Trekking Gorilla Safaris and chimpanzee tracking for example allows a minimum age limit of 15 years. So, Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest with your children who are below 15 years old is not allowed.
Some activities are just too tiring and exhausting for children, either because they take a long time or need a lot more strength and resilience than children can master. Mountain hiking for example takes up to 8 hours. Most children would be tired before the four-hour mark. So perhaps alternative activities for them such as guided walks and visits to the zoos, and game drives are recommended.
Kibale forest has some alternative activities for children that they can do while you the adults go on your gorilla tracking expedition. They will be supervised by trained park staff and will be perfectly safe. At the end of the day you will all have stories to tell about your African Safari experience.
There are park entrance fees for both adults and children in Uganda. So if you are visiting one of the many national parks in Uganda, budget for park entrance fees for each of your family members except those below 5 years of age. Entrance fee for children below 15 year is usually about 15 dollars or less, children under 5 years get in for free.
Is there lodging accommodation suitable for an entire family?
The answer is yes; Uganda has so many hotels, lodges and tented camps that accommodate families very comfortably. Many of these have discounted prices for children, or when children stay in the same room.
Age limitations vary from one accommodation facility to the other. Some do not mind children of any age, while others do have an age limit of some sort.
Most accommodation facilities have swimming pools which will provide both children and adults a chance to relax in the water, and to cool off from a day under the African sun.
Are there safari vehicles that can carry a big group like a family of say eight?
Yes, there are safari vehicles that can carry large groups of people. Some safari vehicles are vans and can therefore comfortably carry a family. Safari vans are spacious and comfortable. So be sure to inform your tour operator to get you a vehicle that carries all of you, preferably a safari van.
Food and snacks: there is a lot to eat in the lodges and hotels and as you travel through the country. There are very many fruits to choose from such as bananas, apples, there are also some snacks like chips and cookies, fast foods like chips and fish, burgers, pizza and so much more that you can enjoy while on your African Safari.
Drinks: there is a variety of soft drinks for you and the children to enjoy. There is juice such as Splash, sodas like Coke, Fanta, Pepsi, and bottled water. Fresh juice is also available, tea, coffee, and various other drinks. It is advisable to carry cool drinks and snacks if you are going out game viewing with the children.
What are some of the interesting and fun things that children can enjoy on a Uganda safari?
Culture tourism: A Uganda safari with the family is the perfect opportunity for you and your children to learn about other cultures. There are so many opportunities to learn about the cultures in Uganda. You can visit a village with the help and guidance of your safari operator and watch and listen to local entertainment groups perform traditional songs and traditional dances, learn how to play a Ugandan musical instrument, or to prepare a local dish. The children can interact with Ugandan children in nearby schools and the cultural exchange and education will be an amazing experience.
Visit the game parks: Uganda has about 10 national game parks and each one of them is unique.
There is a variety of wildlife and birds to see, crater lakes, rivers, waterfalls, all of the beauty can be enjoyed by your children. There is Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national Park, Murchison falls national park and many more adventure parks. You will see everything from Elephants, Zebras, Lions, Tree climbing lions, Chimpanzees and for the adults Mountain gorillas.
Ps: Murchison falls offers boat rides.
Water rafting on the River Nile.
Children like to go camping, so they will most probably enjoy the tented camp lodges that are available in most of the national parks.
If you visit Jinja District in Uganda during your African Safari, with your older children you can enjoy the River Nile in ways you hadn’t hoped to before. You can go white water rafting, or bungee jumping or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Nile and have an exciting adventure as a family. You could also go horseback riding.
Who can I contact to help me plan and prepare for this trip?
Get in touch with a safari tour operator in Uganda such as Lakato Safaris (info@lakatosafaris.com) and get the best advice on how to effectively plan and book the best facilities for you and your family. We will help you plan a family friendly Uganda safari holiday that you will not regret.
A family safari in Uganda is a very good way to bond and strengthen family bonds and just have fun together.
