Uganda Safari With Children and Families

A Uganda safari can be a wonderful family trip, but it works best when the plan is built around the youngest traveller instead of the oldest. Age limits, drive times and energy levels all matter. Here is how we think about it.

Know the age limits

The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets minimum ages for primate trekking. Gorilla trekking is for visitors aged 15 and over. For chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, UWA states a minimum age of 16. That means younger children cannot join those treks, so plan alternatives for them. Teenagers who qualify can still enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi while younger siblings spend the day at the lodge or on a village visit.

Choose family-friendly parks

• Lake Mburo National Park: short drives, boat trips, zebras and giraffes. Rangers decide what is appropriate for guided walks
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: the Kazinga Channel boat cruise delivers hippos and elephants without long walking
• Jinja: a boat trip to the source of the Nile suits all ages. Calm rafting options avoid the major rapids
• Mbarara and Ankole: meeting herders and watching milking is a favourite with children

Pace the days

Children tire in the vehicle faster than adults. Aim for no more than three or four hours of driving on any day, start early so that you finish by mid-afternoon and build in a rest day every three or four days. Our 7 day western Uganda itinerary can be shortened for families by dropping one stop.

Health and comfort

See a travel clinic for each child several weeks before you leave. The CDC (opens in a new tab) recommends prescription anti-malarial medicine for Uganda and lists vaccines for most travellers. Use insect repellent, covered arms and legs in the evening and a bed net or screened room. Bring a small first-aid kit, favourite snacks and a few quiet games for the road.

Lodges and logistics

Child policies differ between lodges. Some have family rooms, some have minimum ages for certain activities and some have swimming pools. Ask before you book, and check whether child seats are available in vehicles, because they are not always provided. We include these questions when we build a family quote.

Activities that work

• A short, ranger-led walk at Lake Mburo, with rangers deciding what suits the group
• A game drive in the early morning and a boat cruise in the afternoon
• A farm visit in Mbarara with milking and local food
• Bird spotting games with binoculars
• Swimming at lodges where it is safe

What to pack

Our packing list covers the basics. For children, add a hat, sunscreen, a warm layer, a rain jacket and a small daypack of their own.

Plan a family trip

Tell us the ages of your children and your travel dates on the plan your trip page, and we will build a family-friendly route. Read our safety guide for general advice.