7 Days • 6 Nights
Uganda Family Safari: Wildlife, the Nile & Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A boat safari on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel is a family highlight everyone will love. In the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the broad Kazinga Channel links two lakes and teems with wildlife, and a boat cruise here is perfect for families, comfortable, exciting and full of animals close to the boat. Children and parents alike are thrilled as huge pods of hippo wallow and yawn just metres away, elephants and buffalo lumber down to drink at the water's edge, enormous crocodiles bask with jaws open, and a spectacular parade of birds, from fish eagles to colourful kingfishers, lines the banks.
- Walking among zebra and giraffe on foot at Lake Mburo is a safe, thrilling family highlight. Compact, scenic Lake Mburo National Park is perfect for families because it has no lions or elephants, which means, unusually and safely, that you can explore it on foot with an armed ranger. Setting out together through the golden grass, children delight in walking among grazing zebra, impala, topi and eland, spotting tracks and birds, and feeling like real explorers in a way no vehicle allows. A relaxed boat trip on the lake adds hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds to the adventure.
- Gentle adventures at the source of the Nile in Jinja bring fun and excitement for the whole family. Jinja, set where the mighty Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, is the adventure capital of East Africa, and it offers plenty of family-friendly fun beyond the famous big rapids. Together you can take a relaxed boat cruise to the historic source of the Nile, watching fishermen and birds and learning where the world's longest river begins, try calm-water stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, go quad-biking or biking through riverside villages, or enjoy gentle family rafting on milder stretches for older children. There are craft markets and coffee tours too.
- Classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth thrill children and parents with Africa's great wildlife. Rolling across the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in your private safari vehicle, the whole family shares the excitement of the search for Africa's iconic animals. With your guide's expert eyes and endless patience for questions, you spot herds of elephant, buffalo and Uganda kob, warthogs trotting with tails held high, and, with luck, lions resting in the grass, all against a backdrop of savanna and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. The private vehicle means you can go at your own pace, stop when the children are excited, and picnic in beautiful spots.
- Comfortable family lodges, shorter drives and the warmth of the Ugandan people make this journey easy and fun. This itinerary is designed with families in mind, with carefully chosen lodges that welcome children and often have pools, family rooms and space to run around, shorter and well-paced driving days to avoid tired little ones, and a patient, expert driver-guide who becomes a friend to the whole family. Ugandans famously adore children, and the warmth, smiles and welcome your family receives everywhere, at lodges, in villages and at activities, make the trip feel safe, easy and joyful. Meals cater to younger tastes too.
- Above all, this journey offers a safe, varied and joyful African safari for the whole family. For families dreaming of an African adventure, Uganda is an ideal and often overlooked choice, green, friendly, full of variety and wonderfully welcoming to children, and this seven-day itinerary brings it all together, savanna game drives and a hippo cruise in Queen Elizabeth, safe walking safaris among zebra at Lake Mburo, and the gentle thrills of the source of the Nile at Jinja, all at a relaxed, family-friendly pace. Guided throughout by a patient, expert driver-guide and warmed by Ugandan hospitality, it balances wildlife, adventure and comfort perfectly for all ages.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family safari begins as your flight lands at Entebbe International Airport, on the shore of vast Lake Victoria, where you are met and transferred the short distance to a comfortable, family-friendly lakeside hotel, often with a pool and gardens where children can stretch their legs after the journey. Uganda, the green and welcoming Pearl of Africa, adores children, and the warmth of the welcome is felt at once. Depending on your arrival time, the family might relax by the lake or pool, stroll the nearby botanical gardens to spot birds and monkeys, or simply unwind. This evening your patient driver-guide joins you for a relaxed briefing on the fun adventure ahead, from hippos and elephants in Queen Elizabeth to zebra walks and the source of the Nile, and answers everyone's questions. Enjoy a first family dinner, and rest well, ready for wildlife tomorrow.
This morning the family transfers to the airstrip for a scenic and exciting light-aircraft flight over Uganda's green hills, forests and shining lakes to the west, landing near Queen Elizabeth National Park, set beneath the Rwenzori Mountains between two lakes (a road journey is also possible if you prefer). Your guide meets you and drives you to your family lodge overlooking the plains, where you settle in and enjoy lunch with sweeping views, and perhaps a swim. In the cooler late afternoon you set out on your first game drive together across the Kasenyi plains, the children thrilled as you spot elephant, buffalo, warthog, herds of Uganda kob and, with luck, lions in the grass, all in your own private vehicle so you can stop whenever excitement strikes. This evening, share a family dinner beneath the stars. Rest well amid the gentle sounds of the bush.
Today the whole family enjoys the wildlife riches of Queen Elizabeth at a relaxed pace. A morning game drive brings more chances to spot elephant, buffalo, kob and perhaps lion across the plains, with your patient guide answering every question and helping the children use binoculars. After a lodge lunch and time to rest or swim, the afternoon highlight is the boat safari on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel, a favourite for families, as huge pods of hippo wallow just metres from the boat, elephants and buffalo come down to drink, crocodiles bask, and colourful birds line the banks, with something for everyone to spot and no walking required. As the sun sets over the water, you return to the lodge for a family dinner and, perhaps, some star-gazing. Rest well, ready for a walking safari adventure at Lake Mburo tomorrow.
After breakfast you drive east through the green, rolling hills of western Uganda towards compact, scenic Lake Mburo National Park, a fun and safe highlight for families, with your guide breaking the journey with stops for photographs, snacks, the equator crossing and a look at local life. You arrive at your lodge amid peaceful acacia savanna beside the shining lake in time for lunch, with the afternoon free for the family's favourite Lake Mburo adventure. Because there are no lions or elephants here, you can safari on foot with an armed ranger, walking among grazing zebra, impala and eland and feeling like real explorers, or take a boat trip on the lake to spot hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. It is safari at a gentle, hands-on scale children love. This evening, enjoy a family dinner beneath the wide African sky. Rest well.
This morning, after an optional early walk or boat trip at Lake Mburo, the family sets off on the scenic drive east, skirting Kampala and continuing to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, set where the mighty Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. The journey is a fascinating window into everyday Ugandan life, through busy towns, colourful markets and green countryside, and your guide breaks it with stops for lunch and photographs. You arrive at your riverside lodge in Jinja in the afternoon, with views over the water and, often, a pool and gardens for the children to enjoy. There may be time for a gentle first stroll by the river or a swim before dinner. This evening, share a relaxed family dinner beside the Nile, with the excitement of tomorrow's adventures ahead. Rest well by the great river.
Today the family enjoys the gentle adventures of Jinja at the source of the mighty Nile. Together you take a relaxed boat cruise to the historic source, where the world's longest river begins its journey out of Lake Victoria, watching fishermen, cormorants and kingfishers and learning the story of the explorers who sought it. Depending on the ages and appetites of the children, you can add family-friendly fun such as calm-water stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, quad-biking or biking through riverside villages, or gentle rafting on milder stretches for older children, with plenty of safe options for everyone. There are craft markets and a coffee tour too. In the afternoon you drive back west towards Entebbe, arriving for a comfortable family overnight near the airport. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner, sharing your favourite moments of the safari. Rest well.
After a final relaxed family breakfast beside Lake Victoria, and depending on your flight time, perhaps a last swim, some souvenir shopping or a visit to the Entebbe botanical gardens or nearby wildlife centre, the family is transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared a wonderful African adventure in the green and welcoming Pearl of Africa, the hippos of the Kazinga Channel, the elephants and lions of Queen Elizabeth, the thrill of walking among zebra at Lake Mburo, and the fun of the source of the Nile at Jinja, all wrapped in the warmth of the Ugandan people towards your family. The memories stay vivid long after you land, and the children return home as junior explorers with stories to tell. You depart already dreaming of a return to safe, friendly and beautiful Uganda.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation, full board at safari lodges and lunches on transfer days
- Daily breakfast and drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Airport and land transfers, and game drives and transfers in a private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Touring, game drives and activities as per itinerary with an expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees, ranger fees and activities as specified in the itinerary
- a Kazinga Channel boat safari and game drives in Queen Elizabeth, a Lake Mburo guided walk and boat trip, a source of the Nile family boat cruise at Jinja, and all park and ranger fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional Jinja adventure activities such as quad-biking and rafting
- Tips for guides, rangers and lodge staff
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel; an East Africa Tourist Visa is also available if you are combining Uganda with Kenya and Rwanda. A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. We confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX); US dollars are widely accepted for tourism, park fees and tips (bring clean, newer notes dated 2013 or later). Cards are accepted in Kampala, Entebbe and larger lodges, but carry cash for markets, craft stalls, tips and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kampala, Entebbe and major towns
- Best time to visit: Uganda is a year-round destination, but the two dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are ideal for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and game drives, with easier forest trails and better wildlife viewing. The wetter months (March to May and October to November) are lush, green and quieter, with fruiting forests that can bring primates lower and closer
- Language & etiquette: English is the official language and is widely spoken, alongside Luganda, Swahili and many local languages; a few words of greeting are always warmly received. Ugandans are famously friendly, warm and welcoming. Dress is casual but modest, especially in villages and towns, and it is polite to ask before photographing people
- Getting around: Touring is by private 4x4 safari vehicle with your own expert driver-guide, with some long but scenic drives on a mix of tarmac and rougher park roads; scenic domestic light-aircraft flights to airstrips near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls can shorten long transfers and are easily arranged. Roads can be slow, so we plan realistic days
- Health & trekking: A yellow fever certificate is required, and antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as is comprehensive travel insurance. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involve hiking on steep, sometimes muddy forest trails at altitude, so reasonable fitness, sturdy waterproof boots, gaiters, a rain jacket and gardening-style gloves are advised. Porters are available and warmly recommended to support local communities
- Permits & wildlife rules: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require permits that are strictly limited and must be booked well in advance; we secure these for you as part of your journey. On a trek you spend a magical, closely regulated hour with the primates, keeping a respectful distance, wearing a mask where required, and following your ranger's guidance at all times. There is a minimum age of 15 for gorilla trekking
- Safety & power: Uganda, the warm and welcoming Pearl of Africa, is a rewarding and generally safe destination for travellers, and we use trusted guides and lodges and follow official guidance at all times. Power is 240V with UK-style type G three-pin plugs, so bring an adapter; lodges in remote areas may run on generators or solar with limited charging hours, so a power bank is useful
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this safari suitable for children, and what age is best?
Yes, this itinerary is designed to be family-friendly. Because it focuses on savanna game drives, boat safaris, safe walking at Lake Mburo and gentle adventures at Jinja rather than gorilla trekking (which has a minimum age of fifteen and involves tough hikes), it suits a wide range of ages, generally from around six upwards, though we happily tailor it for younger or older children. Driving days are kept reasonable, lodges are chosen for their welcome and facilities, and your patient guide keeps children engaged. Let us know your children's ages and we will fine-tune everything.
Can older children or teenagers do the gorilla trek or rafting?
Yes. If you have teenagers aged fifteen or over who are reasonably fit, we can add a gorilla trek in Bwindi as an extension, an unforgettable experience for older children and adults. For rafting at Jinja, the big Grade V rapids have age and safety requirements, but the companies also offer family-friendly floats and calmer stretches suitable for older children, as well as many other gentle activities. We tailor the adventure level to your family's ages, confidence and interests, so everyone has a safe and thrilling time.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary; at remote safari lodges and forest camps most stays are full board, so lunches and dinners are typically included there, while in Entebbe, Kampala and towns we often leave some meals free for you to explore. Ugandan food is fresh and hearty, from grilled tilapia and Nile perch to matoke, groundnut stews, tropical fruit and excellent local coffee, and we recommend the best places to eat at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert English-speaking driver-guide and private 4x4 safari vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and lodge-based options can be arranged if you prefer. Uganda's knowledgeable guides and forest rangers bring the gorillas, chimpanzees, savanna wildlife, birds and rich culture vividly to life, and the private vehicle means you can linger at every sighting.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel, while an East Africa Tourist Visa is available if you are combining Uganda with Kenya and Rwanda. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help arrange the eVisa where needed. A passport valid for at least six months and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required for entry.
Is Uganda safe to visit?
Uganda, warmly known as the Pearl of Africa, is a friendly and generally safe destination for travellers, renowned for the warmth and hospitality of its people, and travel here is rewarding and smooth. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides, rangers and lodges, and follow official guidance at all times. As anywhere, we advise sensible precautions with valuables, and your driver-guide is with you throughout to ensure a safe and relaxed journey.
When is the best time to visit?
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the two dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are generally best for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and game drives, with easier forest trails. The wetter months are lush, green, quieter and beautiful, and fruiting forests can bring primates closer, so they have their own rewards. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether primates, big game, birding or scenery.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of gorillas, chimpanzees, savanna safari, the Nile, mountains and lakes, add nights at Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Bunyonyi or Jinja, include a second gorilla trek or a Rwenzori climb, extend with Rwanda or Kenya, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the Pearl of Africa.
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