Top 5 Things to Do on a Family Safari in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Also known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is dotted with rich bio diversity. Uganda is known as a major backpacking, camping, road trip, and adventurous destination! No matter your travel style, there is something to draw you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. The country is filled with incredible natural beauty from the Rwenzori Mountains to Scenic Murchison Falls, rainforests to sand beaches etc. Together with friendly and welcoming people, Uganda is a great destination for a family holiday. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Uganda with your family;

Uganda Offers Great Game Viewing Opportunities

Watching wildlife is one of the top adventure activities that travellers with families seek for in Africa. Uganda protects many wild animals within its 10 well protected and fantastic national parks. Some of the best protected game reserves for game viewing include;

• Murchison falls National Park in North Eastern Uganda: This is one of the most scenic national parks – home to the Scenic Murchison Falls. This is the best place to see giraffes, elephants, hippos, antelopes etc
• Lake Mburo National Park, in Western Uganda. This is the closest park to Kampala. Lake Mburo National Park is the best place to see elands and zebras. There are also many Acacia birds within the park.
• Kibale National park, home to 13 primate species! This is the best place to see chimpanzees in their natural home. The park is open all year round and there are 3 sessions for chimpanzee tracking every day.
• Queen Elizabeth national park, Western Uganda. Located on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best place to see tree climbing lions, mongoose, hippos, etc. The park also protects 606 bird species and is a great place to see birds in Uganda.
• Kidepo National Park: Located in North Eastern Uganda, Kidepo is a wonder destination. Experience the wilderness of Kidepo National Park, the only place where you can see cheetahs in their natural home.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place to see Rhinos in Uganda.

Other exciting destinations, Mount Elgon National park, Semuliki National park, Mgahinga National park, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) formerly called the Entebbe Zoo, Pain Upe Game Reserve, and more. These parks and game reserves protect a variety of animals and different tourist activities including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking water activities, bird watching, nature walks, game viewing and many more. Top family adventure that can be done in Uganda’s national parks include game drives, visits to the water falls, mountain climbing, boat cruises or launch cruises, the guided nature walks, foot safaris, as well as bird watching.

Adrenaline Adventures

Uganda offers variety of adrenaline adventures! High on the list of the top adventures that include; white water rafting, mountaineering, bungee jumping, zip lining, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.

The most popular is white water rafting adventures that is carried out along the River Nile in Jinja, Eastern Uganda. During your family safari, you should not miss exploring the eastern part of the country! Within Jinja, you also have an opportunity to visit the Source of the Nile, the world’s second longest river.

Cultural Experiences

On a tour in Uganda, you have an opportunity to interact with the local people! Explore the different cultures of the people of Uganda.  While on your safari to Uganda, you can experience cultural tourism at its best! Meet the very friendly people and engage in different activities that include hunting, milking, preparing food and more. Uganda is a multi-cultural country with a variety of cultures with each having distinct and unique languages, dress code, traditional practices, songs as well as the cultural dances. A cultural safari to Uganda will offer you a chance to adventure and experience the culture at large. Also get a chance to taste the fresh vegetable and fruits that include mangoes, oranges, guavas, cabbages, water melons, as well as spinach.

Visit the Source of the Nile

Uganda is also a home to the true source of the Nile which is the longest river in Africa. The river is found in Jinja, Eastern Uganda and the visitors can spend the whole day enjoying different water activities on the Nile. Some of these activities include; boat cruises, swimming, jet cruising and canoeing. You can even go fishing with your family in the waters of Lake Victoria that is the second largest water lake in the world.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of any safari in Uganda. It’s the main reason why most people travel from their home countries to Uganda. Uganda has two national parks that protect the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

On a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will take nature walks into the tropical rainforests in search of the mountain gorillas. Tracking these beautiful primates within the forest is one of the most thrilling adventures you can ever take in Africa! You will take photos and observe their way of life in the forest. The gorillas share their 95% of their DNA with the humans and meeting them in the wild is a previllege given that there are as few as 900 individuals left in the whole world. Please note that children below 15 years are not allowed to track the gorillas.

Planning to visit Uganda? Learn more about Uganda from the Uganda Guide, a comprehensive online guide with informative tips and advice, things to see, things to do and more.