That depends on the family. Uganda may not fit the mold of a conventional holiday destination, as it lacks swimming beaches, amusement parks, and resort-style hotels. Yet it offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous families who love the outdoors and wildlife.
Imagine taking your children to track wild gorillas or chimps, coming face-to-face with these extraordinary creatures in their lush forest home. Or sharing a game drive in search of the giant African elephants and tree-climbing lions. Or enjoying a boat trip on a timeless tropical waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Uganda is not for everyone—if your children would rather spend their time in a mall than on a nature trail, it may not be ideal. But for families open to adventure and wildlife, a Uganda safari can be the trip of a lifetime.
There are two fixed age restrictions relating to travel in Uganda with kids: children under 15 cannot track mountain gorillas, and children under 12 cannot track chimpanzees. In some cases, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) may allow exceptions for kids just a few months short of the required age, but paperwork must be completed in advance.
Most lodges and camps welcome children of all ages, though some—mainly luxury lodges—have their own minimum age rules, usually ranging from 4 to 12 years old.
Beyond these rules, children of any age can go on safari, though older children generally enjoy it more. Preschoolers often have trouble concentrating and may find game drives less engaging. For children aged 6–10, enjoyment depends on their interests and patience. Most children over 10 are fascinated by wildlife and love the safari experience, though every child is different.
Children prone to tantrums, whining, or fussiness may struggle on safari, especially during group activities with non-family members. For any child, it’s wise to keep a first African safari under 7 days and consider a private tour for a more comfortable experience.
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If everyone is old enough for mountain gorilla trekking, the two main parks are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the far southwest.
You need at least 3 days to trek in one of these parks if you are starting from Kampala or nearby Entebbe International Airport. Many families spend longer in the area and combine gorilla trekking with a more traditional safari in Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and more. Families can also go chimp trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kibale National Park, or Kyambura Gorge.
If your children are too young for gorilla trekking, a good option is Murchison Falls National Park. It has four of the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant (no rhinos)—and offers a mix of game drives and boat safaris. You can also combine Murchison Falls with chimp trekking in Budongo Forest and a visit to see white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
Uganda is generally safe for travelers. In most tourist areas, there is little to worry about. The main exception is Kampala, the capital, which has crime levels similar to any big city. The main health concern is malaria, especially for children under 4 and breastfeeding mothers who cannot take malaria medicine.
There have been occasional, very local Ebola outbreaks, but the risk to regular travelers is extremely low. Wildlife is usually not dangerous, but parents should be careful with young children at camps and lodges in national parks.
On game drives and boat safaris, children are generally safe. If you go gorilla trekking or hiking, it is very important that you and your children follow your guides’ instructions at all times.
Even wildlife-loving children can get bored on long drives between parks, so bring plenty of distractions such as tablets, games, toys, or snacks. If your children use a tablet, remember that internet access will often be limited, so download shows and games in advance. Bring binoculars so your children can enjoy wildlife up close. You might also consider an African wildlife checklist or bird and mammal field guides to keep them engaged during game drives and boat trips. Other essential safari items for children are similar to adults: sunscreen, insect repellent, warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat.
