Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and thrilling adventures. This 7-day family safari in Uganda is designed to offer an unforgettable experience for all ages. From encountering majestic gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to exploring the source of the Nile in Jinja and spotting the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park, every day of this trip is filled with excitement and wonder.
As you land at Entebbe International Airport, the fresh breeze from Lake Victoria welcomes you to the beauty of Uganda. Our team will meet and greet you at the airport, ensuring a smooth transfer to your hotel in Entebbe.
Depending on your arrival time, you have the option to unwind and explore some of the beautiful beaches around Entebbe. A visit to the Botanical Gardens is an ideal way to start your Ugandan adventure. Located right on the edge of Lake Victoria, the gardens offer serene walking trails, exotic plants, and vibrant birdlife, making it a perfect introduction to Uganda’s natural beauty.
Alternatively, you could choose to relax on one of the many sandy beaches along the lake, such as Aero Beach or Lido Beach. These spots offer a tranquil environment where you can enjoy the sunset and a family picnic.
After your relaxation, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll hit the road for a scenic drive to Jinja, located about 80 km east of Kampala. Jinja is not only famous for being the source of the Nile but also for its exciting adventure activities. This is a perfect family destination for fun and thrills.
One of the highlights of this day is tubing on the Nile. This activity is safe and suitable for all ages, as you float along the calm waters of the world’s longest river. With breathtaking views and an occasional splash, tubing is a refreshing way to explore the Nile. For families seeking more adventure, there are options for white-water rafting as well.
After the tubing experience, you’ll head to the source of the Nile. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride that takes you to the exact spot where the Nile starts its long journey to Egypt. This historical site is a great educational opportunity for children and adults alike, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
In the late afternoon, you’ll drive back to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city, where you’ll spend the night.
On the third day, you’ll embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most renowned wildlife destinations. The drive takes approximately 7 hours, passing through lush green countryside, tea plantations, and traditional villages.
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into your lodge before heading out for an evening game drive. This game drive offers a great opportunity to spot some of the park’s most iconic animals, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly even leopards and lions.
The evening game drive is particularly exciting because it gives you a chance to witness wildlife in a serene, golden-hour setting. With the Rwenzori Mountains as your backdrop, you’ll explore the vast savannah and woodlands, keeping an eye out for grazing animals and predators on the hunt.
The morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an exciting adventure, as the park is teeming with wildlife during the cooler hours of the day. You’ll explore different parts of the park, such as the Kasenyi plains, which are known for lion sightings, and the Mweya peninsula, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
After lunch, you’ll embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is a haven for wildlife. From the boat, you’ll have up-close views of large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and herds of elephants coming to drink. The boat cruise is also a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching, as the channel attracts a diverse array of bird species, including pelicans, kingfishers, and fish eagles.
On day five, you’ll leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and head toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey will take you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. If you’re lucky, you may spot these lions lounging in the branches of large fig trees—a unique sight found in only a few places in the world.
After your safari in Ishasha, you will continue to Bwindi, where you will spend the night in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Day six is the pinnacle of your Ugandan safari: trekking the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. After a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you’ll set out into the dense forest with an experienced guide. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of coming face-to-face with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The hour you spend observing the gorillas will leave you in awe of their gentle nature and close family bonds. This is a transformative moment that creates memories for a lifetime.
After your gorilla trek, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the local Batwa community. The Batwa are the indigenous people of the Bwindi forest, and through their storytelling, traditional dances, and crafts, you’ll gain insight into their unique culture and history. This cultural experience adds another layer of depth to your safari, allowing you to connect with the people of Uganda.
On your final day, you’ll begin the journey back to Entebbe. The drive is long but offers stunning views of Uganda’s rolling hills, banana plantations, and rural landscapes. You’ll have opportunities to stop for lunch and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
Once you arrive in Entebbe, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, concluding your 7-day family safari in Uganda. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the memories of thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Uganda’s people.
This 7-day safari is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture, offering an enriching experience for families seeking to explore the wonders of Uganda.