Going to Uganda with kids? Big fat YES!
Uganda is green, beautiful, and safe. The people are incredibly friendly and speak excellent English. There’s something for every child – and mum and dad – with an educational lesson around every corner and behind every tree.
Active adventures in Uganda
Uganda is perfect for adventurers – big or small – who want to explore the country in an active way. In Mabira Forest, a lush jungle near the capital Kampala, you can play Tarzan and zip-line between towering trees. The monkeys swing on vines as you zoom past, and you can almost touch the colourful tropical birds. Not far from Mabira Forest, you’ll find the city of
Jinja, where the world’s second-longest river – the Nile – begins. In Jinja, you can raft on the Nile like a true daredevil, go kayaking, bungee jump, or simply swing into the water on a rope!
The Big 5 in Uganda
"Lions! Elephants!" is probably the first thing the kids will shout when you mention Uganda. Indeed, Uganda is teeming with lions, elephants, and hundreds of other species that you can spot in their natural habitat. A visit to
Murchison Falls offers not only the chance to see all kinds of wild animals, but also to witness the roaring and breathtaking waterfall. In Queen Elizabeth, animals can be seen not only from the safari vehicle but also from the boat! Imagine floating past thousands of hippos, elephant families splashing along the shore, and a crocodile working on its tan by the riverbanks. You can also go in search of the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park. Lions lounging high in the trees, something they almost never do anywhere else in the world! The fun part is that during your safari, you’ll have a park ranger in the vehicle who can give you interesting lessons about the animals, as if you’ve stepped into a National Geographic documentary.
Make it the Big 7: mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Going on safari with the kids is a fantastic idea, and Uganda is known for being home to primates like the rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. With special, adventurous hikes through Kibale Forest or
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll set off with a guide to search for our fascinating distant cousins. Just keep in mind that the Gorilla Trekking is for kids aged 15 and above, while the Chimp Trek is for those over 12!
Magical islands in Uganda
Uganda, in addition to jungles, waterfalls, and savannas, also boasts a number of lakes. Some of these lakes have islands. For instance, there’s the magical
Lake Bunyonyi with 29 little islands. It could easily pass for Neverland if pirates and Indians roamed around. Here, however, you’ll find an island with zebras, or islands with eerie stories from the past and traditional healers who can predict the future. You can kayak across the lake in a hollowed-out tree trunk and discover the mysterious, often mist-covered islands.
Prefer the tropical vibes? In Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, lies the Ssese Islands. Think white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water. Sip on exotic mocktails and feast on fresh fish with your feet in the warm sand. On the larger island, Bugala Island, there’s plenty to do: visit local villages, explore a jungle, or check out an ancient shaman’s cave where magic still lingers in the air! You can also take a boat to islands like Banda Island, for the deserted paradise feel. If you venture through the forest, you might find an old castle where you can dine by candlelight like true island kings and queens!
Kampala is definitely worth exploring with kids too!
At first glance,
Kampala might not seem like the most kid-friendly city. The traffic is chaotic, it’s busy, and you need to keep a close eye on your belongings in many places. But as a typical African capital, Kampala is definitely worth discovering. If you look beyond the surface, you’ll find plenty of spots that are fun for the little ones! For instance, Kampala’s green hills are full of swimming pools where kids can splash around. Or head to Kids World Waterpark for a slide adventure. Kampala also has countless charming restaurants and cafes, with beautiful views over the lake and delicious wood-fired pizzas. You can also wander through one of the many markets, from vibrant fruit markets to craft markets where you can pick up gifts for those back home! Read on for more details about all the fun things to do in Kampala.
Learn about Ugandan culture
In addition to learning about the animals, birds, and landscapes, the most important thing is that your kids are experiencing a different culture. So, step out of the bubble of comfy lodges, hot showers, and pizzas, and go for cultural exchange. Try the local food in restaurants with plastic furniture, taste a grasshopper, play football with Ugandan kids from the neighborhood, and pet that pregnant goat. The great thing about Uganda is that most people speak English, so interesting conversations are always possible. How can such a special trip in Uganda make the kids reflect? It could be a fun and thought-provoking topic to bring up at the dinner table the next time you're serving up mashed potatoes!
