28 Mar Planning a Family Safari with Mixed Interests? Discover Uganda and Rwanda
If the school holidays are looming and you’re looking for a family holiday or multi-generational trip that inspires everyone, then we’d love to introduce you to Uganda and Rwanda.
There’s so much magic waiting in these beautiful countries. We’re proud to create adventures that the whole family will reminisce about for years to come. This month we’re sharing a few ideas to inspire your next family adventure.
If you’re ready to create unforgettable memories, drop us an email or schedule a call with us.
River Nile Adventures: From Grade 5 Rapids to Gentle Kayaking
Let’s start with Jinja, the Adventure Capital of East Africa. There’s plenty of fun to be had for kids and adults alike. If you’re a family of thrill-seekers, why not take on Grade 5 white-water rapids on the River Nile? With international safety standards in place, this activity is perfect for adventurous children aged 14 and over, with alternative options available for younger family members.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, a gentle kayak along the riverbanks offers the chance to spot monkeys and beautiful birdlife. From bungee jumping and quad biking to cycling, horse riding, and community walks, there’s no shortage of activities in Jinja, just let us know what suits your family best.
Primate Encounters: Age Limits and Alternatives for Young Explorers
One of the main reasons people visit Uganda and Rwanda is to see the primates! Both countries are home to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees; however, guests must be aged 15+ to track gorillas and 12+ to track chimpanzees.
But don’t let that put you off! There are plenty of other incredible primate species for young explorers to discover, including golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. These fascinating primates can be spotted on thrilling game drives and breathtaking rainforest walks.
Beyond the Vehicle: Walking Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo may be Uganda’s smallest savannah park, but it’s rich in biodiversity and lush scenery. The park is a brilliant location for a safari, and what better way to explore the park than on foot?
Here, you can get out of the vehicle and explore the park with a park ranger. Imagine walking amongst giraffes, zebras, and antelope as they graze in the wilderness. Or how about exploring the savannah on horseback or by bike? Whatever you choose, it’s an unforgettable way to immerse the whole family in nature.
Bridging the Age Gap: Customising Adventures for Multi-Generational Trips
Like any family, there will always be mixed interests. That’s exactly why we offer some concurrent visits, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For example, while older family members track gorillas, youngsters can visit local women’s group, Ride 4 A Woman, and learn how to prepare local food, make crafts and join in traditional cultural dancing.
Options are available in most locations, so once we know clients’ interests we can design a bespoke itinerary to suit the whole family. Just complete our enquiry formand we’ll send you a draft itinerary to get the ball rolling.
Lodge Life: Bushcraft, Swimming Pools, and Child-Friendly Activities
Some lodges cater to younger family members by offering special activities for children. Mihingo Lodge, for instance, offers kid’s bushcraft, encouraging children to interact with the environment and learn about the bush and its wildlife.
Many lodges also offer something fun: a swimming pool! Adults can relax and read a book by the water, while the kids splash around in the sun between morning and evening game drives, or cool off at the end of a hot day.
Hands-On Culture: Engaging Community and Conservation Experiences
Speaking of activities children can enjoy, we have lots of exciting hands-on activities that will spark children’s curiosity.
The whole family will love experiences such as prepping local food, getting creative with crafts like bark cloth making, or heading out to a farm visit for seasonal harvesting of mangoes and turning them into fresh juice. You could even try picking coffee cherries at the coffee farm.
There’s also the opportunity to visit a local school and meet the children. Or how about giving back to the environment by planting trees together? Let us know what activities you’re interested in, and we’ll arrange an itinerary full of fun.
Where to Stay as a Family
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then you’re in luck. Uganda and Rwanda both offer a wide range of stunning and comfortable accommodations with different types of rooms to suit your family. From family cottages with shared living spaces to interconnecting rooms and triples, we’ll arrange the perfect setup for your group.
If you need a child-free hour or two and you’d like to stay up a little longer in the bar and enjoy a drink, some lodges even offer a babysitting service to ensure your kids are always supervised. Get in touch to find the perfect place to stay.
Let’s Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re travelling with little ones, teenagers, or multiple generations, we specialise in designing bespoke itineraries that make everyone happy.
Chat to us and tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you plan your next family adventure.