Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, offers extraordinary wildlife encounters including mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From the source of the Nile to diverse national parks and vibrant Kampala, Uganda combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Entebbe
Uganda's national zoo in Entebbe houses rescued wildlife including chimpanzees, lions, giraffes, and hippos in spacious naturalistic enclosures. The chimp sanctuary is a particular highlight for children of all ages.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Boat trip to an island sanctuary on Lake Victoria where rescued chimpanzees roam freely. Watch the chimps feed from a boardwalk platform — a thrilling and educational experience that delights children and parents alike.
Duration: Full day (boat trip from Entebbe)
Murchison Falls Boat Safari
Gentle boat cruise from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and over 450 bird species visible from the water. Calm, accessible, and extraordinarily wildlife-rich.
Duration: 3 hours
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Beautiful colonial-era gardens on Lake Victoria with free-roaming Colobus and Red-tailed monkeys, hundreds of bird species, and a lovely lakeshore picnic area. Perfect for a relaxed family morning.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari
Walk on foot with rangers to observe Uganda's only wild white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary. An unforgettable close-range wildlife experience in a safe, guided setting that children find thrilling.
Duration: 1-2 hours walking + 3 hours travel
Ssese Islands Lake Holiday
Ferry to the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria for swimming in the lake, forest walks, and relaxed island life. Much of Uganda's island culture is accessible to families seeking a slower pace.
Duration: 1-3 days
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Speke Resort Munyonyo
Uganda's best family resort on Lake Victoria, 10 km from Kampala. Multiple pools, private beach, water sports, large grounds, and family suites make this the top choice for families visiting Kampala.
Family features: Multiple swimming pools, beach, family suites, kids activities, on-site restaurant
Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe
Family-friendly resort in Entebbe with a large outdoor pool, garden, and lake access. Well-located for UWEC chimp sanctuary and botanical gardens — ideal base for families on their first Uganda night.
Family features: Pool, garden, lake access, proximity to UWEC and botanical gardens
Fairway Hotel, Kampala
Relaxed hotel opposite Uganda Golf Club with pool, generous grounds, and family rooms. Popular with families for its spacious, quiet setting yet easy city access. Good value for Kampala stays.
Family features: Pool, spacious grounds, family rooms, quiet location, parking
Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP
Premier family-friendly safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game-rich peninsula. Family cottages available and junior rangers program for children. Wildlife-watching from the terrace.
Family features: Family cottages, junior rangers program, pool, boat safaris, game drives from lodge gates
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Café Javas (multiple Kampala locations) has children's menus, booster seats, and a relaxed atmosphere — the most family-friendly chain in Uganda
Piato Restaurant in Kampala is loved by families for its excellent pizzas, pasta, and outdoor terrace suitable for children
Ugandan street food (rolex, samosas, tropical fruits) is generally safe and children find it fun to try — good quality at market stalls with high turnover
Hotel restaurants at Serena and Sheraton provide high chairs and children's menus but are more expensive
Pack snacks for long safari drives — food at park lodges is good but stops for snacks are infrequent
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Gorilla trekking minimum age is 15; chimpanzee tracking minimum age is 12 — plan accordingly for younger children
Book private vehicle hire rather than group transport for families — allows flexibility for toilet stops and rest breaks
Malaria prevention is essential for all family members; start prophylactics before arrival as recommended by your travel doctor
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers including children; ensure vaccinations and yellow cards are in order