Family Adventure in Uganda

Quick Facts

Days

10

Takes you to

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls National Park, Jinja, Uganda Wildlife Educational Center, Ngamba Island and Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Family Adventure in Uganda

Create unforgettable memories on this 10-day family journey through Uganda’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and wildlife-rich parks. Designed with families in mind, this adventure blends fun, education, and relaxation — all while supporting local communities and conservation.

From witnessing the thunderous power of Murchison Falls to floating along the Nile in Jinja and meeting rescued chimpanzees on Ngamba Island, each day brings exciting experiences for all ages. Stay in thoughtfully selected luxury lodges that prioritize sustainability and community empowerment, ensuring your journey makes a positive impact.

Perfect for curious young explorers and adventurous parents alike, this safari is a joyful blend of discovery, connection, and quality time in the heart of the Pearl of Africa.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Murchison Falls: Witness the explosive beauty of the falls and spot Big Game.
Jinja Adventures: Enjoy family float rafting and thrilling quad biking.
Ngamba Island: See rescued chimpanzees during feeding sessions.
Educational and Fun: Engage in activities that are both thrilling and informative, perfect for family learning and bonding.
Wildlife Encounters: Experience Uganda’s rich biodiversity and get up close with some of the world’s most magnificent animals.
Community Impact: Support local communities and conservation efforts through your choice of family-friendly accommodations and activities.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay at the start of your Family Adventure in Uganda

Meal Plan: Dinner | Accommodation: Lepetit Village | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary–Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast at 7:00 am, begin your journey north to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam. Established in 1998, the sanctuary is dedicated to reintroducing rhinos to Uganda's protected areas and educating local communities on conservation, poaching, and protecting these endangered species.

Head out for an exciting rhino trek, lasting 1-2 hours, offering a rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close. Enjoy lunch before continuing to your place of stay for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

After breakfast, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, giving you a greater chance of seeing animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and different species of birds.

In the afternoon, you have a boat trip to the base of the falls. Look out for the Nile crocodile, hippos, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species at the bottom of the falls, an amazing scenic view of the Nile awaits you as well before returning to the lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 4: Top of the Falls and Evening Game Drive

After a relaxed breakfast, head out to the summit of Murchison Falls, where you are rewarded with spectacular views of the powerful waterfall as it plunges into the narrow gorge below. The sight and sound of the rushing water create an unforgettable moment at this breathtaking natural wonder. Head back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

In the evening, the game drive promises an unforgettable safari experience filled with wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and the magic of an African sunset. Look out for games such as hyenas, leopards, and owls, among others, on the 10-day Family Adventure Uganda.

Alternative Activity- You may have a Community Walk. After visiting the top of the falls, you may go out with a guide from the lodge to show you their village, home, and way of life. This walk can take between 2-3 hrs.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 5: Murchison Falls Park - Kampala

Departing from Murchison Falls National Park, your journey to Jinja offers a captivating blend of scenic landscapes and cultural encounters. The route takes you through rolling savannahs, lush farmlands, and small trading centers bustling with local life.

As you travel, you'll pass through the vibrant town of Nakasongola and cross the mighty River Nile at Karuma Falls, where the river surges dramatically through narrow gorges. Continuing on the smooth Kampala-Gulu highway, you'll reach Uganda’s capital, Kampala, in early afternoon for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lepetit Village | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 7: Kampala - Jinja, the Adrenaline Capital of Uganda

After breakfast, head to Jinja, arriving in time for relaxation and thereafter have a relaxed lunch. After lunch, head out for a slow-paced Boat Cruise along the Source of the Nil, taking in the cool breeze and looking out for some birds such as the African Eagle, kingfisher, monitor lizards, and otters. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: The Haven Eco River Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 8: Rafting on the White Nile and Quad Biking

After breakfast, this day is all about adrenaline-pumping activities! Brace yourselves for a morning of family float whitewater rafting on the Nile – an exhilarating experience suitable for all ages. Thereafter, head out for a Quad Biking Session. Kids have the option of riding with their Parents or on their own using carefully designed and supervised circuits with skilled guides.

Adults can have the option of embarking on Explorer Safaris, River Nile Safaris, visiting the local communities, farmers, and areas of forest on this trip, besides the River Nile.

Alternative Activities.

Horseback Riding ( Pony Rides) for Kids and Advanced Rides for Adults. The ride takes in mostly the rural areas and the section along the Nile. There are options for short circuits on this ride; no one is expected to go faster than they feel comfortable.

Mountain Biking Adventure: Hop on a mountain bike and ride through the nearby village and forest. Marvel at the diverse tree species along the way. You can set off independently or join a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the region’s crops and provide a glimpse into village life.

Guided Village Walk: Take a stroll through local villages and experience a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Observe fish traps in action, watch the fishermen at work in the rapids, and see how the villagers tend their fields.

Bird Watching at the Eco Lodge: For a more tranquil activity, stay close to the lodge and enjoy some birdwatching. The surrounding area is home to a rich variety of bird species.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: The Haven Eco River Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 9: Jinja - Entebbe - Uganda Wildlife Educational Center

After breakfast, head back to Entebbe, arriving in time for lunch at Hotel No. 5 and relaxation in the evening. You may visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, a center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. (Optional activity for the evening)

Learn more about the flora and fauna of Uganda during your day tour as you take in the sights of animals like elephants, lions, leopards, tigers, giraffes, chimpanzees, snakes, birds like the Shoebill Stork, and so many others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel No. 5 | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 10: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Feeding Session - Departure

After breakfast, head to the jetty for a 9:00 am 45-minute boat cruise to Ngamba Island. Upon arrival, visit the sanctuary's visitor center for an introduction to the project, its history, and the resident chimpanzees.

At 11:00 am, enjoy an educational session led by a chimpanzee caregiver and witness the feeding of the chimps from a raised platform along the sanctuary fence. Savor lunch on the island before cruising back to the mainland and returning to the lodge for refreshment before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of the Family Adventure in Uganda.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included in the Family Adventure in Uganda

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
All Nature walks mentioned
Rhino Trekking
All Game Drives
Ngamba Island Visit
Uganda Wildlife Educational Center
Family Float Rafting on the Nile
Quad Biking along the Jinja Surroundings
Boat Cruise on the Source of the Nile
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
English-speaking Guide
Accommodation and Meals
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from the Family Adventure in Uganda

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
Jinja Activities: white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or even quad biking.
Optional activities unless specified as included
Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’s Untamed Beauty

Uganda, aptly named the Pearl of Africa, is a land gifted by Nature. It is located in the Great Lakes Region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and unforgettable adventures. This remarkably diverse country is where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, creating an ecological paradise unlike any other.

Towering over Uganda’s landscapes are the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, while the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, cradle its southern border. Lying in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley, Uganda’s elevated position gives it a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Most of the country sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, with a landscape that is largely flat apart from the forested mountain ranges that often define its borders.

One of Africa’s most water-rich nations, Uganda’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands cover 25% of its surface, keeping the landscape lush and green for most of the year—though the northern region gradually transitions into semi-desert.

Nowhere else on the continent can travelers witness such a rich variety of primates with such ease. From great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—to over a dozen monkey species, Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise. But it’s not just primates that thrive here. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s wonderland, home to rare rainforest specialists and some of Africa’s most sought-after birds.

We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you’ll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.

Entry Requirements:

Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full, clear pages for visas and stamps, and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.

Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.

Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$50). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at least two weeks before your arrival. You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.

Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.

Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commission may issue visas where such commissions are located.

Visa Exempt Countries:

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa:

If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days for USD 100 per visa. For more information, go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.

Money and Currency:

Before you travel, call your credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help to ensure the credit card company won’t flag any of your vacation expenses. ATMs are available in major towns or cities, though at times may not be reliable due to a limited amount of money to be withdrawn.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Major hotels and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard. AMEX and others are not recommended as establishments usually don’t support them. Note that a surcharge of 5% is attached to their usage.
Local Currencies are recommended to use while on safari. There are many forex bureaus and banks in the capital cities and the main towns. Smaller denominations than US$100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange. Notes older than 2010 may not be accepted in the country.
Forex Bureaus are located in major towns or cities and have regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 08:30hrs to 16:00hrs. Saturdays are open from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Traveler’s Cheques may be changed in major towns/cities. American Express cheques are accepted but they do attract a low rate. If you can, forego this option. Note: A purchase receipt and a passport are often asked for by the bank and forex bureaus as proof of ownership.

Health and Medical Information

Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days before your departure; otherwise, you won’t obtain a visa. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. On top of that, it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A, and malaria. Some organizations may advise you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B, and Rabies as well. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Travel Insurance on tour

It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your entire trip duration and the activities you plan to undertake, such as wildlife viewing and adventure sports.

Flights & Getting Around

If you need assistance with flight bookings, Travelers Link Africa offers an in-flight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!

What to do.

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes