How To Travel On A Safari With Children In Uganda

From authentic old villages, spacious national parks, and opportunities to go gorilla trekking, it’s no wonder why Uganda is one of the most picturesque and beautiful countries in Africa.

However, what really makes it special is its wildlife, which can be appreciated by going on a safari! Besides the famous Big Five animals — lions, leopards, African elephants, cape buffalos, and hippos — visitors also have the chance to see more than 350 other species of monkeys, giraffes, reptiles, wildcats, and so much more. 

Traveling to Uganda and going on a safari requires special preparation (don’t forget to get a Uganda online visa to enter the country), especially if you plan to travel with kids in tow. 

Nevertheless, it’s completely doable — just keep the following tips in mind as you prepare for your unforgettable holiday.

Safari Safety

Although safety is important on any safari trip, it is especially essential when traveling with children. By thinking through all the little things in advance, you can enjoy a stress-free trip.

Perhaps the most important decision you can take when planning a safari trip with kids is finding a company and/or guide with experience catering to children. These companies may modify their safari trips with children in mind (i.e. take more breaks or frequent stops), advise the best child-friendly lodges, or come up with fun activities while driving through the bush.    

When preparing for a safari trip, it is worth packing the essentials. This means taking wide-brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Likewise, clothing should be lightweight yet cover both arms and legs in order to avoid sunburns and pesky insects like mosquitoes. 

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to assemble a small first aid kit and keep it with you during your holiday in Uganda. Be sure to pack the essentials, such as pills for stomach pain and nausea (especially for those long car trips), band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, and antiseptic wipes. 

What To Pack For A Safari

Once you have the essentials packed, it’s also a good idea to create a backpack to carry around during safari trips. 

Of course, one of the most important things to take with you is snacks and plenty of water (especially if you’re visiting during the warm season!). Children are more susceptible to dehydration because they have smaller bodies and, therefore, less water reserves. Make sure to check for warning signs of dehydration and offer your kids water every hour or so. 

Some ideas for food include small pieces of fruits, sandwiches, and finger food (packs of crackers or snacks).

Younger children can become moody or get bored easily, so it’s best to be prepared in advance. Be sure to pack your child’s favorite toy or book in your backpack for those times when they need a quick distraction. 

Another fun idea (especially for kids and older children) is to come up with a game: count the number of animals, trees, or birds that they see while driving through the park.

If you are traveling to Uganda with very young children, don’t forget a durable baby carrier. 

What Age Can Children Go On A Safari?

 For many families who are going on a safari, one of the most common questions is, at what age can children be taken on a safari? 

The answer: It all depends! There are a number of factors that influence this decision, from the parks and bushes that you’ll be visiting the activities you’ll be doing. Before booking a holiday, it’s best to check the age restrictions of the places that you plan to visit, as different places have different age minimums depending on the complexity of the tour. 

As a rule of thumb, the best age for kids to go on a regular safari is from eight years old and up. At this age, the child will understand everything going on and enjoy the safari with interest, awareness, and curiosity. 

However, that’s not to say that little ones will be bored. If your child is younger, you can try to prepare them for the safari in advance by watching films with and reading books about the animals. That way, when they’re on safari, they’ll be able to recognize the furry friends that they’ve already learned about!

Guided Safari For Children

Last but certainly not least, it’s worth looking into special ‘safari nannies.’ 

The best option for a memorable and comfortable safari in Uganda is to choose a tour with a designated children’s guide. 

Some safari companies have special entertainment programs for children and tour guides who are trained to exclusively watch and entertain kids during the safari. 

Typically, these ‘safari nannies’ will play various games with kids while telling them about the nearby animals and fun facts in a way that children can easily understand. In addition to the fact that the child will be busy, another plus is that the nanny will look after the child while the parents enjoy their safari trip.