What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires a minimum age of 15 years for gorilla trekking. This is a strict rule with no exceptions. Children under 15 cannot enter the gorilla trekking area, even if accompanied by parents. We organize engaging alternative activities for younger children.

What do younger children do while parents trek gorillas?

Our team in Buhoma organizes a full day of activities for children: guided nature walks to spot birds and butterflies, a village visit, craft activities with local materials, and time at HopeKitchen meeting local children. Kids are supervised by our experienced staff and always have a great time.

Are the lodges suitable for families with young children?

Yes. We carefully select family-friendly lodges with safe grounds, family rooms or connecting rooms, and kitchens that can prepare familiar foods for picky eaters. Most lodges have gardens where children can play safely. We brief each lodge about your family's needs before arrival.

How much does the family safari cost?

From $2,200 per person based on a family of four sharing. Children under 12 receive a discount. The gorilla trekking permit ($800) is an additional cost for each family member aged 15 and older. Contact us with your family details and we will provide a precise quote.

Is the safari safe for children?

Absolutely. Uganda is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. Game drives are conducted from the safety of a closed vehicle. Lake Bunyonyi is bilharzia-free and safe for swimming. Our driver-guides are experienced with families and prioritize safety at all times. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every family member.

7 days / 6 nights

Uganda Family Safari — 7 Days

An adventure the whole family will remember forever. Game drives, lake fun, gorilla trekking for teens and parents, and activities designed for younger travelers.

Route

EntebbeQueen ElizabethBwindi / BuhomaLake BunyonyiEntebbe

Quick Facts

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Gorilla Trekking

Included for age 15+ (permit $800 extra)

Children's Activities

Guided nature walk, village visit, crafts

Accommodation

Family-friendly Mid-Range

Start Location

Entebbe

End Location

Entebbe

Private Safari

Yes

Best For

Families with children of all ages

Min Age Gorilla Trek

15 years

Community Visit

HopeKitchen, Buhoma

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days.Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct operator information.

About This Tour

Uganda is one of the best family safari destinations in Africa — and this seven-day tour is designed to prove it. We have built this itinerary around what families actually need: a mix of exciting wildlife encounters, comfortable pace, and activities that engage children of all ages.

Parents and teens (15 and older) get to trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, while younger children enjoy guided nature walks, village visits and craft activities in Buhoma with our team. Everyone comes together for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and fun on Lake Bunyonyi — canoeing, swimming and island-hopping.

The HopeKitchen visit in Buhoma is especially meaningful for families. Children meet children, share activities, and see a different way of life. Many families tell us this was the most impactful moment of the trip.

We choose family-friendly lodges with space to run around, safe grounds, and reliable food for picky eaters. Duncan, a father himself, understands what travelling with children requires.

Included

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with experienced, child-friendly driver-guide
6 nights family-friendly accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with children's options available
Drinking water in vehicle
All park entry fees (Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi)
Gorilla trekking permit arrangement for eligible family members (permit fee extra)
Porter hire for gorilla trek
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Children's guided nature walk and village activities in Buhoma
HopeKitchen community visit
Canoe trip on Lake Bunyonyi
Airport pick-up and drop-off

Not Included

Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person aged 15+, paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority)
International flights
Uganda visa ($50 per adult, arranged online before travel)
Travel insurance (required for all family members — must cover gorilla trekking)
Tips for guide, porters and lodge staff
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses and souvenirs

Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Browse lodges along this route on lodgesofuganda.com

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Entebbe & Welcome

Family pick-up from Entebbe airport. Settle into your hotel near Entebbe or Kampala. If arriving early, optional visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) where kids can see rescued animals up close. Evening briefing about the trip ahead. Overnight in Entebbe.

Airport transfer onlyDinner

Day 2

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning drive southwest toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cross the Equator for a photo stop — kids love the Equator line demonstrations. Stop for lunch on the way. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your family-friendly lodge. Optional short evening nature walk around the lodge grounds. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

6–7 hours (with stops)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive — look for lions, elephants, buffalo and Uganda kob. Children are usually thrilled by the close encounters from the safety of the vehicle. Return for lunch. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of the world's best wildlife boat trips. Hippos surface just meters from the boat, elephants drink at the shore, and hundreds of birds fill the air. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

In-park drives onlyBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Transfer to Bwindi — Scenic Drive Through Ishasha

Morning drive south through the Ishasha sector, keeping an eye out for tree-climbing lions in the fig trees. Continue through rolling hills and tea plantations to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in Buhoma and meet the team. Evening at leisure. Overnight near Bwindi.

5–6 hoursBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Gorilla Trekking (15+) & Children's Activities

The big day. Parents and teens aged 15 and older head to UWA headquarters for the gorilla trek briefing and set off into the forest. Younger children stay at the lodge or join a guided nature walk, village visit and craft activities organized by our team in Buhoma. Everyone reunites for a late lunch and story-swapping. Afternoon visit to HopeKitchen — families meet local families and children play together. Dinner at the lodge.

None — trekking dayBreakfast, Packed Lunch (trekkers), Lunch (kids), Dinner

Day 6

Lake Bunyonyi — Canoe, Swim & Island Fun

Relaxed morning. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's most beautiful and bilharzia-free lakes — safe for swimming. Afternoon of canoeing between islands, swimming, and exploring. Kids love the dugout canoes and jumping off the jetty. A peaceful day for the whole family to decompress. Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.

1.5–2 hoursBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Entebbe

Final morning at the lake with time for a last swim or canoe. Depart for Entebbe, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive in Entebbe for your departure flight or hotel. A family adventure that will be talked about for years to come.

7–8 hours (with stops)Breakfast, Lunch

Photos

Uganda Family Safari — 7 Days - Photo 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

“Travelling with kids aged 8 and 16 was seamless. Our teenager was speechless after the gorilla trek, and our younger son had an amazing day with the team in Buhoma — he still talks about the friends he made at HopeKitchen. Duncan thought of everything.”

The Andersson FamilySweden

“We were nervous about taking our three kids to Africa. Within hours, all worries disappeared. The lodges were comfortable, the guide was incredible with the children, and the gorilla trek was life-changing for our two teenagers. Best family vacation we have ever had.”

Maria & John T.United States