14-Days on an Experiential Adventurous Family Safari with Teens
Adrenaline Pumping 14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens
14-Day Adventure Family Safari with Teens. Here you have 14 days of no boredom, only the best of adventurous Uganda for your family that will keep your teenagers excited and wanting to return to Uganda for another Adventure Family Safari.
This is an adventure safari that many adults call a trip of a lifetime; wait until you hear the response from your Teens as they discover adventurous Uganda.
Please Note: It is suggested that your Teens be at least 15 years of age to partake in the activities listed in the Safari, such as Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking – for level 5 rafting, it is 16, class 3 – 13 years. However, we can adjust the Itinerary to the age of your children.
Lodging – in some cases, lodges have been picked because they are experiential and are best for your family on a Safari. We like to include lodges with pools, but that is impossible in every case.
14-Day Adventure Family Safari with Teens in Uganda Highlights:
- Gorilla Tracking as a Family:
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest:
- Ziplining in Mabira Forest:
- Whitewater Rafting on the Nile in Jinja:
- Rhino Tracking on Foot:
- Murchison Falls National Park – Nile Boat Safari – Game Drives:
- Rwenzori Mountains Foothill Hike:
- Queen Elizabeth Park – Game Drives – Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel:
- Lake Mburo Park Game Drives- Horseback riding:
14-Day Adventure Family Safari with Teens in Uganda in Detail:
Day 1 – Arrival – 2 Friends Beach Hotel:
Your 14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens begins as you arrive at Entebbe Airport, where our capable – Family Friendly Driver-Guide meets you after you reach the arrival lounge – it takes about 45 minutes to clear the Immigration, Baggage, and Customs.
We take you on a short drive to the 2-Friends Hotel on Lake Victoria with a private sandy beach, swimming pool, and rooms with views of Lake Victoria and the islands.
Activities in Entebbe can be arranged depending on your arrival time in the country. Additionally, lunch and dinner will be arranged by us. It all depends on your arrival time in Uganda.
Your Family will enjoy the beach, the pool, and the meals served at 2-Friends Beach Hotel.
While staying at the 2-Friends Beach Hotel, you can shop at the nearby Victoria Mall, exchange money at a Forex, and use an ATM.
Time permitting, we can arrange a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or a Sunset Boat ride on Lake Victoria.
Meal Plan: Depends on your arrival time in Uganda.
Day 2 – Mabira Rainforest – Jinja:
Mabira Forest Forest Canopy Ziplining
Your 14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens begins. On our way to Jinja, we stop at the Mabira Forest, which is home to the Forest Canopy Zipline Skywalk.
A Peace Corps Volunteer from Washington State in the US constructed the Zip-Line, and most of the equipment was imported from the US. The Ugandan Staff has been well-trained in the sky-walk zip-line, and it has been a safe but thrilling activity. Parents can watch from below while their teens enjoy or parents take part in the activity.
Other activities in Mabira Forest, the only rainforest, include hiking, nature walks, mountain biking, and mangabey monkey tracking.
Source of the Nile Visit:
We continue our journey to Jinja and have lunch at the Sunset Hotel. The hotel is located near the Source of Nile Park.
Here you take the walk down to the Nile River and take a boat ride to Lake Victoria and the exact spot of the source of the Nile.
Haven Eco-River Lodge:
After the visit to the source of the Nile, we continue to the Haven Eco-River Lodge. This lodge overlooks a scenic portion of the Nile. There is even a family cottage where you can stay with your family.
Thi8s is a midrange, family-friendly Lodge. The Lodge is eco-friendly and uses solar light and even rainwater. There is a swimming pool for you to enjoy and you can walk to nearby fishing villages on the banks of the Nile.
The food here has a German touch since the owner is German, including breakfast with delightful cold cuts, cheese, and bread. This is an excellent lodge for your family that introduces them to Africa, including the longest River in the world, the historic River Nile.
Activities at the Lodge:
You can go horseback riding or on a Quad ATV 4-wheel drive outing in the afternoon. Please let us know which activity you would like, if any.
The other choice is to settle in – relax, enjoy the pool, and take walks around the Lodge and River Nile.
Sunset Boat Cruise on the Nile:
You can take a family sunset boat cruise with drinks and snacks on the Nile before dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 3 – White Water Rafting:
Early Breakfast before your White Water Rafting day. This is an adrenaline-pumping adventure for your whole family. You can choose your white water adventure to be from mild to wild.
The white-water rafting adventure is either half or full day. Lunch is provided if you choose full-day rafting.
The rafting companies along the Nile have an excellent safety record and years of experience in Uganda. When you are rafting, there are even rescue Kayaks with people to help you should you take a dip into the Nile.
Before you begin, there is a safety orientation for you so that you know what to expect and how to handle things. Lunch is served on an island on the Nile.
Rafting as a family is the most memorable part of a family discussion for months to come. Videos of your rafting adventure can be bought from the rafting company.
After Rafting, we return to the Haven for an evening of rest, Sunset over the Nile, and Dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 4 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Today we depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Northern Uganda. This is a five-hour drive, and we should arrive there about Lunchtime at Amuka Lodge, where you will spend the night.
The Lodge has a great swimming pool to enjoy after your Rhino Trek on foot. There are other activities that you can participate in besides Rh8ino Trekking.
You can take guided birding, nature walks, and an outing in Lugogo Swamp to see the Shoebill.
Here you stay in a tented cottage with an ensuite bath and a nice deck where you can sit for your morning coffee. Lunch and dinner often consist of Barbecued items like beef or chicken.
Vegetarians and Vegans will feel welcome. Ask for some fried jackfruit which you will love, prepared Ugandan style.
Rhino Trekking on Foot:
This afternoon, track the Rhinos on Foot, which is an excellent experience since you are only about 6 to 10 meters away from the Rhinos. Some of the Rhinos you see will soon be released into Murchison Falls National Park and other locations.
The landscape of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is quite similar to that of Murchison Falls National Park. Some Rhinos are scheduled to release in 2023 into the wild with heavy oversight and protection.
The Rhino Sanctuary Visit has become a highlight on the way to Murchison Falls National, something your family will enjoy. Read more about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary here.
Lugogo Swamp Shoebill Sightings:
In the la ancient Shoebill and other swamp birds. The Shoebill is one of the most sought-after birds in all of Africa. Read more about the shoebill here.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 5 – Murchison Falls Park:
Paraa Safari Lodge overlooking the Nile is an excellent lodge for families with teens.
This morning depart for Murchison Falls Park and Paraa Lodge. You will reach Paraa Lodge at around noon. Paraa Lodge is an excellent upmarket lodge with great food and service – the Breakfast is simply fabulous, with a vast selection to choose from.
Lunches and Dinners are served on the veranda overlooking the River Nile.
You can choose rooms, suites, luxury tents, and the Queen’s Cottage with two bedrooms and baths, a living room, and a view of the River Nile. The Lodge has a great swimming pool for you to enjoy while at Murchison Falls Park.
Importantly – Paraa Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge. That ranges from the menu to the rooms.
Afternoon Game Drive:
Take a late afternoon Game Drive with an Uganda Wildlife Ranger in the vehicle. Both your driver-guide and the ranger know the game tracks you are on and the wildlife you will encounter.
\you will come across large herds of Giraffes, Buffaloes, various kinds of Antelopes, Elephant herds, lions, leopards, warthogs, bushpigs, and many other animals and birds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 6 – Murchison Falls National Park:
Morning Game Drive:
Breakfast at Paraa Lodge and off to our morning game drive. On each game drive, an Uganda Wildlife Ranger joins you, and between your driver-guide and the ranger on board, you will not miss much of the wildlife you will find at Murchison Falls National Park.
Each game drive is about 2 1/2 hours; on each, you may see wildlife you did not see in the previous campaign. The game tracks are about 20 minutes from Paraa Lodge, and you can have Breakfast earlier or after the game drive.
Once again, you might see Lions, Leopards, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, monitor lizards, hippos returning home after grazing all night, savannah birds, and more.
Return to Paraa Lodge after the game drive, where you can have your Breakfast after the game drive, relax along the pool or read a good on your balcony or veranda.
Boat Cruise up the River Nile:
After Lunch, it is the Boat Safari up the River Nile, where you will see lots of wildlife, such as hippos in and out of the water, crocodiles basking in the sun, elephant herds coming to bathe and water along the Nile, antelopes, buffaloes and a multitude of water birds.
Top of the Falls Hike:
At the bottom of the most powerful waterfall in the world, disembark and hike up the site of Murchison Falls with guides.
That in itself is a unique experience since the ground trembles from the force of the falls; you also get refreshed by the mist from the waterfalls.
Return to Paraa Lodge:
At the top of Murchison Falls, you are met by your driver-guide and return to Paraa Lodge after crossing the Nile via the bridge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 7 – Kibale Forest:
Drive to Kibale Forest:
This morning we depart Murchison at 6:30 am. We take the scenic and now shorter route to Kibale Forest along Lake Albert and the Albertine Rift with its views. It will take about five and a half hours to reach Kibale Forest and Crater Lake Safari Lodge for lunch.
Crater Lake Safari Lodge:
The lodge is located on a scenic crater lake. There is a swimming pool for your family to relax and enjoy. The cottages come with ensuite baths, and there is also a deck for you to relax.
Crater Lake Safari Lodge provides excellent service, and the menu will please every member of your family.
The Lodge is only 20 minutes from Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands.
Afternoon Activities:
Enjoy a relaxing time at Crater Lake Lodge. You can boat to the lake, swim in the pool, and have a relaxing afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 8 – Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest:
Kibale Forest is the best Chimpanzee tracking location in East Africa. We have never had a client not see chimpanzees on a trek in Kibale Forest. The trek is about three hours in length.
This is a guided by Ranger’s trek, and you might see up to five other primates on your trek. The Park is also a treating birding and butterfly destination.
/what to wear while Chimpanzee Trekking:
We suggest you wear hiking boots, wool socks, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and a light rain jacket. You will need a daypack, a liter of bottled water, and snacks.
Return to Lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a Jungle Swamp, a UNESCO Su8tainable Eco Site that is a community project. It is a top-rated tourist attraction where you see what a jungle swamp is like. This is a three-hour walk that is mostly on wooden planks. A community leads its guide who knows the birds, primates, and mammals that live here.
During the afternoon, you can often see chimpanzees foraging for food here and other primates. There are no crocodiles or hippos here, but you might see the semiaquatic Sitatunga Antelopes with webbed toes. Most find the jungle swamp walk very interesting and not to be missed.
Nocturnal Forest Walk:
You saw Kibale Forest during the daytime. Now it is time to see the forest at night. Rangers lead you with powerful spotlights allowing you to hear and see the creatures of the night, such as pottos, bush babies, and the cry of the hyrax.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch -Dinner
Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth Park
The scenic Explosion Crater Drive
This morning we drive to the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth Park. Before we check into Kasenyi Safari Camp, we take the Explosion Crater Drive. This is a 27-kilometer drive with 12 craters. Some are lakes, and others are filled with phosphorus, savannah, or forest.
The drive is at the highest spot in the park. You can easily see the Rwenzori Mountains and the Albertine Rift below you, with the savannah, Lake George, and Lake Edward below you. You will see Elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
It is one of the most scenic drives in Uganda and has been featured in National Geographic. The craters go back to when the Egyptians built the pyramids.
The explosion of the craters shaped much of the present park.
Kasenyi Safari Camp
Kasenyi Safari Camp is an upmarket lodge with luxury tents – what makes the Lodge unique is that guests here are not just humans but wildlife. Lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and antelopes all come here.
If you want to see wildlife from a lodge in this area of Queen Elizabeth Park, then Kasenyi Safari Camp is your best choice.
Your room is a large tented cottage with an ensuite bath. You can view the wildlife from your deck and while eating meals at the main lodge.
Kasenyi Safari Camp offers excellent service by well-trained staff. Meals here are a delight and reflect a touch of Africa and Uganda.
Kasenyi Safari Camp is the perfect location for game drives on the Kasenyi Safari Plains. There are no long drive times to the game tracks, including the drive to the start of the Lion Tracking Research.
You will enjoy your stay at the Kasonya Safari Camp in the northern area of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:
In the afternoon, the fabulous Kazinga Channel Wildlife – Birding, Reptile Boat Safari is one of your Queen Elizabeth Park Visit highlights.
Here you can see countless pods of Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, elephant herds, a myriad of birds, monitor lizards, and lions in the late afternoon.
The channel has the highest concentration of hippos in East Africa. There were so many hippos the British Colonial Government had to cull them, and the locals developed a taste for hippos.
This is a natural channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Read more about the Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise here.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 10: – Queen Elizabeth Park – Ishasha:
After Breakfast, we drive to the Ishasha Region of the Park, where we check into the Lodge you have chosen. There is only one luxury Lodge in this more remote portion of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Exclusive:
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an experience in the African Wild in the unvisited part of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda – the Ishasha region of the Park.
Merely a place in the African Bush along the Ntungwe River- up-market luxury staying in en-suite Tented Cottages
Have lunch with elephants and hippos, and listen to the sounds of the African night.
There are restaurant-quality food and world-class service offered in an upmarket style that, with the new tents, is excellent, and you are near the best place in all of Africa for Tree Climbing Lions. Yet, most tourists bypass this significant part of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp – a long Standing Tradition with Luxury Safari Goers.
Game Drive – see the Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
Afternoon Game drive in search of the famed tree-climbing lions who sleep in the fig trees for up to 15 hours a day.
There are about 50 of them here in various pride. You might also see some leopards and many elephants, which have increased vastly in numbers.
The elephants that you see here will be both Savannah and Forest Elephants. Most likely, you will not tell the difference, but forest elephants are hairier, have straight, shorter tusks, are slightly smaller, and have one less toe on each foot. You will also see large herds of buffaloes, Topi, and Uganda Kob antelopes.
Note – If you are staying at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a Sundowner can be arranged in the Bush for you, hosted by Camp Staff reminiscent of the old days in the African Bush. You can also let us know if you would like a traditional Bush Breakfast with a game drive tomorrow.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 11 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Buhoma area
After Breakfast, we depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which, 2019 to CNN Travel, is the “Most Beautiful Place in the World.” It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus CNN Travel called it one of the Top Parks in Arica and one of the Hiking Destinations in the World. Not to be outdone, Lonely Planet names it one of the most unusual Honeymoon Destinations. Besides Gorilla Trekking, it is one of Africa’s Prime Birding Destinations.
It is a five-hour drive to the Buhoma area, requiring we depart at 7:00 am. We arrive at Bwindi Lodge in time for lunch.
Haven Lodge in Buhoma:
Haven Lodge is a small upmarket lodge overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is the perfect lodge for a family with teens. All rooms come with an ensuite bath. You also have a large room with a nice deck.
The Lodge provides excellent service and serves tasty meals for the family.y.
After a Gorilla Trek, you can take advantage of Humula Spa and unwind before having a sundowner on your terrace.
Read more about Bwindi Lodge here.
Activities you can do here besides Gorilla Tracking:
- The Batwa Experience: See the Forest and how the Batwa lived there. This is an interactive, authentic Cultural Encounter with the Batwa, who are today Conservation Refugees.
- Visit the Bwindi Community Hospital: This is one of Uganda’s finest hospitals, dental clinics, and training centers. The hospitable has dramatically increased the life expectancy of the Batwa and other ethnic communities.
- Bike Riding: Go on a guided bike ride with the Ride for a woman project.
- Village Walk: Go on a three-hour guided village walk where you will see various demonstrations of how Banana Beer, a Gin called Waragi, is made. Listen to the traditional healer as he shows you the medicines from the Forest. Visit a school and watch the dance of the Batwa Community.
- Nature Walk: Take a guided nature walk which can include birding in and outside the Park.
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Day 12 – Gorilla Trekking-Your Encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest
is at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Headquarters for the Mountain Gorilla Trekking orientation. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice Page for in-depth information.
Gorilla Wear and Gear you will need:
Here is practical advice about what to wear while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Often Trekkers are not dressed right for the occasion, which can spoil your day, and your focus might not be on the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
Gorilla Wear and Gear:
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside the Daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your Daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Cam
era Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your lunch from the Lodge and two liters of bottled water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and a local walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with the bottled water and facial protective masks required for the actual encounter with the Gentle Giants.
Suggestion: Be sure to pack a sweater or sweatshirt. The temperature here at night is 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
Gorilla Trekking Orientation
The Gorilla Family you are assigned is based on your fitness level, age, and medical condition and is determined by the ranger.
You will be instructed on how to conduct yourself on the trail and in the presence of the Gentle Giants. You can read more about the rules and guidelines here.
Your Encounter with the Gentle Giants:
With the trek in and trek out – the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience is an all-day trek. Not only do you see the Gorillas with only four participants, but you also learn about the Gorillas’ habits and ways from the Gorillas and the Researchers.
You have entered the living room of a Gorilla family. You have more time to see how they interact as a group, and you can see what they eat, how they treat one another, and how the younger ones are taught.
The words of David Attenborough fit as he wrote about his Gorilla Encounter, “Spending time with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat was a profoundly moving experience.”
When you return to the trailhead, your driver-guide will take you back to your Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 13 – Lake Mburo Park – Mihingo Safari Lodge:
After Breakfast, your Safari (journey) begins as we drive you to Lake Mburo National Park. This is a four-hour scenic drive Lake Mburo National Park and Mihingo /safari Lodge.
Mihingo Safari Lodge
We reach Mihingo Safari Lodge, the best Lodge in or around the Park, and it sets the standard for what a luxury tented camp should be like in Uganda. Your room is a private permanent tent covered with a thatched roof, and a lovely verandah gives you a sweeping view of the Park.
The main Lodge has a fabulous swimming pool with a fantastic view of the Park below. Meals that delight the senses are served in the dining room, which also has a breathtaking view of the Park and the saltlick where animals gather, and you can see them.
The Lodge offers wellness services such as a therapeutic massage where you can view the Park.
Activities offered by Mihingo Safari Lodge at extra cost:
Horseback Riding: See Wildlife on horseback. This is the only National Park where you can do so.
Mountain Biking: Take a guided Bike Ride through the Park seeing wildlife while on a bike.
Morning Run: Take a guided morning run in the Park, where the scenery is quite different from what you are used to.
Read more about Mihingo Safari Lodge:
Afternoon and Evening Activities
Wildlife Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
This is ninety-minute Wildlife and birding cruise on Lake Mburo. Here you will see Crocodiles, monitor lizards, and hippos. There are four species of
otters in the lake. Some animals come to water here, including various antelopes and zebras.
Game Drive:
Here you will see herds of zebras, giraffes, the large Elanda antelopes, and the endangered Ankole Cattle owned by pastoralists who live near the Park. They have been given a special dispensation to graze their animals on Parkland. The majestic Ankole Cattle are an endangered species due to crossbreeding, and unless measures are taken, the famed Watusi cattle, as you know, will no longer exist in Uganda.
Nocturnal Game Drive:
Mihingo Lodge takes you on a nocturnal game drive, an out-of-the-ordinary adventure. Here the creatures of the night come out, such as Leopards that you will see, bushbabies, pottos, and at times the not often seen pangolin. The Lodge uses spotlights to eliminate the night, and you can see the game and other creatures, such as birds and owls.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 14 – Entebbe – Departure:
Bike Ride or Horseback Riding through the Park:
14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens comes to an end. Breakfast and another exciting adventure await the family. A Mountain Biking Safari through the Park and seeing the wildlife and scenery from a Bike. Guides will go with you on your bike safari. The Alternative is horseback riding Safari through the park. The choice is yours to make.
Lunch at Mihingo Lodge.
Return to Entebbe – 4 hour plus drive – Lunch at the Equator
Stop at the Equator for picture-taking
Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon
Dinner is Not included in the price
Airport Drop Off and your 14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens come to an end. B – but you have lasting memories.
If you are interested in the 14-day Adventure Family Safari with Teens, don’t hesitate to contact us.
