14-Day Adventure Family Safari with Teens in Uganda

 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.

 

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.

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:

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.

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.

Read more about Paraa Safaari Lodge here.

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

 

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:

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

 

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.