Which National Park in Uganda is good for Family with Children? Planning a family safari in Uganda? You’re making an excellent choice! Uganda is not only a land of stunning beauty and wildlife wonders, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families traveling with kids. The parks here offer safe, exciting, and educational experiences that allow children to connect with nature in unforgettable ways.
However, when traveling with young adventurers, not all parks are created equal. Some are better suited for family experiences, offering easier logistics, gentle activities, and excellent wildlife encounters.
So, which national park in Uganda is best for families with kids? Let’s dive in!

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Perfect Family Safari Playground

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out as the top family-friendly park in Uganda — and for very good reasons.

Why Queen Elizabeth National Park?

• Accessibility: Located about a 5-7 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe, the journey is scenic and not too long for kids. You can even break the journey with fun stops at the equator.

• Varied Activities: From thrilling game drives to boat cruises and chimpanzee tracking (easy options in Kyambura Gorge), there’s something for every age group.

• High Wildlife Density: This park is teeming with elephants, buffalo, antelope, hippos, and lions — including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

• Boat Safaris: The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a huge hit with kids — seeing hippos yawning, elephants bathing, and crocodiles lurking is incredibly exciting for young eyes.

• Family-Friendly Lodges: Many lodges here cater to families with large rooms, child-friendly menus, swimming pools, and babysitting services.

Highlights for Kids:

• Spotting animals from the safety of the safari vehicle or boat.

• Visiting the Katwe Salt Lake to learn how salt is harvested.

• Cultural visits to nearby communities where children can dance and drum with local kids.

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines the true excitement of African wildlife with family-friendly comfort and accessibility — a perfect recipe for an unforgettable trip!

2. Lake Mburo National Park – The Best Park for Young Children

If you’re traveling with very young kids (below 5 years), Lake Mburo National Park is ideal.

Why Lake Mburo National Park?

• Short Distance: It’s the closest park to Kampala — only about 3-4 hours’ drive.

• Gentle Activities: Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can walk, bike, and ride horses safely among wildlife. There are no lions roaming freely, which makes these activities possible.

• Safe Wildlife Encounters: Here, children can see zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, and elands at close range without long bumpy drives.

• Boat Trips: The lake offers calm boat rides where families can spot hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds.

Highlights for Kids:

• Horseback safaris to ride close to zebras and antelope.

• Family-friendly nature walks with expert rangers.

• Canoe rides for teens and adventurous families.

Lake Mburo’s smaller size, mild landscape, and gentle adventure activities make it a real gem for families, especially those with toddlers and young children.

3. Murchison Falls National Park – A Family Adventure of a Lifetime

For families with older children (7 years and above), Murchison Falls National Park offers a thrilling mix of wildlife, scenery, and fun.

Why Murchison Falls National Park?

• Diverse Wildlife: Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife — your family will have a great chance to see the “Big Five” (if you add a visit to nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

• Water Adventures: Boat cruises to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls are spectacular and thrilling for kids who love adventure.

• Dramatic Scenery: The powerful waterfalls, wide Nile River, and open savannah provide jaw-dropping views and endless photo opportunities.

Highlights for Kids:

• Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.

• Short family-friendly hikes to the top of the falls (optional but safe).

• Picnic lunches in the wild while spotting wildlife nearby.

Murchison Falls combines traditional safari drives with exciting boat trips and a bit of soft adventure — perfect for curious kids ready for big experiences!

4. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – A Great Addition for Family Fun

Although not a national park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary deserves a special mention for families.

Located conveniently en route to Murchison Falls, Ziwa offers on-foot rhino tracking — a safe and guided experience where kids can observe rhinos at a respectful distance.

Why Ziwa for Families?

• It offers a rare opportunity to see rhinos up close in their natural habitat.

• The walking experience is easy, safe, and suitable for children aged 5 and above.

• It teaches kids about rhino conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.

Many families combine a visit to Ziwa with a trip to Murchison Falls, making the journey even more exciting!

Tips for a Family Safari in Uganda

• Choose Kid-Friendly Lodges: Look for lodges with family tents, pools, kid meals, and play areas. At Kenlink Tours, we ensure the best lodges for all types of travelers as we understand accommodation plays a big role in naturing the trips.

• Plan for Breaks: Include time for swimming, walking, and relaxing so that young kids don’t get too tired from long game drives. During our trips, we make a number of stopovers to allow all clients refresh, take photos, stretch and take  drink or snack and meals.

• Pack Smart: Bring hats, sunscreen, binoculars (even toy ones for young kids!), mosquito repellent, and snacks.

• Consult Your Guide: Choose guides experienced with family safaris — they’ll be patient, engaging, and will tailor the experience to your children’s interests.  You can always talk to our team of your consultants here, Inquire Now

Ugandan guides are known for their friendliness and flexibility, making safaris educational, interactive, and loads of fun for young travelers.

Uganda isn’t just for seasoned travelers — it’s a warm, welcoming, and exciting destination for families too!
Queen Elizabeth National Park shines brightest for family safaris, offering a beautiful balance of wildlife, activities, and comfort. Lake Mburo is perfect for the youngest explorers, while Murchison Falls provides bigger adventures for older children. Add in a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and you have a safari itinerary packed with magic, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to give your children the adventure of a lifetime?
Start planning your Uganda family safari today — the Pearl of Africa is waiting to welcome you with open arms and wild wonders!