Family Fun in Uganda: Treks, Treasures and Timeless Memories
Our family journey through Uganda, with three teenagers, was more than a safari—it was a feast of the senses and a celebration of landscapes, wildlife, and the incredible people who made it all possible.
Every guide, ranger, porter and and host welcomed us with a kindness that felt like family, and we were embraced by warmth, hospitality and professionalism throughout the trip. Their care and deep knowledge not only made us feel safe but also gave every trek and every moment a richness we’ll never forget.
The adventures themselves were nothing short of extraordinary. We embarked on multiple chimpanzee treks, each one revealing a new side of these intelligent and mischievous primates. Troops played high in the canopy. Others found ourselves face-to-face as they foraged through the forest. Each trek brought its own challenges—terrain, bushy-ness and the movement of the group—but each was deeply rewarding.
The gorilla experiences were the heartbeat of the safari. We trekked through misty forests on two very different days, encountering families at rest, play, or in gentle displays of caring for each other. And then came the rare and remarkable gorilla habituation experience—a chance to spend extended time with a family still adjusting to human presence. Watching their behaviors and interactions unfold in real time was humbling beyond words.
Just when we thought nothing could surpass those moments, we set out for our golden monkey trek. It was fascinating to see them flittering around trees, and to our astonishment, several dozen golden monkeys descended and congregated in a small meadow, darting around us right at our feet with playful abandon. It felt like we had stepped inside a living storybook.
Between these unforgettable encounters, we spent each night to intimate, character-filled lodges like Ndali Lodge, perched with panoramic views over crater lakes, and Chameleon Hill Lodge, with its colorful charm overlooking Lake Mutanda. These boutique lodges were destinations in themselves—warm fireplaces, breathtaking vistas, meals prepared with love and thoughtful attentive service.
Uganda’s landscapes carried us from lush rainforests to sweeping highlands, from serene lakeshores to mist-draped mountains. Each vista seemed painted just for us, and sharing it together as a family added moments of awe and laughter to every step of the journey.
This experience, like every safari, was not simply about wildlife encounters, but about human connections, collaboration and cooperation, the joy of shared discovery, and a deep appreciation for the country’s spectacular beauty. Uganda welcomed us with open arms and gave us memories we will carry for a lifetime.
If you’re dreaming of a primate trekking adventure, we can help you make it a reality.
