Family travel in Uganda and Rwanda with Classic Africa Safaris

Family travel to Uganda and Rwanda with Classic Africa Safaris (CAS) can be wonderful when you understand what activities are available based on age and choose family appropriate accommodations. Most notable is that both countries have age restrictions for primate trekking (chimp trekking in Uganda and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can be done from 12 years of age, while kids can trek gorillas from age 15), so they offer a lot for families with older children. There are also myriad activities for younger children as well. Read on for some advice on family accommodations from CAS.

Two highly recommended properties in Uganda include:

Clouds Lodge – offers spacious 2-bedroom family cottages (en suite rooms) and generously discounted child rates (through age 16).

Nile Safari Lodge offers a private villa. An ideal option for larger groups or families, it can accommodate four adults and four children. It has two master bedrooms with a loft including two king size beds, four single beds, a spacious living room and a private terrace with an optional BBQ lunch service by the pool. It has a private swimming pool with a stunning view of the shoe-bill peninsula and a private campfire.

In Rwanda, CAS suggests that families consider the following properties:

Five Volcanoes (mid-range)

Five Volcanoes offers a family suite that features two rooms, both equipped with double beds or twin beds (as desired), and own bathrooms with “rain fall” showers. The rooms are connected by a sitting room with TV and mini bar, wifi, hairdryer, tea & coffee station. The rate for children under 16 is 75% of the adult rate, while infants 3 years and below are free when sharing with 1-2 adults. A baby cot is available on request.

Wilderness Sabyinyo (high-end)

Sabyinyo has one spacious family cottage offering two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared veranda, and cozy up in the evenings around the inviting fireplace in the large sitting area.  Please note, the family cottage is more suitable for older children, as the two individual bedrooms are not interlinked. For families with younger children, we recommend one parent sleeps with the younger child/children. The rate for children under 16 is 65% of the adult rate while infants 3 years and below stay free of charge.

Lodge activities include guided nature and community walks, bird watching, local food (its preparation and guests can enjoy the taste of local food), traditional medicine and medical plants gardening, visiting a local blacksmith and other artisans.

Some suggested activities for kids too young for gorilla or golden monkey trekking include:

A Trip To Twin Lakes

A visit to see Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo is a must on any itinerary. Located between Musanze and the Ugandan border, the Twin Lakes offer magnificent views over the Virunga Volcanoes, while the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect frame around the deep blue waters. Guests can take a gentle walk around one of the lakes, and enjoy wonderful birding. However, due to the steep nature of the landscape, it is often preferable to drive up the small track leading to a lodge tucked away at the top of the hill: the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the glorious vistas.  The Twin Lakes are 45 minutes by car from Sabyinyo, and are reached via a good tarmac road south to Musanze, and then back north towards Cyanika, or via a narrow but picturesque dirt road that follows the contours of the mountain.

Musanze Market

Local markets are the lifeblood of any town and Musanze market is a prime example. Guests will find all sorts of interesting souvenirs and handicrafts, and a wide range of traditional Kitenge fabric.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Experience

Here travelers learn the fascinating story of how one village convinced ex-poachers to turn their backs on poaching. They will visit the traditional residence of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, and try their skill at bow-and-arrow shooting.  Cultural dances and drumming performances are also on offer.  The guided walk takes around an hour and guests are free to take photographs.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus Of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Another very rewarding outing is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was established in 1967 to protect and study gorillas and their habitat, as well as to empower the people in the community.  With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.  In 2022, the organization moved to its first permanent, purpose-built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.  Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near Volcanoes National Park, guests can stop in for a tour, grab a cup of coffee at the Gorilla Café, browse the gift shop and learn more about the gorillas and the important work done to help conserve them. Ask CAS about the activities on offer.

Canoeing river Mukungwa:

Enjoy a gentle and relaxing morning, afternoon or full day guided excursion on these stunning lakes.  Spot abundant birds in the bushes and soak up the tranquility of the water. No experience is needed and it’s suitable for children aged 4 and up.

Buhango Eco park walk:

Despite its small size, this serene forest packs a great deal of biological and cultural significance. Meditative trails cross through towering trees home to a variety of bird and butterfly species. The location is built on an ancient sacred site that was used for coronation rituals of Rwandan kings.