Our Wild Uganda Adventure: Gorillas, Safari Thrills & Family Memories in the Heart of Africa

Why We Chose a Luxury Uganda Safari with Abercrombie & Kent

Let’s be honest—when we first told our friends that we were taking our 10-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son on a luxury safari in Uganda, we got some raised eyebrows. “You’re taking your kids to trek with gorillas?!” Yep. And let me tell you—it was the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a family, we love travel that’s equal parts adventure, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. We’ve done theme parks, beach resorts, and even a few European road trips, but this time, we wanted something epic. When we found Abercrombie & Kent’s “Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond” itinerary, we knew it was the perfect mix of wildlife encounters, luxury lodges, and immersive cultural experiences.

From chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, every day brought something exciting, unforgettable, and completely different from anything we had ever done before. And yes, despite a few bug-related freak-outs (mine, not the kids’), we loved every second of it.

We landed in Entebbe, Uganda, and from the moment we stepped off the plane, we knew we were in for something special. Lush greenery, warm smiles, and the feeling of being truly “off the beaten path” set the stage for what would be an incredible journey.

Our first big adventure? Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. Now, I’ll admit—I thought the kids might lose interest after an hour of hiking through the rainforest. Nope. The moment we spotted a family of wild chimpanzees swinging through the trees, we were all in awe. Watching them groom each other, play, and call out in the dense jungle was like stepping into a real-life nature documentary.

That night, we stayed at a luxury lodge deep in the forest, complete with outdoor showers, incredible sunset views, and a five-star dinner under the stars. My husband and I sipped wine while the kids excitedly flipped through our camera roll, already obsessed with their first wildlife encounter.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Safari Time!

Next, we headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and let me just say—if your kids have ever wanted to see a real-life Lion King scene, this is the place.

🚙 Game Drive Magic – Within minutes of our first safari drive, we spotted elephants grazing, hippos cooling off in the water, and a pride of lions lounging in the grass. At one point, a giraffe crossed the road right in front of our safari vehicle, and I swear my 10-year-old almost passed out from excitement.

As the sun set over the savanna, we returned to our lodge, where the kids roasted marshmallows over a firepit while our guide told us stories about Uganda’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

The Main Event: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Then came the moment we had all been waiting for—gorilla trekking.

Before our trip, I had worried: Would the kids be able to handle the hike? Would we even see gorillas? Would we get chased by a territorial silverback?! Spoiler: It was absolutely amazing, and nobody got chased.

The trek was challenging but completely doable, and our guides made sure the kids were comfortable, entertained, and excited every step of the way. And then—there they were.

A family of mountain gorillas, just a few feet away from us. A massive silverback sat calmly in the middle, watching over his family while a mother gorilla cuddled her baby. We stood in silent awe as they went about their lives, completely unbothered by our presence.

Watching my kids whisper in amazement, trying not to make a sound as a juvenile gorilla tumbled through the underbrush, was one of the most powerful moments of our lives. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime, soul-stirring experience that we will never, ever forget.

More Than Just Wildlife: Culture & Connection

One of the most unexpected highlights of our trip was the time we spent with the Batwa people, an Indigenous group who have lived in the forests of Uganda for generations.

We learned about their hunting traditions, storytelling, and deep connection to the land. The kids got to try their hand at making fire, shooting a bow and arrow, and learning traditional dances—and, of course, my husband managed to embarrass himself spectacularly by failing miserably at archery.

The experience wasn’t just fun—it was eye-opening. It gave us a new appreciation for Uganda’s culture and history, and it was a beautiful way to connect with the people who call this incredible place home.

Final Thoughts: Why This Was the Ultimate Family Adventure

Uganda completely exceeded our expectations. Every day brought new experiences, jaw-dropping wildlife encounters, and moments of pure wonder. The Abercrombie & Kent experience made it seamless—luxury lodges, expert guides, and perfectly planned experiences that let us fully enjoy every moment.

For families who want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that blends wildlife, culture, and luxury, this is the trip to take. It’s educational, exciting, and deeply rewarding. And yes, even with kids—it was absolutely worth it.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing gorillas in the wild, experiencing an African safari, or showing your kids the world beyond their screens, DO IT. Uganda will stay in our hearts forever.

Ready to Plan Your Own Family Safari Adventure?

If you’re dreaming of a life-changing luxury safari in Uganda, let me help! As a luxury travel expert, I’ll take care of every detail—so you can focus on making incredible memories with your family.

📩 Contact Elevate Global Luxury Travel today, and let’s start planning your Uganda adventure!