The 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report, a travel industry trend forecast, has established multigenerational travel as a travel niche that has risen in popularity over the last decade is showing no inclination of slowing down. The report also shows that the top travel motivations for 2019 will include exploring new destinations, crossing off bucket list items, seeking authentic experiences, and spending time with loved ones. Tourism Uganda says intrepid families seeking to incorporate all these elements into their next trip should look no further than Uganda. Here is what the country has to offer:
Once-in-a-Lifetime Primate Encounters
Travelers can witness an endangered mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat. Tourism Uganda says coming face-to-face with a silverback in the wild connects humans with animals on a primal level, and human participants often observe interactions amongst these animals that mirror their own family dynamics. The experience is open to those age 15 and older. Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda are $600 per person, with costs going directly to support conservation initiatives. Permits can be arranged through a trusted travel professional or directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority by emailing info@ugandawildlife.org.
Conservation Conversations
Grandparents and parents can teach the younger generation about the importance of conservation at places like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Located off the shore of Entebbe in Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is home to more than 40 orphaned chimpanzees rescued from areas throughout Uganda. Participants can experience what it is like to be a caregiver as they take part in two feedings and assist staff with everything from medical checkups, to research and monitoring, preparing holding areas, and more. Not only does this full-day experience bring visitors up close and personal with these primates, but it provides the opportunity to engage in chimp conservation as proceeds support their continued care. The Caregiver For a Day Experience takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations can be made by emailing reservations@ngambaisland.org.
Children and adults can take part in the Keeper for a Day Program at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center in Entebbe. Participants will spend the day with staff zookeepers participating in hands-on activities such as preparing meals for the animals, cleaning enclosures, and engaging in animal enrichment activities. Advance reservations are required and can be made by emailing info@uwec.ug.
Connecting Kids With Culture
Uganda offers opportunities for families to connect with the country’s people to learn about their centuries-old culture and traditions. From nature hikes led by the Batwa people, Uganda’s original forest inhabitants, in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; to basket weaving lessons and visits to community schools, families can experience first-hand the customs that have been passed down through generations. Basket weaving and community school tours are available at a number of locations throughout Uganda and can be thorough travel professionals or directly through lodges.
Tented Togetherness and Luxurious Lodges
Uganda offers a wide variety of accommodations for a wide range of budgets including lodges in the gorilla highlands to tented camps on the Nile River, community homestays near the national parks, and full-service hotels and boutique properties in Entebbe and Kampala.
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