Updated
From Amsterdam, KLM is the main airline to Entebbe, with flights of around 9–10 hours that have often been routed via Kigali. Brussels Airlines via Brussels and the Gulf, Turkish and Ethiopian carriers via their hubs are the alternatives. Check the current schedule when booking, as KLM’s Entebbe flights were disrupted in 2026. A mid-range 7–8 day gorilla trip typically costs roughly €3,000–4,500 per person on the ground, plus €650–1,000 for return flights. Dutch citizens need a visa, and Uganda is one or two hours ahead of the Netherlands.
Flights from the Netherlands
KLM has served Entebbe from Schiphol for many years, often on a route that stops in Kigali, and fares typically start around €650–1,000 return in economy. Brussels Airlines flies to Entebbe from Brussels, which is easy to reach by train from the Netherlands. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa offer one-stop connections from Schiphol. Flying into Kigali is also worth comparing if you are trekking in southern Bwindi, 3.5–5 hours from Kigali by road. Our guide to Amsterdam to Entebbe flights compares the options.
In mid-2026, KLM suspended some Entebbe flights after other countries introduced restrictions linked to the Ebola epidemic in Central Africa. Uganda’s own outbreak was declared over in July 2026, but airline schedules and government travel advice can change, so check both before you book and buy flexible tickets where possible.
A 7-day trip
Day 1: fly to Entebbe and stay near the airport. Day 2: drive towards Bwindi with a night at Lake Mburo, or take a scheduled flight to Kihihi or Kisoro. Day 3: arrive at your lodge in the same sector as your permit. Day 4: gorilla trek. Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Days 6–7: return to Entebbe and fly home. With more time, add Kibale for chimpanzees, where the permit costs US$250, rising to US$300 from 1 January 2027, or a second gorilla trek in Rwanda.
What it costs
The gorilla permit costs US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), and the price is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, not the operator. On top of that come lodges (about €150–350 per person per night in mid-range), a private vehicle and driver-guide, park fees, porters at about US$15–20 and tips. Domestic flights add roughly US$300–500 per leg. Many Dutch travellers book through a Dutch tour operator for the protection of the SGR guarantee fund; others book directly with a Ugandan operator, which is often cheaper. See our permit price comparison if you are weighing Uganda against Rwanda.
Visa, health and insurance
Dutch citizens need a visa for Uganda: apply online for a Uganda e-visa (US$50 single entry) or the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) if you are also visiting Rwanda or Kenya. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival. GGD travel clinics offer the vaccine along with advice on malaria tablets and other vaccines; book six to eight weeks ahead. Take out travel insurance that covers trekking and medical evacuation, and check the Dutch government’s travel advice for Uganda. See our guide to vaccinations for Uganda.
Uganda is on East Africa Time, one hour ahead of the Netherlands in summer and two in winter, so jet lag is minimal. Book the gorilla permit first, then a lodge in the same sector, then flights; our guide to booking a gorilla permit explains why.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, KLM serves Entebbe from Amsterdam, often via Kigali, though schedules were disrupted in 2026. Check the current timetable when booking.
Yes. Apply online for a Uganda e-visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa before travelling.
Uganda is one hour ahead in the Dutch summer and two hours ahead in winter.
Roughly €3,000–4,500 per person for a mid-range week on the ground, plus €650–1,000 for flights.
