Updated
From the USA, gorilla trekking in Uganda means one-stop flights of roughly 18–24 hours to Entebbe, usually via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines, Doha on Qatar Airways, Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, Dubai on Emirates, Nairobi on Kenya Airways, or a European hub.
Uganda is 7 hours ahead of the East Coast in summer (8 in winter) and 10–11 hours ahead of the West Coast, so allow at least one night to recover before the trek. US citizens need a visa and a yellow fever certificate. Most Americans plan 7–12 days on the ground, combining gorillas with chimps and a savanna park.
Flights from the United States
There are no non-stop flights from the US to Uganda. Ethiopian Airlines connects Washington Dulles, Newark, Chicago, Atlanta and other cities with Entebbe via Addis Ababa and is often good value. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines connect many US cities through Doha, Dubai and Istanbul. Kenya Airways flies from New York to Nairobi, with a short onward flight.
European airlines connect via Brussels, Amsterdam or other hubs. From the West Coast, expect longer journeys and often two connections. If your gorilla permit is for southern Bwindi, flying into Kigali in Rwanda is worth comparing. See our guides to airlines to Entebbe and the cheapest flights to Uganda.
Jet lag and timing
Uganda is on East Africa Time (UTC+3) all year. Most flights from the US arrive in Entebbe at night or early in the morning, so plan a first night near the airport, then travel west by road or a domestic flight. Do not trek the day after landing. Going east, many travellers find the first two nights the hardest; a gentle day helps. See our guide to jet lag and gorilla trekking.
Visa, health and travel advice
US citizens need a Uganda e-visa (US$50 single entry) or the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) if also visiting Rwanda or Kenya, applied for online; see our guide to the Uganda e-visa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, and malaria tablets and routine travel vaccines are recommended.
In 2026, during an Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the wider region, the US State Department raised its advice for Uganda to its highest level, and returning travellers faced health screening. Uganda’s outbreak was declared over later in the year, but check the current State Department level, CDC guidance and your insurance terms before booking and again before you fly.
Costs
Return economy flights from the US typically cost roughly US$1,200–2,000, more in summer and over the holidays. The gorilla permit is US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. A mid-range week on the ground with lodges, a private vehicle and driver-guide, park fees and activities typically adds several thousand dollars per person, depending on the season and lodges. Allow for tips, travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, and visa fees. See our guide to the Uganda gorilla permit.
How long to go for
Given the long flights, a week on the ground is a sensible minimum, and 10–12 days lets you add Kibale’s chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park and a relaxing finish at Lake Bunyonyi. Our 7-day itinerary and 12-day itinerary show how. Book the gorilla permit first, then lodges and flights.
Frequently asked questions
No. All routes have at least one stop, commonly Addis Ababa, Doha, Istanbul, Dubai or Nairobi.
Yes. Apply online for a Uganda e-visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa before travelling.
Uganda is 7 hours ahead in the US summer and 8 hours ahead in winter.
Check the current State Department advisory and CDC guidance before booking, as levels changed during the 2026 Ebola outbreak.
