8-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five
Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ishasha's tree-climbing lions, a Bwindi gorilla trek, Kibale chimps and a rest day at Lake Bunyonyi.
From $3,597 per person
View holiday → UK · Uganda · Serah Foundation
Uganda gorilla trekking holidays from the UK
A Uganda gorilla trekking holiday from the UK is usually 8 to 12 days: an overnight flight from London or Manchester, a gorilla trek in Bwindi, then chimpanzees and a savannah park. We are the operator on the ground in Kampala, so you deal directly with the team that drives, guides and buys your $800 gorilla permit.
Direct with the local operator, no middleman
Solo travellers, couples and small groups
Written quote before you pay anything
What it costs
Uganda gorilla holiday prices from the UK
Our trips are priced in US dollars, as Uganda's park fees are. The USD prices below are the ones on each trip page, and your exact total is quoted in writing.
| Holiday | From, per person (USD) | What the price includes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day gorilla trek, Bwindi | From $1,431 | Gorilla permit, vehicle and guide, 2 nights |
| 5-day chimps, Queen Elizabeth & gorillas | From $2,199 | Lodges, vehicle, guide and park activities as listed |
| 8-day gorillas, chimps & Big Five | From $3,597 | Gorilla and chimp permits, 7 nights |
| 10-day Big Five, chimps & gorillas | From $3,713 | Full circuit including Murchison Falls |
Per person, excluding international flights. USD from-prices are the ones shown on each trip page today; your final quote depends on lodge level, season and group size. Gorilla permit: $800 per person (UWA, 2027). Chimpanzee permits for 2027 are quoted in writing with your trip.
Why Uganda
Why choose Uganda over Rwanda for gorillas
Both countries protect the same mountain gorillas. The difference is cost and what else fits into the trip. Uganda's gorilla permit is $800 for 2027 (Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tariff from 1 January 2027). Rwanda charges $1,500 for foreign visitors (Rwanda Development Board (RDB) booking portal).
For a UK holiday that is usually two weeks or less, the $700 saving per person is the difference between a gorilla-only trip and one that adds Kibale's chimpanzees and Queen Elizabeth's lions.
| Gorilla permit, foreign visitor | Fee (USD) | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda, Bwindi or Mgahinga | $800 (2027) | UWA tariff notice TDO 93/04 | 6 October 2026 |
| Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park | $1,500 | RDB booking portal | 6 October 2026 |
Fees change. We confirm the exact UWA rate for your dates in writing before you pay. Gorilla permit cost 2027 guide → · Uganda vs Rwanda comparison →
Practical info
Planning your holiday from the UK
Flights (indicative)
Main airports: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN). Most routes connect once, for example via Amsterdam, Brussels, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Nairobi, and arrive at Entebbe (EBB) in the morning or evening.
Routes and schedules change, so check before booking. We fit the first day around your arrival time.
Visa
British passport holders need a Uganda tourist visa. Apply on the official Uganda e-visa portal before you travel, and check the FCDO travel advice for Uganda. Last checked 6 October 2026.
Health
Since the Uganda immigration (NCIC) notice of 2 October 2026, Uganda no longer asks for a yellow fever certificate at entry, but vaccination is still advised. Check NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines and malaria tablets. Your GHIC or EHIC does not cover Uganda, so buy travel insurance with medical evacuation.
Best time to travel
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Drier months | June to September, December to February | Firmer forest trails and the busiest permit dates. Book early. |
| Wetter months | March to May, October and November | Greener, quieter parks and muddier trails. Gorilla treks still run. |
| Low-season permit | April, May, November | UWA's $600 low-season rate applies in 2026. We confirm the 2027 rate when you book. |
UK school holidays fall in the busiest permit months, especially late July and August, so book four to six months ahead. Gorilla trekking runs all year. Best time guide →
Holidays
Uganda gorilla holidays for UK travellers
Choose a ready-made holiday or ask us to shape one around your dates. All can be private.
10-Day Big Five, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari
Adds Murchison Falls and the Nile to the gorillas and chimpanzees.
From $3,713 per person
View holiday →5-Day Wildlife, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzees, a Queen Elizabeth game drive and a gorilla trek in under a week.
From $2,199 per person
View holiday →3-Day Gorilla Trek, Bwindi
One full gorilla trekking day in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with an optional Batwa cultural visit on the way back.
From $1,431 per person
View holiday →Travelling as a woman on your own? Our separate women-only journey, Women's Circle on Wheels, 10 to 24 February 2027, is priced €3,500 with the gorilla trek or €3,000 with a guided forest hike.
Every trip starts from the same building blocks: 3-day gorilla trek → · 8-day gorillas, chimps & Big Five → · Gorilla permit cost 2027 → · Send an enquiry →
FAQ
Questions from UK travellers
Can I book as a solo traveller?
Yes. We run private trips for one person, and can tell you about any small group with space on your dates. Women travelling alone can also look at Women's Circle on Wheels.
How far ahead should I book for July or August?
Four to six months for summer and Christmas. UWA sells permits only against full payment, so we buy yours in your name as soon as your deposit clears.
What is the difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation?
Trekking gives you one hour with a habituated family ($800 in 2027). Habituation gives you about four hours with a family still getting used to people; the 2027 habituation rate is quoted in writing when you book. Details in our permit guide.
Which currency do I pay in?
Our quotes are in US dollars, the currency Uganda's park fees use. The payment page explains the deposit, the balance and the ways you can pay.
Do I need a porter on trek day?
We recommend one. Porters are local people licensed by UWA who carry your day pack and help on steep, muddy sections. They are usually paid $15 to $20 directly.
What time is it in Uganda?
Uganda is on UTC+3 all year: 2 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 3 hours ahead in winter. Jet lag is minimal.
Book with confidence
Who you are booking with
- Licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, licence UTB/RTT/TT/2023/100873 (Mwanzo Tours Uganda SMC Limited)
- Locally owned and run from Ntinda, Kampala, with Uganda-born guides who know these parks
- Clear written quote naming lodges, meals and permits before you pay. How deposits and cancellations work
- Read what past guests say on TripAdvisor, SafariBookings and Google, all linked below
Ready to plan your gorilla holiday?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply within 1 business day.