Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Canada – Costs, Permits, Flights & Safari Guide
A Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Canada adventure is the perfect opportunity to travel from North America to the heart of Africa and experience mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: trekking through ancient rainforest in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Your adventure can also be combined with chimpanzee trekking, savannah game drives, boat safaris and cultural experiences.
At Jomert Gorilla Safaris, we organize private and tailor-made Uganda gorilla trekking safaris for travelers from Canada, including airport pickup, accommodation, transportation, gorilla permits, professional guides and other safari activities.
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking from Canada?
Uganda is ideal for Canadian travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking with a complete African safari.
Your trip can include:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- Lions, elephants and buffaloes in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Rhino tracking
- Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Local community and cultural experiences
- Birdwatching and forest walks
Instead of visiting Uganda only for gorillas, you can turn your trip into a 7–14 day African adventure.
How to Travel from Canada to Uganda
Your international arrival airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
There are no direct flights from Canada to Uganda, so travelers normally connect through major international hubs in Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
Depending on your Canadian departure city, possible connection points include:
- Doha
- Dubai
- Istanbul
- Amsterdam
- London
- Addis Ababa
You can begin your journey from cities such as:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Montreal
- Calgary
- Ottawa
Flight schedules change, so your best routing will depend on your departure city and travel dates.
When you arrive at Entebbe, Jomert Gorilla Safaris can meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
How Many Days Do You Need for Uganda Gorilla Trekking?
Because Canada is a long-distance market, we recommend staying long enough to experience more than gorilla trekking alone.
4–5 Days
Ideal for travelers primarily interested in gorilla trekking.
7 Days
Gorilla trekking combined with wildlife.
10 Days
Excellent for combining gorillas, chimpanzees and major wildlife parks.
12–14 Days
Ideal for a comprehensive Uganda safari with additional wildlife and cultural experiences.
Recommended 10-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Canada
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your Jomert Gorilla Safaris representative will meet you.
Transfer to your hotel and relax after your international journey.
Overnight: Entebbe
Day 2 – Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
Begin your Uganda adventure with a drive toward Murchison Falls National Park.
Depending on your arrival and travel schedule, you can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino experience before continuing to the national park.
Overnight: Murchison Falls
Day 3 – Game Drive and Boat Safari
Enjoy an early morning game drive searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and other wildlife.
In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls.
Overnight: Murchison Falls
Day 4 – Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Travel south toward Kibale Forest National Park.
Enjoy Uganda’s changing scenery as you pass through local communities, farms and beautiful countryside.
Overnight: Kibale
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland
Start the day with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland for a guided nature and community experience, with opportunities to see primates and numerous bird species.
Overnight: Kibale
Day 6 – Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to your lodge.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Day 7 – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Enjoy a morning game drive looking for elephants, buffaloes, lions and other wildlife.
Later, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
Travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey through southwestern Uganda provides spectacular views of rolling hills, forests and local communities.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your Uganda adventure.
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family and the forest conditions.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 10 – Bwindi to Entebbe and Departure
Depending on your international flight schedule, travel toward Entebbe or use a domestic flight option where appropriate.
Your Uganda gorilla safari ends with your departure from Uganda.
Gorilla Permit for Canadian Travelers
Canadian visitors are classified as Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) for Uganda’s wildlife tourism system. UWA’s guidelines define FNR visitors as travelers from outside the East African Community.
The applicable gorilla permit price should always be confirmed for your trekking date because UWA has published tariff changes for 2026–2027.
Gorilla permits are limited, so we recommend reserving your permit as early as possible, particularly if you are traveling during a popular season.
UWA guidelines also state that the minimum age for gorilla tracking and viewing is 15 years.
For Canadian travelers, permits are normally arranged through a licensed Uganda tour operator. UWA specifically advises foreign non-residents to use licensed tour operators when purchasing gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Uganda Tourist Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canadian passport holders should obtain a Uganda tourist visa online before traveling.
Uganda Immigration currently lists the single-entry tourist visa at USD 50 and states that it can be granted for tourism for up to three months.
The application requires documents such as:
- Passport bio-data page
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Recent passport photograph
- Travel itinerary
- Tour plan
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Uganda Immigration states that travelers should apply online and obtain their visa approval before traveling.
Official Uganda Immigration:
Uganda Tourist Visa Information
What Should Canadian Travelers Bring?
For a gorilla trekking safari, we recommend packing:
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- Long hiking trousers
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Gardening-style gloves for the trek
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Small day backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Copies of important travel documents
The Bwindi rainforest can be wet and muddy, so suitable hiking footwear and rain protection are particularly important.
How Much Does Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Canada Cost?
The final safari price depends on:
- Number of travelers
- Number of days
- Gorilla permit
- Accommodation category
- Safari vehicle
- Chimpanzee permit
- Domestic flights
- Park activities
- Travel season
Jomert Gorilla Safaris offers:
Budget | Mid-range | Luxury
International flights from Canada are normally quoted separately because airfare depends on your departure city, airline and travel dates.
We can create a personalized quotation according to your preferred budget.
What Is Included in a Jomert Gorilla Safari?
Depending on your selected package, your safari can include:
- Entebbe airport pickup
- Private safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Accommodation
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- National park fees
- Game drives
- Boat safaris
- Drinking water
- Airport transfers
- Community experiences
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses can be excluded unless specifically included in your quotation.
Why Book Your Gorilla Safari with Jomert Gorilla Safaris?
Uganda-Based Safari Company
Our team is based in Uganda and understands the country’s national parks, roads, lodges and trekking areas.
Gorilla Trekking Specialists
Gorilla trekking is one of our core safari experiences, and we can help coordinate the permits and logistics required for your trek.
Tailor-Made Itineraries
We design your safari around your preferred dates, interests, accommodation level and budget.
Private Safari Experience
Couples, families and small groups can travel privately with their own safari vehicle and guide.
Airport Pickup
After your long journey from Canada, our team can meet you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Local Support
Our team remains available throughout your safari to help ensure that your journey runs smoothly.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is open to visitors throughout the year.
The generally drier periods of June–September and December–February are popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.
The wetter seasons can also offer rewarding experiences, with lush forests, beautiful scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
For gorilla trekking, we recommend selecting your dates according to permit availability, your preferred itinerary and your travel priorities.
Can Canadians Combine Uganda with Other African Countries?
Yes. A Uganda gorilla trekking safari can be combined with several East African destinations.
Uganda + Kenya
Gorilla trekking in Uganda followed by the Masai Mara for a classic savannah safari.
Uganda + Tanzania
Combine gorillas with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Uganda + Rwanda
Experience gorilla trekking and explore both Uganda and Rwanda.
Uganda + Botswana
Combine the mountain gorillas of Uganda with the Okavango Delta, Moremi or Chobe.
Uganda + Victoria Falls
Combine gorilla trekking with one of Africa’s most famous natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Uganda?
Yes. Canadian travelers should apply for the appropriate Uganda visa online before traveling. The standard single-entry tourist visa is currently listed at USD 50.
Where do I fly to?
Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
How many days should I spend in Uganda?
For gorilla trekking combined with wildlife, we recommend 7–12 days.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
UWA’s current guidelines state that the minimum age for gorilla tracking and viewing is 15 years.
Is gorilla trekking physically difficult?
The difficulty varies depending on the gorilla family’s location, terrain and weather. Treks can involve steep, muddy and uneven forest terrain.
Can I combine gorillas with chimpanzees?
Yes. Kibale Forest is an excellent addition to a gorilla trekking itinerary.
Can I travel privately?
Yes. Jomert Gorilla Safaris specializes in private and tailor-made safaris.
Should I book my gorilla permit early?
Yes. Gorilla permits are limited, and early booking gives you a better chance of securing your preferred trekking date.
Start Planning Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Canada
Your journey from Canada to Uganda can become an unforgettable African adventure — from the ancient forests of Bwindi to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and the chimpanzee-rich forests of Kibale.
Whether you are planning a short gorilla trekking holiday, a 10-day Uganda safari or a longer East African adventure, Jomert Gorilla Safaris can create a private itinerary around your dates, interests and budget.
Start planning your Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Canada with Jomert Gorilla Safaris and experience the mountain gorillas, wildlife, landscapes and culture of the Pearl of Africa.