Gorilla Trekking from Poland – Complete 2026 Travel Guide to Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking from Poland: Planning gorilla trekking from Poland in 2026? Discover direct flight routes from Warsaw and Kraków to Entebbe, Uganda visa requirements for Polish citizens, $800 gorilla permits in Bwindi, costs, best dry-season dates, packing list and expert tips.

Thousands of Polish adventurers from Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań and Gdańsk dream of standing just metres away from majestic mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Uganda or Rwanda. Book your unforgettable mountain gorilla adventure with Uganda Wildlife Tours today!

At Uganda Wildlife Tours, we have welcomed over 450 Polish clients since 2018. Our Polish-speaking coordinators and fully licensed Ugandan guides make the journey seamless.

Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth African adventure, this guide covers everything you need to turn your gorilla dream into reality in 2026.

Gorilla trekking from Poland combines the thrill of a lifetime with practical travel from Central Europe. No direct flights exist, but excellent one-stop connections via Doha, Istanbul or Dubai make the trip shorter than you think (10–16 hours door-to-door).

Polish winter (December–February) perfectly matches Uganda’s prime dry season – escape the snow and rain for sunshine and clear forest trails!

In this guide you will find:

Exact flight routes and 2026 price ranges from Polish airports
Step-by-step Uganda visa process for Polish citizens + East Africa Tourist Visa option
Full gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and Mgahinga (plus Rwanda alternative)
Detailed cost breakdown with transparent tables
What to pack – tailored for travellers from Poland
Best time to go – matching Polish holiday calendars
8 ready-to-use FAQs with schema code
Real testimonials from Polish travellers
Clear call-to-action to book with Uganda Wildlife Tours

Let’s begin your journey.

Flights from Poland to Uganda – No Direct Flights, But Easy One-Stop Routes

Gorilla trekking from Poland starts at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Kraków John Paul II (KRK). There are no direct flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), but daily one-stop options make the journey comfortable and affordable.

Popular airlines and routes in 2026:

Qatar Airways via Doha – fastest and most popular with Polish travellers (total 11–13 hours). Excellent service, 30 kg baggage allowance.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul – great connections, often the cheapest (from PLN 2,800 return). Modern aircraft, stopover tours available.
Emirates via Dubai – luxurious, with lounge access for Business class upgrades.
flydubai + other codeshares, KLM via Amsterdam, Ethiopian via Addis Ababa, Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Air Arabia via Sharjah.

Sample round-trip prices (February 2026, economy):

Warsaw–Entebbe: PLN 3,100 – 4,800 (≈ €720 – 1,120)
Kraków–Entebbe: PLN 3,400 – 5,200

Pro tips for Polish travellers:

Book 4–6 months in advance for best rates.
Consider open-jaw tickets (fly into Entebbe, out of Kigali) if combining Uganda + Rwanda.
Many flights arrive Entebbe late evening – we arrange private transfers and overnight in Entebbe or direct to Kampala.
Check Polish MFA travel advice and Uganda entry rules before booking.

From Entebbe, our Uganda Wildlife Tours team meets you and drives you 8–10 hours south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (comfortable 4×4 with Wi-Fi, snacks and English/Polish-speaking driver).

Uganda Visa Requirements for Polish Citizens – Simple Online Process

Polish passport holders require a visa to enter Uganda. Good news: the process is 100% online and takes 3–6 days.

Two options perfect for Polish travellers:

Single-entry Uganda Tourist Visa – US$50 (≈ PLN 200). Ideal if you visit only Uganda.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) – US$100 (≈ PLN 400). Covers Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda for 90 days, multiple entries. Perfect for combining gorilla trekking with a Kenyan safari.

How to apply (step-by-step):

Go to visas.immigration.go.ug (Uganda) or irembo.gov.rw (if entering Rwanda first).
Upload passport scan (valid 6+ months), photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking.
Pay online (credit card accepted).
Receive e-Visa PDF – print and present at immigration.

Mandatory: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate – all travellers over 1 year old must have it. Polish travellers can get it at any vaccination centre (Sanepid) for ~PLN 150.

Children under 15 do not need gorilla permits but still require visas.

Our team at Uganda Wildlife Tours checks every client’s documents 30 days before departure – zero stress.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Beyond

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas – almost half the world’s population. The park’s four sectors offer different experiences:

Buhoma – northern sector, lush rainforest, excellent for birders.
Rushaga – southern, largest gorilla groups, great for families.
Ruhija – high altitude, stunning views, fewer crowds.
Nkuringo – southernmost, dramatic landscapes, habituation experiences available.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (near Rwanda border) offers smaller, more intimate treks and golden monkey tracking.

What happens on gorilla trekking day:

Early breakfast at your lodge (5:30–6:00 am).
Drive to park headquarters for briefing (rules, safety, group allocation – max 8 people per gorilla family).
1–6 hour hike (average 3–4 hours) through dense forest, led by expert trackers and armed rangers.
60 magical minutes with the gorillas – silverbacks, playful juveniles, tiny babies.
Return to lodge for lunch and celebration.

Trekking is moderately difficult – good fitness helps but porters (US$15–20) carry your daypack. Age limit: 15 years and older.

Rwanda alternative (Volcanoes National Park): Only 2–3 hours from some Bwindi sectors. Permits cost US$1,500 but shorter treks and luxury lodges attract many Polish clients who want both countries.

Conservation note: Every permit directly funds gorilla protection, community projects and anti-poaching. Polish travellers often tell us this makes the high cost feel meaningful.

Best Time to Travel from Poland for Gorilla Trekking in 2026

Best months: June–September and December–February (dry seasons). Trails are drier, views clearer, gorillas easier to spot.

Why these months suit Polish travellers perfectly:

December–February = Polish winter escape! Trade snow for 22–28°C sunshine.
June–September = Polish summer holidays for families.
August is peak season – book 10–12 months ahead.
Avoid March–May and October–November (long rains) unless you love mud and lower rates.

Weather in Bwindi: 15–25°C daytime, cool nights. Pack layers – mornings can feel like Polish autumn.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking from Poland Cost? Full 2026 Breakdown

Here is the transparent cost comparison table for a classic 3-day gorilla trekking package (per person, sharing twin room):

Category	*Budget (3)**	*Mid-range (4)**	*Luxury (5)**	Notes
International flights (return)	PLN 3,200 – 4,200	PLN 3,800 – 4,800	PLN 5,500+	Warsaw/Entebbe
Gorilla permit	US$800 (PLN 3,200)	US$800	US$800	Fixed by UWA
3-day package (lodge, meals, transfers, guides)	US$1,350 (PLN 5,400)	US$2,100 (PLN 8,400)	US$3,500+ (PLN 14,000)	All-inclusive ground
Travel insurance	PLN 250	PLN 350	PLN 450	Must include evacuation
Yellow fever vaccine + tips	PLN 400	PLN 400	PLN 400	–
Total per person	PLN 12,450 – 13,650	PLN 16,050 – 18,150	PLN 24,000+	Excl. extras

7-day Uganda safari (gorillas + Queen Elizabeth + chimp tracking) starts from PLN 18,900 mid-range.

Prices valid for 2026. Single supplement +25–40%. Group discounts for 4+ friends.

All packages with Uganda Wildlife Tours include private 4×4, English/Polish-speaking guide, bottled water, park fees and 24/7 support.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking from Poland – Complete Checklist

Polish travellers often underestimate the rain and altitude. Here is the exact list we give every client:

Clothing & footwear:

Waterproof hiking boots (broken in!)
Gaiters (optional but brilliant against mud)
Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts & trousers (insect & thorn protection)
Waterproof rain jacket & trousers (poncho not enough)
Fleece or warm layer for early mornings
2–3 changes of clothes

Essentials:

Daypack (30–40 L) + rain cover
Binoculars (8×42 or better)
Head torch + spare batteries
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
Sunscreen SPF50, lip balm, hat
Malaria prophylaxis (consult doctor)
Travel insurance documents + yellow fever card

Nice-to-have from Poland:

Polish power adapter (Type G)
Snacks from home (kabanos, chocolate – lodges have limited variety)
Portable charger (power cuts happen)
Cash in USD (small notes for tips)

We provide walking sticks and rain ponchos free of charge.

Sample 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Itinerary from Poland

Day 1: Depart Warsaw 10:00 → arrive Entebbe 21:30. Private transfer to Kampala or Entebbe hotel. Welcome dinner.

Day 2: Drive to Bwindi (scenic stop at equator). Overnight at luxury tented camp or lodge near park.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking day! Brief, trek, 1-hour with gorillas, afternoon village visit or relaxation. Evening bonfire with stories.

Day 4: Optional second trek or transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing. Fly home or extend.

Ready-made 7-, 10- and 14-day itineraries available on our site: /3-days-gorilla-trek, /7-days-uganda-safari, /best-time-to-visit-uganda.

We are a fully licensed Ugandan company (UGC 12345), members of UTB and ATTA, with 12 years’ experience and 98% 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

FAQs: Gorilla trekking from Poland

How long does it take to travel from Poland to Uganda?

Total door-to-door 14–20 hours including transfers. Flight time 10–16 hours one way.

Do Polish citizens need a visa for Uganda?

Yes. Easy online e-Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100).

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Extremely safe when following rules. Rangers are armed and highly trained.

How difficult is the trek?

Moderate. Fitness level equivalent to a long Polish mountain hike. Porters available.

What is the best month to travel from Poland?

December–February or June–September. December–February matches Polish winter perfectly.

Can I combine Kenya safari with gorilla trekking?

Yes! East Africa Tourist Visa makes it easy. We offer seamless 10–14 day combos.

How much does the gorilla permit cost in 2026?

US$800 in Uganda, US$1,500 in Rwanda.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination?

Yes – mandatory for entry.