Spain is one of Europe’s fastest-growing sources of gorilla trekking visitors, and Uganda is the most popular destination for Spanish travellers making this journey for the first time. Uganda’s lower permit cost, larger number of habituated gorilla families, and the wealth of other wildlife — lion, elephant, chimpanzee, and over a thousand bird species — make it exceptional value for a first East Africa safari from Spain.
Plan Your Gorilla Safari
Expert permit bookings, handpicked lodges, and private guides — we handle every detail.
- ✓ Gorilla permit secured — Uganda (USD 700) or Rwanda (USD 1,500)
- ✓ Bwindi or Volcanoes NP lodge confirmed for your dates
- ✓ Airport transfers and 4×4 safari vehicle arranged
- ✓ Porter booked for your trek day
- ✓ 24/7 on-ground support throughout your safari
Getting to Uganda From Spain
There are no direct flights from Spain to Entebbe International Airport. All connections require one stopover. From Madrid Barajas or Barcelona El Prat, the main routing options are:
- Via Amsterdam — KLM operates well-timed connections from both Madrid and Barcelona to Entebbe through Amsterdam Schiphol. This is one of the most popular routings for Spanish travellers.
- Via Brussels — Brussels Airlines connects through Brussels with good reliability and a dedicated Africa network. Iberia has a codeshare arrangement with this route on some itineraries.
- Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines connects Madrid and Barcelona to Entebbe via Istanbul with competitive fares, particularly outside peak season.
- Via Dubai — Emirates offers the Madrid–Dubai–Entebbe routing for travellers who prefer the Gulf hub or want Business Class comfort on the long-haul leg.
- Via Addis Ababa — Ethiopian Airlines connects from Madrid (and seasonally from Barcelona) to Entebbe via Addis Ababa.
Total travel time from Madrid to Entebbe is approximately ten to fourteen hours including the stopover.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Spanish passport holders require a Uganda tourist visa. Apply online for the Uganda e-visa before departure (currently USD 50 for a single entry). Processing takes three to five working days. You will also need a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — this is a mandatory entry requirement for Uganda and is checked on arrival.
Recommended Itinerary
Eight to ten days from Spain allows a full Uganda gorilla trekking safari with time for additional wildlife parks. A popular structure for Spanish visitors:
- Day 1: Arrive Entebbe. Overnight at an airport-area lodge.
- Days 2–3: Drive south through Mbarara with a stop at Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive Bwindi.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Days 5–6: Queen Elizabeth National Park — game drives and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Option: tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector.
- Day 7: Drive to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking — a powerful contrast to the gorilla encounter the day before.
- Day 8: Return to Entebbe. Evening flight.
This can be extended to include Murchison Falls National Park in the north, or a crossing to Rwanda to add gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park for a twin-country itinerary.
Best Time to Travel From Spain
Uganda’s main dry season (June to August) coincides with Spain’s summer holidays, making it the most popular window for Spanish travellers. However, permits for July and August sell out quickly — book at least five to six months ahead. December is an excellent alternative that avoids the northern summer crowds while still offering good conditions. January and February are also very reliable months with fewer tourists.
Gorilla Permit and Trip Cost
The Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 per person. Total trip costs from Spain — including return flights, accommodation, permit, transfers, and park fees — typically range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 8,000 per person for eight to ten days depending on lodge category. Contact our team for a detailed quote.
