New Direct Flights from London to Uganda – Gorilla Trekking Just Got Easier in 2025

Big news for African adventure seekers

Uganda Airlines launches direct flights from London to Uganda, Entebbe — making gorilla trekking in Uganda easier, faster, and more affordable in 2025.
Uganda Airlines has officially launched direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) — opening the skies for European travelers looking to experience the wild beauty of Uganda.

This New Direct Flights from London to Uganda creates a faster, smoother, and more affordable connection to one of East Africa’s most iconic travel experiences: gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Forget long layovers in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha — this direct flight means you can go from London to the heart of Africa in just one hop.

For travelers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK, this change marks a new era in accessible wildlife tourism. And for gorilla Trekking lovers? It might just be the best time ever to plan your trip to Uganda.

About Uganda Airlines and Its New London Route

Uganda Airlines is the national carrier of Uganda, relaunched in 2019 as a government-owned airline based at Entebbe International Airport. With a modern and efficient fleet, it has become a key player in connecting Uganda to the rest of Africa — and now, for the first time in decades, to Europe.

The airline currently operates a fleet of seven aircraft, including:

• Two Airbus A330-800neo long-haul jets (258 seats: 20 Business, 28 Premium Economy, 210 Economy)
• Four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets (76 seats: 12 Business, 64 Economy)
• One Airbus A320-200, leased for additional capacity (156 seats total)

The newly launched direct route from London Heathrow to Entebbe is operated using the wide-body Airbus A330-800neo, equipped for comfort and long-haul convenience. This marks a significant milestone — the first direct Uganda–UK connection in over 20 years, and a major step forward in Uganda’s role on the global tourism stage.

With this flight, travelers from Europe can now reach Uganda in less time and with fewer stops, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and wildlife safaris — especially for those eager to experience the world-famous gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Why This New Direct Flights from London to Uganda Matters for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

For years, one of the biggest hurdles for travelers hoping to trek with mountain gorillas in Uganda has been accessibility. While Uganda offers one of the most immersive and affordable gorilla trekking experiences in Africa, the journey there often involved multiple layovers and long travel days.

The New Direct Flights from London to Uganda changes that.

With a nonstop connection to Entebbe, travelers from Europe can now reach Uganda faster, with fewer complications and more flexibility in how they plan their trip. This makes it easier to combine shorter vacations with a life-changing experience like gorilla trekking — something that previously required a full two-week itinerary.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits are also far more affordable than Rwanda’s, which means travelers can now spend less on flights and safaris combined, without sacrificing the experience. The New Direct Flights from London to Uganda enhances not only convenience, but also Uganda’s position as a top destination for ethical and budget-conscious wildlife travel.

Uganda vs. Rwanda – Why This Flight Makes Uganda the Better Choice

When it comes to gorilla trekking, both Uganda and Rwanda offer unforgettable experiences. But for travelers comparing destinations, several important factors have long made Uganda the more accessible and affordable choice — and now, with the new London–Entebbe direct flight, that advantage has grown even stronger.

Gorilla permits in Uganda are currently priced at around $800, while permits in Rwanda cost up to $1,500 per person. That’s nearly double — for a very similar experience. In Uganda, trekkers also have access to two incredible parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These regions not only offer higher chances of gorilla sightings but also provide a more wild, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.

Until now, the main challenge was travel time. Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is closer to the trekking zones, while Uganda’s required longer overland transfers from Entebbe. But now that travelers can fly directly into Uganda from London, that time gap shrinks dramatically with this New Direct Flights from London to Uganda.

For European travelers looking to combine value, authenticity, and wildlife — Uganda is now the clear choice.

How Much Time Does the New Direct Flight Really Save?

Until recently, getting to Uganda from Europe usually meant a long, multi-leg journey. Travelers coming from cities like London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam had to route through major hubs like Istanbul, Doha, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa, often dealing with layovers of 3 to 8 hours or even overnight stays just to catch their connecting flight to Entebbe.

Depending on the route and airline, total travel time could stretch from 13 to over 20 hours — and that’s not counting the exhaustion of jumping between time zones, terminals, or waiting in unfamiliar airports.

That’s exactly what makes the new nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Entebbe such a game-changer.

Operated by Uganda Airlines aboard their modern Airbus A330-800neo, the flight takes just around 8.5 hours, gate to gate — and drops you right into the heart of East Africa, without the stress of stopovers.

Whether you’re planning a short wildlife escape, a two-week honeymoon, or the gorilla trekking trip of a lifetime, this New Direct Flights from London to Uganda now makes Uganda feel closer than ever.

Sample Itinerary – From London to the Gorillas in Just 4 Days

One of the biggest benefits of the new London–Entebbe route is how much simpler and shorter it makes a full gorilla trekking experience — even for travelers with limited time.

Here’s what a 4-day gorilla trekking itinerary could now look like:

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Land in Entebbe on the direct Uganda Airlines flight from London. Meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for a relaxed overnight stay near Lake Victoria.

Day 2 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward the Bwindi region (or fly with a local domestic airline). Arrive at your lodge and settle in with views of the forest.

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking Day
Early morning briefing at the park headquarters, then off into the rainforest for your unforgettable encounter with a wild mountain gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 4 – Return to Entebbe or Extend Your Trip
Transfer back to Entebbe or continue to Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or even Rwanda. Optional domestic flight for faster connections.

This kind of itinerary — short, high-impact, and now easily accessible from Europe — is exactly what many travelers have been waiting for.

How to Book This Trip — And Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Uganda

With Uganda Airlines now offering direct flights from London, experiencing a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda has never been more convenient — or more compelling.

Not only are flight connections smoother, but permit availability, lodge space, and guided treks are still open for the upcoming 2025 travel season. And with Uganda’s gorilla permits remaining significantly more affordable than those in Rwanda, travelers can enjoy a full wildlife experience at nearly half the cost.

At Günstig Gorilla Reisen, we specialize in planning customized gorilla trekking packages for travelers from Europe. From securing your permits and arranging ethical local guides, to choosing the best lodges and managing transport — we take care of the entire experience.

Whether you’re planning a short escape, a honeymoon, or an extended East Africa adventure, we’re here to help you make it seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Interested in exploring this itinerary?
Reach out now for a personalized quote or free consultation — our team is happy to assist in English or German.

Conclusion

This new direct connection between London and Uganda isn’t just about convenience — it’s about opening the door to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. With gorilla trekking now more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better time to plan your journey.

Every detail of your adventure — from booking flights and securing gorilla permits, to arranging lodges, transfers, and expert guides — can be professionally organized by Nextgen Safaris Africa, our trusted local partner.

Ready to start planning? Let’s make your gorilla trekking dream in Uganda a reality.

Contact Me