A fraction of our Team.
Big Apes Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- USAGA, UTB & UWA
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $1,020 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Marine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey with Big Apes Africa
From the very start, Big Apes Africa stood out with their exemplary customer service. Our guide, Peter's, responsive and flexible approach made booking a breeze, crafting an itinerary that far exceeded our expectations. This level of personalized service and seamless organization set the tone for an unforgettable adventure through Rwanda and Uganda.
Peter was the heart of our journey. His deep knowledge and passion for his home country of Uganda and neighboring Rwanda were infectious. Listening to him share his insights on the local culture, wildlife, and conservation efforts was a true highlight. More than a guide, Peter was our guardian, ensuring our safety, keeping us on schedule, and immersing us in the authentic local culture with delightful roadside snacks.
The wildlife encounters were beyond compare and accommodations were exceptional, particularly the forest lodge near Bwindi, offering comfort and immersion in nature. The transport by a comfortable green bus and the smooth handling of logistics ensured we could focus entirely on the experience without a worry.
Conservation and respect for local communities were clearly a priority for Big Apes Africa, aligning with our values and enriching our journey. It's gratifying to travel with a company that not only seeks to provide an unforgettable experience for its guests but also cares deeply for the environment and the people who call these places home.
Overall, my experience with Big Apes Africa was extraordinary. I've already recommended them to friends, confident they'll deliver the same magical experience. If you're seeking an adventure that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and impeccable service, look no further than Big Apes Africa.
Amazing trip with Peter!
We had a very nice 5-days trip over the Easter break with Peter, travelling across Rwanda and Uganda and seeing Chimps, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys.
Before the trip Peter was very responsive and flexible to accomodate our requests and make the trip as customized as needed, we really appreciated this as it felt the trip was perfect for us!! Once we arrived, everything was very smooth and all the experiences truly enjoyable, with a mix of nature, culture and society. Peter is a very knowledgeable guide and shared with us a lot of insights as we were travelling together.
Bonus points for the 2 lodges we stayed at in Uganda: really beautiful and with a great service level.
Will definitely recommend Peter and the Big Apes Safari team to friends and family planning to visit Uganda or Rwanda!
Email Jozef H | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic, flexible, fun experience
- communication: Big Apes was consistent and speedy in responsiveness
- service: Peter was dedicated to good service, putting demonstrable effort to make the tour flexible (incl ad requests) and going the extra mile (eg organizing shoe cleaning after the animal trekking)
- value for money: Peter co-designed the trip to maximize value for money
- reliability: we always felt safe and knew that our guide and the operator could be trusted
- overall amazing experience! Seeing the gorillas was truly memorable. Thank you
DE
Email Christina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime
I booked a last minute 10 day safari with Big Apes Africa after another provider let me down. Despite only having a week to get everything ready, all of Peter’s arrangements worked out and I had a perfect experience. Out of the 105 countries I‘ve visited so far, Uganda was my favorite.
Not only did I see all of the big 5 and many chimpanzees, but I also had the best possible gorilla sighting in Bwindi with 3 playful babies and a very peaceful silverback.
While I had originally hoped to join an existing tour, I ended up going alone with my guide, Sam. However, this was probably for the best. I felt completely safe at all times and Sam was good company at dinners and a very patient guide during the game drives who ensured we‘d get the best sightings. Eg, when all the other cars had already left, Sam waited until the 3 lionesses got up and came very closely to the car. We were also the only ones to see the leopard in Ishasha that day. Unfortunately, the treeclimbing lions in the Ishasha sector have currently abandoned their previous tree close by the road, but we at least saw them from a distance.
All of the selected activities were amazing and I saw so many additional animals. The only thing I might have changed in hindsight is to spend the last night closer to the airport, as it is a very long journey from Bunyonyi.
All of the food provided was delicious (with vegetarian options available) and the lodges ranged from good to great…They were certainly better than what I had expected, given that the total price for a solo trip was 40% less than what I would have paid to a German travel agent for a shared tour.
Overall, I can’t recommend Uganda or Big Apes Africa enough and I hope that one day, I‘ll be able to do another trip with them and bring my family.
PS: for anyone having doubts about the current security situation- I think the warnings are completely overblown. There wasn’t a moment where I didn’t feel entirely safe, even as a single woman. Just go - it‘ll be the trip of a lifetime!
BE
Email Aurélie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique experience
When looking for a company to gravel with to Uganda we first likes up some belgian companies ( we thought it would be easier since we both live in Belgium). However one of my friends who did the gorilla trek with big apes recommended me to do it through a local company. I reached out to Peter and not even 30min later he already sent me a full document based on what we wanted to See/ do. All the communications went very fluently. All our questions were answered well and in a reasonable time frame.
So we decided to book a 10-day tour through Uganda. In terms of price-quality, it was definitely okay.
We slept in a different lodge every day. these were always clean and authentic. As for the food in the lodges, this was also always fine. In the morning there was an assortment of tea, coffee, fruit, pancakes and eggs. In the evening it was always a three-course menu.
Sam, The driver who accompanied us was super patient and well organised, he did his best to make the journey safe and unforgettable. Thanks to his cautions, we stayed far from danger. And we appreciate his care and respect towards animals.
Lastly, The trips covered different places, which provided us a chance to see different parts of the beautiful country. We saw a lot of wild animals (only pity is we missed the Leopard) and impressive nature.
I would hightech recommend people to visit Uganda and do it with this amazing company!!
Average
Final review of our 9 day tour with Big Apes Africa Safaris and I'd be lying if I said there weren't issues. Basically we had a quote from Peter at Big Apes last year and after reviewing the Itinerary and accommodation, we decided to go with Big Apes, and made our final payment in December 2023 for the tour to start in 31 Jan 2024, funds were taken out of my account a couple of days after payment
.
The first issue was the accommodation stated in the Itinerary was way out of date (see below) from day 1. Peter's response to this was "it's in the clients best interest", I'd say lame response as keeping the client informed of any changes would be in our best interest. Talking to staff at the replacement accommodation and Big Apes have been staying there for some time so the list may not have been accurate from the start.
Itinerary accommodation Actual Accommodation
Entebbe - Airport Guest House Green Valley Guest House
Murchison Falls - Parkside Safari Lodge Parkside Safari Lodge
Kibale National Park - Rweteera Safari Park Kibale Forest Camp (tent)
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Engiri Game Pumba Safari Cottages
Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Mucha Bweza Lodge - Rushaga Bwindi
Riverside Lodge
Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Bunyonyi Eco Lodge Lake Bunyonyi Eco Lodge
Kyahugye Island
Our Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge was changed from Day 6 to the morning of Day 7 resulting in missing out looking for the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector and heading straight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as we now didn't have the time. I think the issue here was payment of the Chimp Trekking permits had not been made by Big Apes Safari on time.
Our guide Gerald for the tour was great went out of his way to ensure we saw the "Big 5" and dealt with the issues as best as he could.
The choice to use this company is yours alone, I emailed some to the people leaving positive reviews before and during the tour, but not one person responded to my email....no idea why. Feel free to email me about our tour as I can't comment on anything other than that.
Happy Travels and walk your own path.
AT
Email Stephan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyed every bit of the tour, guide Ezra was well-informed, attentive - and a safe driver
Done the 3 day tour Kigali - Bwindi Forest/Gorilla Trecking - Lake Bunyonyi with Tour Guide Ezra. Enjoyed every bit of this fascinating tour, Ezra was well-informed, kind, attentive, sharing - and a safe driver!
Accommodations were beautifully located, friendly and clean, and loved the Ugandan lunch buffet at Moonlight Hotel. Ezra told us many stories, about the local communities, the sorghum production, the crowned crane, just to name a few, and got Uganda in our hearts. If anything, this tour ended too soon.
In my evaluation. probably best price for such a fascinating tour you can get!
PL
Email Monika | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized, punctual, tried very hard to ensure our comfort
My first trip to Africa turned out to be wonderful and this is a huge thanks to BIG APES AFRICA. The entire stay was perfectly organized, from beginning to end. Everything was carefully thought out, timed with a huge number of attractions, at a level I did not expect at all. This is a company worth recommending and which I will recommend to everyone😁😍🤩
(automatic translation from Polish)
PL
Email Laura | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable choice
We just returned from a 10-day safari with Big Apes Africa Safaris. This is a good time for a review, because on the one hand the impressions are still fresh, on the other hand we already have some distance to what we experienced.
Before about the details - let me give a conclusion: I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND exploring Uganda with BIG APES! I will try to highlight some of the most important reasons in points:
1. as part of the negotiations, I sent an inquiry to several companies. From BIG APES I received the best offer taking into account value for money.
2. I evaluate the contact with Peter very well, None of my questions remained unanswered. All arrangements were confirmed by what we found already on site.
3. Peter was waiting for us at the airport with Gerald (our guide and driver). In fact, we were taken care of throughout our stay in Uganda. Given that the travelers were two women - this is of no small importance.
4 Both Peter and Gerald are cultured, professional and simply humanly very nice people. I am glad to have met them.
5. accommodation and meals provided by BIG APES fully met our expectations.
6. we managed to achieve all our goals, to see what we wanted to see. These were wonderful and unforgettable days. And we thank you for them!
I recommend BIG APES to everyone! You will not be disappointed :-) And I will certainly return to Uganda again.
Email Callum lindsay | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing gorilla and chimp tour
Hi all, we went gorilla and chimp tracking with big apes Africa and it was amazing, from the start Peter was really helpful in planning and answering all my questions he also got back to me straight away every time. We was picked up by Sam the man are guide who was amazing, really nice guy and very knowledgeable, he was always going out of his way to show us animals while on the road and telling us parts of the history ect, the ride was a landcruiser very comfortable as it was a lot of driving between the national parks, accommodations were loverly as was all the food. I would highly recommend big apes Africa everything was arranged professionally and at a great coast aswell
We had an amazing times hanging with the gorillas and chimps one of the best experiences ever.
