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 Mickey Fitz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A masterpiece of a holiday
We have just returned from the most incredible journey with Big Apes Africa. My friend and I spontaneously booked a 4-day trip to Rwanda and Uganda to trek into the Volcanoes National park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but the experience we got went so far above our expectations at every turn, it’s no longer possible to define it as those two adventures. Peter’s attention to detail, devotion to adventure and loyalty to his client’s variable needs made this trip one of a lifetime.
Booking:
We contacted many different tour operators for our trip but Peter’s response and attitude to our ideas trumped them all. He cares so much about what you want and then makes it as easy as possible to understand the proposed itinerary (however we soon found out there were plenty of surprises and extras planned once we set off). We enquired, confirmed and paid within 24 hours of speaking to Peter. It was so easy, so professional and felt very safe.
The adventure:
To avoid the risk of giving away spoilers, I’ll just say that Peter was the most fascinating, knowledgable, calm and cool guide we could have ever asked for. He was so attentive and respectful of what me and Dan wanted on our trip. From the moment we set off, to the moment he dropped us off at the airport It was full of little bonuses, mini adventures and experiences we had no idea would be a part of the trip, plus the most spectacular treks into the national parks to see the gorillas and monkeys. Peter planned the trip meticulously, which was amazing considering he only had two days to prepare. We spent minimal time driving and maximum time adventuring. He was so confident on the route planned which took us through jungles, cities, tiny local towns, mountain villages and lakes.
Highlights:
The two big adventures themselves went so well. We sat with a family of golden monkeys in Volcanoes NP and spent an hour with the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi forest - one of them even came over and grabbed my arm! They were by far the two most rewarding and unique adventures Dan and I have ever been on.
The morning drive from Volcanoes to Bwindi presented me with a view I have only ever dreamed about - the jungle mist rising from the trees… at sunrise. We set off at 5am and by the time the sun was coming up, we were deep in the rainforest roads. It was like a scene from planet earth, captured only by the daring filmmakers who spend months/years in these locations. Pete planned this. He knew what kind of experience we wanted. He took the time to learn about us, and thought this would be something we’d love to see. This was a real highlight.
Our final stop at Lake Bunyonyi was overwhelmingly perfect. We stayed on a private island in the middle of the lake in a little cabin that felt like a fancy treehouse. Peter took us up to a viewpoint above the lake the next day, and then arranged for us to go canoeing in a local wooden canoe.
There were so many other highlights,l; too many to mention here. But an overall highlight was simply Peter. The best way to describe him is a fiercely cool gentleman. Like Steve McQueen. Like Gus Fring from breaking bad. He’s like the James Bond of the tour operator industry. He was so cool. Cooler than cool. Ice cold. He would not let us lose a second on our trip. Once we had soaked up every moment we could from a stop, it was time to crack on. He stayed true to the plan, we were never late for anything, in fact we were always early, which meant time to relax, discuss and prepare. He clearly loves what he does. He wants to touch the lives of as many people as possible. He wants you to feel like you’re getting an experience that far exceeds the amount you pay for it. And boy did he do that in spades. We were with Peter for 4 days, but it felt like a month by the time we left, and I can safely say that we are dear friends and will be forever. What a guy. What a trip. So sad to say goodbye.
Final thoughts for other travellers:
If you want to experience this part of the world with a guide whose ideas stem from a deep love of service and adventure then look no further than Peter and Big Apes Africa. If you want to have fun, see the real Africa, be in the wild, feel safe and taken care of look no further than Peter and Big Apes Africa. If you want to fit what feels like a lifetime of experiences into a matter of days, with a guide who keeps you moving, look no further than Peter and Big Apes Africa. If you want to feel like your money is going towards something truly unique, something unforgettable, something that delivers so far beyond what you could expect look no further than Peter and Big Apes Africa.
So that’s it from us. It’s time to head back to normal life. But life will never been the same after this trip. It’s left a mark, imprinted with memories that one can only ever dream of. Thank you Peter. You are a true legend.
US
Email Marcus Lewis | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip, and it was a privilege to spend 5 days with Peter and Eddie.
We were really happy with our trip!
A group of us had a scientific conference in Kigali, and we arranged a trip afterward with Big Apes. We were in two subgroups: a couple, and a group of friends. The couple rode with Peter, while the 6 friends rode in Eddie's tour van, with some crossover between cars. We chose an itinerary that involved both Uganda (gorilla tracking) and Rwanda (safari) because we were coming from Kigali. If we could do it over, we would just do everything in Uganda; reaching the national parks in either country requires extra driving time, so splitting between countries inserts a long drive with a border crossing in the middle of the trip. The folks at Big Apes have a good sense for what makes a good itinerary, I would trust them.
For me, the trip's biggest highlights were:
- the gorillas
- all the other animals
- seeing Uganda/Rwanda and their people out the car window
- getting to spend 5 days riding with Peter
By the way, I'm totally a real person. Here are some group photos with Peter and Eddie: https://twitter.com/savvyRL/status/1657773777537880067
Email Dawn | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Experience above and beyond expectations
This adventure was part of a long standing “bucket wish list”
Big Apes Africa were quick to respond to our request, they were the best in price and service offered.
The duration of our trip was 3 days, all accommodation and logistics were done by this team, I commend the team on a seamless, comfortable and highly enjoyable experience from start to finish, if I did this excursion again I would not change a thing.
The memories we took away from this adventure will be remembered as one of the best experiences in my life time to date.
I fully endorse this team and have no reservations in recommending their service to anyone.
PH
Email Karla | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I recommend Big Apes Africa!
I did my first ever Gorilla tracking with Big Apes Africa at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Adams really made the whole day trip memorable. My guide was very fun, relaxed, and knowledgeable about mountain gorillas at the same time and everything was amazing, nice trek, beautiful weather overall. I definitely recommend them. Peter helped me with my travel around Uganda as well. They would be a great choice!
Thanks and Godspeed :D
US
Email Kaylie C | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Experience with Big Apes Africa
My two friends and I (American women in our early/mid-30s) had the most wonderful trips with Big Apes Africa! Our tour leader was Roland, who was professional, kind, and FUN. We did the golden monkey and gorilla trekking 3-day experience and would HIGHLY recommend it to others. I have traveled extensively, and my experience in Rwanda and Uganda was by far one of the most special trips I have ever had. Big Apes Africa's prices are competitive, and we felt like we got a lot for our money. We especially loved staying at Bweza Lodge, which - even though we chose the budget option - felt special and luxurious. I would recommend this tour to anyone (including to all my friends who will listen)!
Email Wes T. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Peter was friendly, passionate about his work & service, conscientious, & broadly knowledgeable.
I hugely recommend this tour operator. It was an absolutely life changing experience for minimal inconvenience and cost. The perfect way to get a taste of both East Africa’s vibrant towns, and beautiful countryside, jungles, and wildlife.
Service & reliability
• Professional, hekpful and rapid communication prior to the trip
• Went out of his way logistically, doing multiple airport pick ups
• Added additional places to visit based on our requests and changing circumstances
• Took any minor complaint about any venue very seriously and resolved immediately and professionally
Value for money
• Very competitive with other offers while hitting all the key sights
• All key venues were extremely well run and high quality
• Many side venues/detours were cheap/free yet enjoyable and highly scenic (showing the value of the guide’s intimate local knowledge)
Tour
• Kigali: we experienced the tragic history of the city at its harrowing but beautiful genocide museum, and the wonderful happy vibe of the modern city exploring the streets, and visiting the vibrant and crowded local bazaar
• Golden monkeys (Rwanda): we had an incredible experience coming face to face (masks on) with a huge family of golden monkeys, spending an hour watching them eat and groom and socialize almost as if we were part of the troop, trekking back and forth through a picturesque farming village and woodlands
• Gorillas (Uganda): similarly, we came face to face with a silver back gorilla and his family deep in the mountains and jungles. The guides were consummate professionals and knew exactly how to get us close to the animals without antagonizing them and providing us with lots of knowledge and opportunities for photographs. It was a life changing experience to come face to face with the Gorillas.
• Lake Bunyoni: We ended the tour staying at an eco-lodge on one of the dozens of islands in the lake, took nature walks, and swam in the perfect, pure lake. A great way to reflect on the experiences and relax in nature before returning home.
DE
Email Ivan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience in Uganda!
We did the Gorilla and Chimps trekking tour and it was unbelievable! Peter always was pretty friendly and keen to assist us during the trip! The people, the lodges, the activities and the food made this experience really memorable. Thank you Peter for organizing everything!
BE
Email Laura S | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top notch experts
We booked a 4-days safari to the golden monkeys (Volcanoes national park, Rwanda) and a gorilla trekking (Bwindi national park, Uganda) with Big Apes. From the first contact with Peter for quotation, we felt heard, well informed and the communication was very responsive. Price wise, we immediately received a market-based correct proposal.
Regarding the 4 days safari: our guide Roland was a dream to be with. A professional man with extensive knowledge about the fauna and flora of Rwanda and Uganda and supplementary about traditions and customs of the countries and it's inhabitants.
We can't stress it enough: don't hesitate to book a safari with Big Apes.
As for us, we hope one day to be able to travel to Rwanda and Uganda again, in which case we will immediately book safaris again with this organization and hope again to be guided by Roland.
Highly recommended!
Email Karen Lockhart | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 10 day safari & gorilla trekking!!
The most amazing 10 days in Uganda. I started looking at safari companies 9 months prior to travel. I contacted a few from safaribookings.com & Big Apes Africa were by far the best communicator and accommodated all the changes I needed & to meet our budget. Peter, our guide, was full of knowledge & did everything he could to make this a trip of a lifetime. He did not guarantee us seeing lions & leopards but his experience & keen eyesight meant that we saw many, and up close! The gorilla trek was so special, Peter told the gorilla guides that I was 60 years old and has a bad hip, I had 2 porters that helped me through the forest to see the gorillas. The whole trip, including the food & accommodation exceeded my expectations. Peter went above & beyond to ensure we had the best time. Turkish airlines lost out luggage & promised to deliver to our lodge on the 4th night, they did not so Peter go in his car at 930pm to pick up our cases, what service!! He even arranged a birthday cake and song for me at our lodge. Best decision I made was booking with Big Apes Africa, Peter made our trip so special.
Email Lee Still-Lockhart | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mind blowing
What an adventure, Big Apes truly surpassed themselves. 10 days of close up big 5 encounters, changing landscapes, new experiences & of course the gorillas. Peter, as I said before, you’re an absolute diamond.
