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
DE
Email Marco | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Probably best guide in East Africa
The whole trip was perfect. The experience with the gorillas and also another tour to the Queen Elizabeth NP is unforgettable. From the beginning, Peter helped us with everything we needed. Was always checking if we could get something cheaper as we would have found it. We saved much money thanks to his negotiating skills with food and accommodation. In addition he even picked us up for free from our hotels and brought us back even after our agreement. He drove us from Kabale to our Hotel in Kigali for free and offered his knowledge whenever we have questions. Also important are his extraordinary driving skills. We felt save the whole tour due to his careful way to drive. Honestly I think it's not possible to do it better.
CA
Email Sky | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic - helped me achieve one of my bucket list items and more
Big Apes was a fantastic selection for my gorilla trekking experience! The entire process was seamless thanks to Peter, from pickup to drop off to the gorillas to the beautiful Lake. Highlights of the trip that would only be possible thanks to this tour would be the seamless adventure to the trek, the food along the way, and both peaceful accommodations at the trekking site (which was very close to the trek starting point) and at the Lake.
CA
Email Diane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
He was very attentive, very professional, with a calming disposition.
The trip was phenomenal. Peter our tour operator always insured we were having a great time. We saw many gorillas, the silverback, and babies. Our trip to the Lake which I was not expecting to be much was such a highlight. The lake and accommodations were breathtaking , the service was very professional and the value spectacular. This Canadian found Uganda a wonderful experience all because of Peter.
CO
Email Ana Cristina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Magical Experience
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling with Big Apes Africa and Peter, the owner, to Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas. From start to finish I had a magical experience. It's no secret the gorilla hike is an unforgettable experience as most reviews claim. However, the help and attention provided by Peter truly made this experience outstanding. Since the start he proved his professionalism with a perfectly tailored quote and timely responses to all my queries. After paying for the experience he was always available for any other questions I might have coming up to the trip. Finally, when he picked me up for the two day gorilla safari he went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable, safe and had an amazing time.
As a female young solo traveler I deeply appreciate companies and people that make me feel safe and protected. Big Apes Africa and Peter were definitely the best choice I could have made for this unforgettable experience! Thank you!
FR
Email Pierre Fernandez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exactly what I wanted from a trip in East Africa
We went for a 5 day trip in Uganda/Rwanda (we were 8 in the group).
We stayed 2 days in Uganda.
We went for Gorilla trekking and canoe on lake Bunyoni.
I highly recommend the Gorilla trekking.
The places we stayed at were beautiful and very clean.
The remaining of trip in Rwanda was very good as well. The Akagera game lodge is wonderful, and the Safaris are a must-do!
Peter and Eddy (our guides) were very nice and ran everything smoothly.
Although it takes time traveling between Uganda and Rwanda (I would say car travel is the minor negative point of the trip), the overall experience was fantastic.
US
Email Rosanne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Peter is down-to-earth, authentic, smart and thoughtful, and just overall a wonderful tour guide.
Peter got in touch minutes after I searched on safaribookings.com for a Uganda gorilla trekking experience. Our situation is a bit unique as we will have to leave from and come back to Kigali, Rwanda. We wanted to do gorilla trekking in Uganda because it's cheaper, but eventually we'd want to return to Rwanda. After knowing our special requirements, Peter offered a 5-day tour package that included gorilla trekking and safaris, with reasonable travel distances across two countries. He's also very responsive to my questions and requests for changes. It started out to be just two of us, but after I told some of my colleagues that had a similar travel schedule, it quickly expanded to be a 8-person group because everyone liked the package immediately.
A week before our trip, our return flight was canceled that we had to return one day sooner. I communicated this change to Peter and he was able to quickly adjust our itinerary to meet out new needs. In the end, we had amazing 5 days together with a group of 8 friends. We saw many gorillas, numerous elephants, giraffes, buffalos, rhinos, hippos, antelopes, and all kinds of African animals. Peter drove us around tirelessly and was always on time and quick to act when there's a problem or request.
We had great conversations too while on the road. He's very open to talk, and learn about his guests, although he can also be quiet and let his passengers have a meditative time when needed. He's very open to feedback and eager to improve his service, which to us had already been impeccable.
In sum, I had a wonderful time going on this African trip with Peter and big Apes. I would recommend them to anyone going to Uganda and Rwanda, wishing to have an authentic and memorable true African experience.
FR
Email Marc | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guides, great program, great experience!
The experience was very good! We started from Kigali, tracked gorillas in the Bwindi forest, then went for one night next to Bunyonyi lake, and then 2 days at Akagera. We prepared the travel with the guides on WhatsApp and arranged everything clearly. On Rwanda and Uganda the guides were always helpful and nice. The places we visited were very cool, but I also was surprised by the great quality of accommodation that was reserved for us! Thanks again for this unforgettable experience!
US
Email Kyle | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most amazing East African and Primate Safari Tour!
I don’t write reviews often, but this one deserves it. I’m not being compensated and had no stipulations about writing a review.
Peter and his growing team with Big Apes is by far one of the best tour companies with whom we’ve worked in our 150+ holidays in 75 countries across the globe. He customizes travel plans, learns his customers’ personalities to adapt the trip, and is responsive to feedback. There are numerous safari contractors in Uganda/Rwanda—take this one!
We took a tour through Rwanda and Uganda for golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and some local culture. The overall price was amazing given the costs of permits in the countries, the accommodations Peter selected were perfect, and the amount of knowledge sharing along the trek was supreme. Peter guided us from Kigali to Volcanoes to Bwindi and back again, with several stops in between.
We couldn’t have asked for a better time in East Africa. We have been disappointed with other safari tour contractors in the past who felt like rolling cash cows, always hounding for extra money, not responsive to feedback or offering flexibility, and cutting corners everywhere possible. Take some time to make comparisons between tour companies, but highly encourage you to use Big Apes. You won’t be disappointed!
Email Dan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the most insane experiences i've had. Peter knows how to ensure a great trip for anyone.
So we had gorilla trekking in mind for a few weeks and unsure on where to do it, who the best company to go with was and most importantly how to do it the right way.
All we knew is we wanted to feel super in the wild and see the most we possibly could in 4 days. After contacting a few other companies/operators before peter we didn't have a good feeling, seeing payment links before an actual plan for us and mostly travelling long hours between places.
We found Big Apes Africa 2 days before our flight and explained a little bit about what we wanted.
Within an hour, Peter sent a full 8 page PDF with the exact itinerary for our 4 days and we were sold instantly it seemed unreal and it was also half the price, seemed almost too good to be true!
We rolled into Kigali and 2 days later and started our trip. We learnt about Kigali, Rwanda and it's crazy history which was cool and then set off into the wild. We could instantly tell peter knew his plan and knew where we would love, always on time and no time for f*ck ups. Like it.
Seeing the deep rural side of Africa was so eye opening to us and staying in an amongst the villagers in small eco lodges was sick. Just what we had hoped for, we aren't the kind for fancy 5* luxury! (although Pete can offer if you are)
The next day we headed an hour on foot into the jungle to find the only golden monkeys in the world at volcanoes national park, was super cool and the scenery was amazing.
The next morning we set off to see the gorillas, we hit the bumpy road at 5am sunrise as peter knew we would love the view and scenery over the misty mountains. And sure was he correct! Something out of the movies!!
We were soon in the impenetrable Bwindi National Park and hiking through the jungle to see the gorillas which was absolutely insane, we reached them spent an hour with a family of 18 wild mountain gorillas! Only about 2 foot away at some points!
ps. Take your camera!
We then drove to an insane lake called Lake Bunyoni which we could tell peter knew like the back of his hand and it was surreal. We stayed in an eco lodge on an island which was sick. Stranded in the wild, love it.
This was our final night and headed back to Kigali the next morning for our flight.
Amazing 4 days and all I can say is I was completely blown away by the professionalism and Knowledge peter had, the way he analysed us (2 mates travelling Africa) and crafted the trip perfectly to what we wanted, theres almost no value to that, priceless!
Thanks Pete, and till next time
Cheers Dan
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.
