This Tour Is Offered By
A fraction of our Team.
Big Apes Africa
- Office 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:
-
RWUG
We are a Safari Company with operations in Uganda and Rwanda handling Destination management for Tour operators around the world through well crafted private or group tailor made life impacting African experiences. We are a team of Nature lovers and believe in sustainable tourism through conservation and community empowerment. We love to constantly explore our region just for the love of it and it is from this passion and personal experience that we want to craft for you a lifetime experience.
Reviews152
IT
Very good operator
Exciting experience Gorilla. Tour very good organized and an excellent guide Ben!!!!!!
Don't trust Big Apes, neither Peter
I've contacted Big Apes in March to book a trip for August. When I was still asking for quotes, the communication was polite and efficient. However, just after I've paid the deposit, the communication changed to rude and unreliable. After the payment, I've checked with the accommodations and they haven't received any request on my name. So then I've asked Big Apes if my hotel reservations were made and if they could send me the receipt for the trekking permit. After being ignored and asking again and again, I've received the following answer from Peter, the agency's owner : "We don't account to our guests but our auditors unless you are conducting an investigation. You paid for a service because you were convinced that we would offer you the service. We procure permits in company names and not one at a time only but sometimes in bulk, information we cannot share with you. You are free to sue us when your time comes and we don't offer the service. Should you have a change of heart, we are happy to offer you a refund under our cancellation times. The only receipt you are entitled to is the one in our company names for the money you sent. Kindly let me know if this is clear to you." At this moment I had my first shiver down my spine. Don't they account to their guests ???? Anyway, when I asked about cancellation, I've received an email with apologies (not from Peter, from someone else, never from Peter) for the harsh way of communication from their colleague and they said my tour were secured with them and that their drivers/guides were very professional (I thought the owner would be too, but I was wrong). I decided to give them another chance. After few weeks, no reservations yet. When I've asked when my reservation would be made, again they didn't want to commit and said that they couldn't tell me when (without a signature on the email this time). After asking again and again, they said my reservations would be made in July (my trip would be in August and August is high season). Then, I've requested the cancellation and, as you can guess, another headache then began. After being ignored again and I had to keep asking again and again, they said the refund would be made in September (after 5 months, but the agreement was 4 months) even they haven't done any reservation. I asked why it would be made in 5 months instead of what we agreed and I was ignored, of course. I've tried to ask few more times but no answer at all. I gave up and waited. September arrived and, of course, no refund, so I've sent a couple of emails, but no answer at all. I've contacted SafariBokkings asking for help and they said that they would contact Big Apes from their side. The next day, SafariBookings said that they received a reply from Big Apes and that they committed to process my refund by October 10th and asked me to wait longer. I did. October 10th arrived and NO REFUND AT ALL, NO CONTACT AT ALL.
Anyway, despite having lost money, I am grateful for the deliverance, it could be worse. DO NOT TRUST BIG APES NEITHER PETER, the communication completely change after making the payment, they don't keep their word and they don't refund your money, if it's the case, even promising you they will. I had USD 1,079.24 lost and my time wasted. DON'T CHOOSE BIG APES !!!
DE
Cool experience!
I had an amazing time with Big Apes Africa! I saw amazing animals (very close contact to gorillas and chimps), had nice overnight stays in differend places around Uganda, a friendly tour guide and really made an incredible experience i will never forget!
Small negative aspect: even though declared so before meals were not fully covered so the tour guide asked to pay an extra amount for that.
Overall i did really enjoy the trip a lot, strongly recommend it!
CA
Wonderful Tour
We had a wondeeful tour, seeing gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda. Our guide Andrew was fantastic, going above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. The accomodation and food was also very good. Highly recommend!
CL
Incredible Safari Experience
We did a 3-day safari with Big Apes Africa to see the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and the experience was simply unforgettable.
Our guide, Blair, was excellent throughout: very kind, always attentive to our needs, and an outstanding driver on the challenging mountain roads. His experience and passion for nature were evident, making every moment of the trip both safe and enriching.
The gorilla trekking was one of the most exciting experiences of our lives.
The organization was flawless—everything went as planned, and we always felt we were in good hands.
I fully recommend Big Apes Africa for anyone looking for a well-organized safari with quality guides and unique experiences in Africa.
