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 Alex | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable 5-day adventure in Uganda
This was my first time in Uganda, and I was absolutely blown away by the beauty and lushness of the country. We only had five days, so we wanted to fit in as much as possible and thanks to Pete and his incredible team, we absolutely did. There was plenty of time in the car as a result, but the views are so beautiful and the car is comfortable to relax in.
From start to finish, the trip was so well organised. Every detail was taken care of, allowing us to focus on soaking up the experience. Our accommodation was always clean, comfortable, and came with genuinely great service at every stop.
Pete is hands-down the best tour guide I’ve ever had. His knowledge of the country, the wildlife, and the logistics of every activity is unbelievable. He also somehow seems to know what you need before you even realise it yourself. Nothing is too much trouble for him.
Even though my boyfriend had been to Uganda before, the only experience he repeated on this trip was the gorilla trekking which shows just how much else this amazing country has to offer.
The gorilla trekking was every bit as magical as you’d hope. We also saw lions, a leopard, elephants, hippos, warthogs, and so many other incredible animals in the national parks. It felt like every hour brought a new animal.
If you’re considering a trip to Uganda, don’t hesitate and book it with Pete and his team. You’ll be in the very best hands and paying a very reasonable price.
US
Email Drew Izzo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uganda is a crown jewel when it comes to African animal viewing. This trip was extremely memorable i
Uganda is a crown jewel when it comes to African animal viewing. This trip was extremely memorable in both amazing and not so good ways.
The amazing:
Big Apes and our knowledgeable and friendly guide, Tim used his expertise along with his friend and guide network to get my family and me in front of everything we dreamt of seeing. We saw tree climbing lions, a leopard, a family of mountain gorillas, giant bull elephants, giraffes, the famed shoebill and so much more. Our expectations were exponentially exceeded here. Tim worked tirelessly to ensure our experience was seamless. Tim is a fantastic guide and wonderful person.
Peter at Big Apes was also great to work with. He modified our itinerary on the fly to adjust to our needs. The lodges selected for us were earthy and beautiful and the staff in all of them was incredibly gracious and friendly. The food was basic but plentiful.
Kudos to the Big Apes team for giving us a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you all.
The not so good:
Prospective clients need to know that this is an arduous journey. Uganda’s roads are quite primitive on this 10-day circuit. And the travel times are significant. We spent 7-9 hours per day (safari time inclusive) in an old Land Cruiser that’s a super cool truck for an afternoon jaunt. But harsh for the literally thousands of speed bumps, potholes and ~80 some odd hours in it throughout this 10-day journey.
Overall, we really enjoyed the trip. I don’t provide the ‘not so good’ to be negative but to be honest and constructive. I think a faster, more comfortable vehicle, with charging ports could have improved this trip remarkably."
Email Mickey Fitz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Face to face with Gorillas, Chimps & Lions in 5 days... My SECOND time with Big Apes Africa.
I went on the trip of a lifetime with Big Apes Africa 2 years ago. This year, I came back - and that says everything.
Over 5 days my girlfriend and I trekked into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and sat next to Gorillas, explored the vast, wild bush of Ishasha Sector to find tree-climbing Lions and Leopards, cruised across the Queen Elizabeth National Park to see 4 of the BIG FIVE, then trekked into Kibale forrest to go get to know some Chimp families.
Here is a rundown of how it all went, plus some key tips from me if you want to book and get the absolute best out of it.
TRIP PLANNING 🤔
After chatting with the team at Big Apes Africa about what we wanted to do (Gorillas & Chimps and game drives), they rightly suggested we do a 10-day trip to truly experience everything Uganda has to offer, but due to other commitments, we had to go with 5. That did not faze them at all, especially after I told them we wanted to go HARD on this trip - non-stop adventure, early mornings, late nights - we wanted to do as much as possible in those 5 days. They designed a trip that was not for the faint of heart - 5 days, 4 national parks and hundreds of wild animals including some we didn't even know we could see along the way. We were primed and ready to set out on a life-changing adventure.
THE TRIP 🦍
Rather than explain our day-by-day itinerary of what we did (because when you book your trip, you should be totally blown away too), I'll just say that every single day, something mind-blowingly unexpected happened. Whether it was being star-struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the accommodation nestled in the trees of Bwindi Forest, how close we got to a silverback gorilla, how beautiful the African savanna sunsets really are, how incredible the view was from our third hotel overlooking Queens Elizabeth National Park or how playful and funny the Chimps were, everything along the way, just like that time, left us feeling like we were getting astronomically more than we paid for.
TIPS FOR BOOKING A TRIP 🤫
I wont give too much away, as Peter and his team always have a few tricks up their sleeves to make your holiday the best it could ever be, but here's my top tips:
1. Don't be afraid to book a trip in the low season
The sky is clearer, so you can see further. The temperature is cooler, and the weather is more varied. The animals are less disturbed, and the parks are so much quieter - it feels more wild and less intrusive.
2. Take a proper camera
being in the presence of a Gorilla or Chimp Family is a truly life-altering feeling. I would suggest keeping your phone in your pocket and using a proper camera to feel more present in the moment, so you can put it down and just sit with them for a few moments.
3. Pack for all weather and if it rains, enjoy it!
There is something different about rain when you're in a rainforest. It's epic, powerful and makes the forest feel more vibrant in some ways. Pack and soft shell rain coat and waterproof boots.
4. If you go to Queen Elizabeth Park, ask the team if you can stay in Enganzi Lodge (or somewhere on that hill)
The best sunset I've ever seen. The most romantic room I've ever stayed in. Amazing.
MY NEXT TRIP... 🤩
There is still so much of Uganda that I want to explore with my loved ones. All-in-all, returning for a trip with Big Apes Africa was the best decision I could have made, and I will 100% be doing it again. I only wish that they did more Safaris in other African countries, because they are simply unmatched.
US
Email Amit | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They removed all friction in our trekking experience!
In 3 short days we saw chimps, gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi, and Big Apes made the journey painless. It was a trip of a life time, with beautiful hotels, amazing treks set for us, and delicious food choices. I highly recommend!
IT
Email Arianna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experiences with Big Apes Safari
My boyfriend and I enjoyed a wonderful 7-days trip in Uganda thanks to Big Apes Safari: our driver Gerald followed us explaining all the beauties of this country. He was always accomodating, friendly and carefull towards us. Two unforgettable experiences above all: the chimpanzee and the gorilla trekking! All the lodges were simple but clean and comfortable. Despite the length of the daily transfers, we loved the stunning views from the car and we always felt safe. I recommend to choose Big Apes Safari for your next travel to Uganda!
IT
Email Alvja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure in Uganda 🇺🇬
We had an incredible 10-day journey across Uganda with Big Apes Africa. The trip was perfectly organized, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the country’s rich culture, go on safaris, trek to see gorillas, and enjoy many other unforgettable activities. After requesting several quotes, Big Apes Africa offered the most fair and reasonable pricing. Our guide, Andrew, was exceptional—knowledgeable, accommodating, and always attentive to our requests and questions. The agency was also highly responsive and supportive throughout our trip, ensuring a smooth experience. We left Uganda with wonderful memories and hope to return again soon!🇺🇬
FR
Email Emma | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wow, wow, wow! You've found your next adventure!
I cannot be more grateful to have booked with Big Apes, and even more grateful that my lucky stars gave me Brian as my guide! I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled to over 90 countries as a solo female traveler, but this might have been my best trip ever! Why? Rwanda and Uganda are incredibly beautiful countries, full of incredible people, landscapes and nature. From the start of my 4-Day Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari, I knew I was on an amazing adventure in very capable hands. The itneary was perfect, not too much, but always moving and optimising every chance I had to experince something new. I was able to see so much, and at all times felt very supported! The accommodation was great, transport comfortable and boarder passing smooth. But for me the most important special ingredient was my guide, Brian. He was the ultimate professional, always trying to make my experience memorable, giving me additional information and helping me out. By the end it was like I’d just been on a road trip with a friend. The world would be a better place if there were more Brians in it 😊 Don’t hesitate to book, you’ve found you’re next adventure!
SI
Email Tomaz P | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Organized
We booked tge trip already back home (made a reservation) snd when we arrived in Uganda just finished all details. The driver picked us up at the right time drove us safe to the park and also provided drinks and snacks. When we returned he took us to the restaurant for lunch which was delicious! We were party of six and I can recommed in the name of all of us to book the Gorilla trip with this tour opertator.
Email Yuliya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One in a lifetime experience
An incredible tour, organised and managed for us by Timothy, a truly professional guide, whose priority was making customers' wishes come true while ensuring safety throughout the whole experience.
DE
Email Markus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Big Apes - well organized, very friendly guide, incredible experience….
Hi, I booked a 4 days / 3 nights Safari from Kigali / Ruanda to Uhanda and the way back. Among other things I went to see the Golden Monkeys, Lake Bunyonyi and ….. THE GORILLAS in Biwindi NP.
This experience was completely extraordinary and will stay with me forever !
My guide and driver was an extremely friendly, open minded and intelligent young man. It was very pleasant to spend the days with him.
The tour was well organised, accommodation was good and the people around were very nice.
Very good value for money by the way. And a reputable agency.
Thanks to Andrew and Peter !!
