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 Piero | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A few Issues and an Inexperienced Guide
Unfortunately, our trip did not meet the 5-star expectations that led us to book this experience. From the outset, there were a number of concerns that impacted our overall enjoyment.
On the first day, we were left waiting outside the Genocide Memorial for over 45 minutes. Our guide dropped us off at the entrance and said he would park the car and return, but he never reappeared. We tried looking for him around the area and the vehicle, but he was nowhere to be found. We never received an explanation for what happened during that time.
The driving throughout Kigali felt unsafe and erratic. The guide frequently seemed unsure of the directions, and on multiple occasions, we had to assist using Google Maps. It was evident that he lacked confidence driving in Rwanda and was unfamiliar with many of the destinations on our itinerary.
Communication was another major challenge. Instructions and updates were often unclear and lacked the level of professionalism we expected. While it was clear that our guide meant well and was trying to do a good job, we strongly feel he needs further training and more experience to meet the standards promised.
Additionally, prior to the start of the trip, we attempted several times to pay the remaining balance ahead but did not receive the invoice until the final day of the trip. We were then told we couldn’t leave the lodge until payment was made — despite unreliable Wi-Fi and power outages that made it nearly impossible to complete the transaction promptly. This situation made us feel as if we were being held hostage, which was stressful and unnecessary.
That said, we do want to acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the support we received from the company during the trip, especially when we had to cancel the Golden Monkey trek due to a health issue with my partner. The understanding and flexibility shown during that situation were truly appreciated and made a difficult moment easier to manage.
While there were some highlights — notably the incredible gorilla trekking and a few lovely accommodations — these moments were overshadowed by the logistical issues and lack of professionalism throughout the rest of the experience.
BR
Email Ana Carolina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
Trekking with gorillas with Big Apes was an incredible experience — it made our trip complete and absolutely perfect.
The initial service from Bella was excellent; she helped us and answered all our questions with great care.
During the tour, our guide Blair was more than just a guide — he was kind, attentive, punctual, and went above and beyond by assisting us with immigration, helping us find an ATM, sharing insights about the region, and giving great advice for the trek.
Our lodge, Bweza, was exceptional — everything was clean, beautiful, and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming.
The gorilla trek itself is truly one-of-a-kind. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience it at least once in their life, and I highly recommend doing it with Big Apes.
Email Jason Shillam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
This trip far exceeded my expectations. A 1 to 1 safari with Tim my guide, whose knowledge of the animals and birds of Uganda was incredible. I booked 10 days including Chimpanzee trekking and Mountain Gorilla trekking. This was about right for me and I would not have wanted less. The accommodation was far better than I expected and the food was simple and very tasty.
Tim was always on hand if I needed him but allowed me to do my own thing in the evenings which was great. I saw everything I wanted to see including the main reason for going which was the Gorillas. The hour I spent with them was unforgettable.
I loved my visit to Uganda and loved the people who are so friendly and kind. I would highly recommend BIG APES as an operator and would definitely recommend Tim as a guide. Take a good pair of binoculars but there really is no need for a camera with a 6 foot lens. I took all my photos using an iPhone as the wildlife is that close!!
Thank you Tim for making the trip one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
CH
Email Marianne Hafliger | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable, wonderful experience. Even though we spent money, we have become so much richer.
Booking the tour is very straightforward, there is only documentation for the tour. No information on the day of arrival and departure.
Very nice and special accommodation selected, thank you. Price - performance of the tour is adjusted.
The last leg of the journey, 8 hours drive without a break in one day, and flight to Zurich (as originally planned) did not work. Thank God we had accidentally booked the flight a day later. Thanks to the secretary for the additional hotel booking.
The guides were very good drivers, reliable, friendly, helpful and looked after us very, very well. Every wish was fulfilled in the best possible way. The second driver could have gained a little more local knowledge and familiarised himself better with the journey times. But no effort was too much for him either. Thank you both.
In short, a wonderful, varied, fascinating and eventful holiday.
Email Jackie Lewis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A professional team whose aim is to help their guests make unforgettable memories
10-Day Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas trip
I recently returned from a truly unforgettable 10-day safari gorilla trip in Uganda, and I cannot speak highly enough of the entire experience. From start to finish, everything was incredibly well-organized, seamless, and enriching.
A huge part of what made this journey so special was my driver and guide, Tim. His positivity, passion for Uganda’s wildlife and culture, and unwavering professionalism set the tone for the entire trip. Tim’s deep knowledge of the region and keen eye for spotting wildlife turned every drive and walk into a learning experience. He went above and beyond to ensure every moment was meaningful, safe, and full of wonder.
The standard of the lodges I stayed in was exceptional — each one was comfortable, beautifully situated, and offered top-notch service. I was treated like royalty throughout, with every member of staff going out of their way to make me feel welcomed and cared for.
The tour itself was very well-planned and full of adventure — busy, yes, but incredibly rewarding. I was able to see a vast array of wildlife, including, of course, the majestic mountain gorillas — an experience that will stay with me forever. The itinerary also allowed for breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, and close encounters with many other species in their natural habitats.
All in all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime journey made even more special by the warmth of the people, the incredible biodiversity of Uganda, and the exceptional service throughout. If you’re considering a safari in Uganda, don’t hesitate — and if you get Tim as your guide, you’re in for something truly extraordinary!
BE
Email Thomas Vanderschaeghe | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great gorilla experience
We booked a gorilla trek in Bwindi forest with Big Apes. The transport to and from the starting point of the trek was very good, and the person picking us up did a very good job. Only point was that I asked my point of contact in the back office several times for information about hour and location to pick us up and asked several times to send out the final invoice and the permits, but did not receive that information until the evening before the trek (causing stress). In the end we did the payment settlement after the tour in a hotel where we had wifi. In the end the tour worked out very well, but communication can be improved.
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!