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
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 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!
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 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.
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 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.
ES
Email Nicolas L | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Epxerience
My dream was to go and see Gorilla's in Uganda. And Big Apes Africa made it possible.
In the first place the communication with Peter by email was very clear and his 14 days tour directly convinced me. I felt really secure, as he and his team were really constant in the communication.
We went on the tour with my girlfriend and it totally fulfilled our expectations. All was just perfect: Lodges, food, activities and of course our guide Jackson.
Jackson directly made us feel comfortable. More than a guide, he really became a friend. He shared a lot of knowledge with us, optimized our trip by presenting amazing communities and people and was always here to fix any challenges we could find on our way. Thanks again.
Thanks to Big Apes Africa for bringing our dream to reality. Fully recommended.
