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 Danielle | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
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 !!!
Reply from Big Apes Africa
Posted on Oct 14, 2025Dear Danielle,
We appreciate your patience in waiting for the refund. As much as we agreed not to subject your refund request to our company policy so that you wouldn't lose any bit of your money but receive it back in full as you paid it, we apologize for the delay in processing it.
As it was communicated to you via email, your refund is being processed and you will be receiving it as soon as possible.
Thank you so much!
IT
Email Simona | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good operator
Exciting experience Gorilla. Tour very good organized and an excellent guide Ben!!!!!!
IT
Email Omar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trained guides, organizational flexibility and knowledge of the area
A wonderful journey to discover the country's largest parks. Big Apes offers a wide range of dates and allows you to tailor the itinerary to your travel needs. Over 11 days, we explored the eastern part of the country, discovering ever-changing habitats and landscapes, spotting hundreds of animals, including all the Big Five (yes, even the leopard, we were lucky!). Don't miss the Chimpanzee trekking and Gorilla trekking to immerse yourself in the rainforest on the border with Congo. Making everything truly unique was the experience and professionalism of our guide, Ronaldo, who led us on sightings, helping us better understand the animals' behavioral dynamics and characteristics. He was always very kind, punctual, and available to chat and answer numerous questions and curiosities. Among the activities we enjoyed most, and which we recommend including in your tour, were the boat safaris, offering the opportunity to see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, and an extraordinary variety of birds up close. All the accommodations were very welcoming and well organized, dinners with excellent and varied food.
(automatic translation from Italian)
DE
Email Livia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The company still needs to refine a few things.
Communication was uncomplicated. The service from our driver was practically nonexistent. We're not even 20 anymore and would have appreciated more courtesy and assistance (ages 65 and 72). And planning for cash was a disaster. We were repeatedly told we didn't need cash, but everyone wanted tips in the hotels. The dollar bills weren't valid, and so we lost time constantly having to deal with such things. The car was incredibly dirty, both inside and out, which we found very unpleasant.
The tour was the usual one always offered in Uganda. The Nile tours are very beautiful. And the highlight, of course, are the gorillas, in a very well-organized park.
US
Email Lynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Service Excellance
I recently returned from an incredible 8-day safari that travelled through Rwanda and Uganda organized by Big Apes Africa Tours that included excursions to see the golden monkeys, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, white rhinos and numerous games drives to see the Big Five that was a complete success. From start to finish, the trip was absolutely amazing. A special mention to Jackson, my tour guide, who was brilliant throughout and especially keen on shortcuts that allowed me to experience some of the most beautiful countryside there was to see. Jackson ensured all transportation worked smoothly and that every detail of our itinerary and daily planned tours were executed perfectly. The safari itself exceeded my expectations - I saw every animal I had hoped to see and much much more! The accommodations were stunning and I consistently meet with warm, friendly staff who provided excellence service everywhere we stayed. Thanks for an unforgettable vacation.
Email Kim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible & memorable experience thanks to Big Apes Africa!
I have (sadly) returned home after the most amazing 5 day tour of Uganda with brilliant guide Ben from Big Apes Africa.
I truly can’t fault them. A professional company, maintaining great communication during the planning stage and who patiently accommodated all my requests and changes. Bella and Peter were great to deal with, always prompt in their responses.
When in Uganda, my guide Ben did everything in his power to ensure my Ugandan experience was beyond anything I could imagine - up close and personal with the gorillas and chimps, tree climbing lions, elephants, zebras, water buffalo, hippos, lions, warthogs and a million bird species - you name it, I saw it!
Ben was always punctual, so informative and knowledgeable about the bird and animal life and he personalised the sites and info to my interests. I also learnt so much about Uganda and the wonderful people and he was so patient with me wanting to stop for numerous stunning scenery photos!
The boat ride was really amazing for the abundance of wildlife but Queen Elizabeth NP was also a highlight. The accommodation was great, particularly at Lake Bunyonyi which was so special and a wonderful relaxing start to the week, along with Enshama Game Lodge where meeting ‘John’, the visiting wild elephant was a highlight!
Ben was great - always courteous, friendly and was excellent company on the long drives, so accomodating and always patient in answering my many questions!.
I am beyond grateful to BAA and especially Ben, for ensuring that I had the most memorable and incredible experience that surpassed all expectations. Thank you 🙏🏼 ☺️
CA
Email Cameron | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly, Accommodating, and Delivers
From the booking to the actual tour things very very smooth. Good communication (would recommended getting them on WhatsApp) so we could discuss options and make changes quickly. We had Andrew as a tour guide and he was awesome, we hit everything we wanted to see an then some. He suggested some changes on the fly based on how we were doing and what we wanted to see and with the office they made it happen. There will always be little hiccups but they sorted them all out. Accommodation options were very well choses, vehicles were good, and we basically felt very well taken care of.