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
US
Email Kyle | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most amazing East African and Primate Safari Tour!
I don’t write reviews often, but this one deserves it. I’m not being compensated and had no stipulations about writing a review.
Peter and his growing team with Big Apes is by far one of the best tour companies with whom we’ve worked in our 150+ holidays in 75 countries across the globe. He customizes travel plans, learns his customers’ personalities to adapt the trip, and is responsive to feedback. There are numerous safari contractors in Uganda/Rwanda—take this one!
We took a tour through Rwanda and Uganda for golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and some local culture. The overall price was amazing given the costs of permits in the countries, the accommodations Peter selected were perfect, and the amount of knowledge sharing along the trek was supreme. Peter guided us from Kigali to Volcanoes to Bwindi and back again, with several stops in between.
We couldn’t have asked for a better time in East Africa. We have been disappointed with other safari tour contractors in the past who felt like rolling cash cows, always hounding for extra money, not responsive to feedback or offering flexibility, and cutting corners everywhere possible. Take some time to make comparisons between tour companies, but highly encourage you to use Big Apes. You won’t be disappointed!
FR
Email Marc | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guides, great program, great experience!
The experience was very good! We started from Kigali, tracked gorillas in the Bwindi forest, then went for one night next to Bunyonyi lake, and then 2 days at Akagera. We prepared the travel with the guides on WhatsApp and arranged everything clearly. On Rwanda and Uganda the guides were always helpful and nice. The places we visited were very cool, but I also was surprised by the great quality of accommodation that was reserved for us! Thanks again for this unforgettable experience!
US
Email Rosanne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Peter is down-to-earth, authentic, smart and thoughtful, and just overall a wonderful tour guide.
Peter got in touch minutes after I searched on safaribookings.com for a Uganda gorilla trekking experience. Our situation is a bit unique as we will have to leave from and come back to Kigali, Rwanda. We wanted to do gorilla trekking in Uganda because it's cheaper, but eventually we'd want to return to Rwanda. After knowing our special requirements, Peter offered a 5-day tour package that included gorilla trekking and safaris, with reasonable travel distances across two countries. He's also very responsive to my questions and requests for changes. It started out to be just two of us, but after I told some of my colleagues that had a similar travel schedule, it quickly expanded to be a 8-person group because everyone liked the package immediately.
A week before our trip, our return flight was canceled that we had to return one day sooner. I communicated this change to Peter and he was able to quickly adjust our itinerary to meet out new needs. In the end, we had amazing 5 days together with a group of 8 friends. We saw many gorillas, numerous elephants, giraffes, buffalos, rhinos, hippos, antelopes, and all kinds of African animals. Peter drove us around tirelessly and was always on time and quick to act when there's a problem or request.
We had great conversations too while on the road. He's very open to talk, and learn about his guests, although he can also be quiet and let his passengers have a meditative time when needed. He's very open to feedback and eager to improve his service, which to us had already been impeccable.
In sum, I had a wonderful time going on this African trip with Peter and big Apes. I would recommend them to anyone going to Uganda and Rwanda, wishing to have an authentic and memorable true African experience.
FR
Email Pierre Fernandez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exactly what I wanted from a trip in East Africa
We went for a 5 day trip in Uganda/Rwanda (we were 8 in the group).
We stayed 2 days in Uganda.
We went for Gorilla trekking and canoe on lake Bunyoni.
I highly recommend the Gorilla trekking.
The places we stayed at were beautiful and very clean.
The remaining of trip in Rwanda was very good as well. The Akagera game lodge is wonderful, and the Safaris are a must-do!
Peter and Eddy (our guides) were very nice and ran everything smoothly.
Although it takes time traveling between Uganda and Rwanda (I would say car travel is the minor negative point of the trip), the overall experience was fantastic.
CO
Email Ana Cristina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Magical Experience
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling with Big Apes Africa and Peter, the owner, to Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas. From start to finish I had a magical experience. It's no secret the gorilla hike is an unforgettable experience as most reviews claim. However, the help and attention provided by Peter truly made this experience outstanding. Since the start he proved his professionalism with a perfectly tailored quote and timely responses to all my queries. After paying for the experience he was always available for any other questions I might have coming up to the trip. Finally, when he picked me up for the two day gorilla safari he went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable, safe and had an amazing time.
As a female young solo traveler I deeply appreciate companies and people that make me feel safe and protected. Big Apes Africa and Peter were definitely the best choice I could have made for this unforgettable experience! Thank you!
CA
Email Diane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
He was very attentive, very professional, with a calming disposition.
The trip was phenomenal. Peter our tour operator always insured we were having a great time. We saw many gorillas, the silverback, and babies. Our trip to the Lake which I was not expecting to be much was such a highlight. The lake and accommodations were breathtaking , the service was very professional and the value spectacular. This Canadian found Uganda a wonderful experience all because of Peter.
CA
Email Sky | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic - helped me achieve one of my bucket list items and more
Big Apes was a fantastic selection for my gorilla trekking experience! The entire process was seamless thanks to Peter, from pickup to drop off to the gorillas to the beautiful Lake. Highlights of the trip that would only be possible thanks to this tour would be the seamless adventure to the trek, the food along the way, and both peaceful accommodations at the trekking site (which was very close to the trek starting point) and at the Lake.
DE
Email Marco | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Probably best guide in East Africa
The whole trip was perfect. The experience with the gorillas and also another tour to the Queen Elizabeth NP is unforgettable. From the beginning, Peter helped us with everything we needed. Was always checking if we could get something cheaper as we would have found it. We saved much money thanks to his negotiating skills with food and accommodation. In addition he even picked us up for free from our hotels and brought us back even after our agreement. He drove us from Kabale to our Hotel in Kigali for free and offered his knowledge whenever we have questions. Also important are his extraordinary driving skills. We felt save the whole tour due to his careful way to drive. Honestly I think it's not possible to do it better.
US
Email Cindy Zahner | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded our expectations, our guide/driver Roland was outstanding, we had the best experience ever!
It was everything we expected and more. Everything was planned booked and carried out with ease. Our driver/guide Roland was the best. He drove safely and everything was organized for complete enjoyment. We actually added on two days and Peter did not bat an eye. He planned our extra two days and what he planned was exactly what we wanted. We would recommend this company totally, you will be so happy.
US
Email Marcus Lewis | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip, and it was a privilege to spend 5 days with Peter and Eddie.
We were really happy with our trip!
A group of us had a scientific conference in Kigali, and we arranged a trip afterward with Big Apes. We were in two subgroups: a couple, and a group of friends. The couple rode with Peter, while the 6 friends rode in Eddie's tour van, with some crossover between cars. We chose an itinerary that involved both Uganda (gorilla tracking) and Rwanda (safari) because we were coming from Kigali. If we could do it over, we would just do everything in Uganda; reaching the national parks in either country requires extra driving time, so splitting between countries inserts a long drive with a border crossing in the middle of the trip. The folks at Big Apes have a good sense for what makes a good itinerary, I would trust them.
For me, the trip's biggest highlights were:
- the gorillas
- all the other animals
- seeing Uganda/Rwanda and their people out the car window
- getting to spend 5 days riding with Peter
By the way, I'm totally a real person. Here are some group photos with Peter and Eddie: https://twitter.com/savvyRL/status/1657773777537880067