The Matoke Tours Team
Matoke Tours
- Located In:
-
Netherlands
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, AUTO, SGR, UTB & UCF
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
NL
Email Hans en Rogier | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gorilla's and Kidepo: extremes in many ways
We had a spectacular tailor-made trip through Uganda, thanks to the top class service of Matoke (cheers Ilse). In an 8 day span we went to Bwindi to watch the gorilla's (no recommendation necessary) and Kidepo (better kept a secret) by mini bus. It was challenging but worth every second. We saw the whole country, literarily. Dramatic changes of landscape all day, views, smells, sounds. We asked for an enthusiastic, passionate guide who would not be intimidated by our many, many questions. And so we did get a walking encyclopaedia with telescopic eyes who happened to be the nicest companion you could wish for. We want him for ourselves and cannot disclose his name (cheers Geoffrey). Uganda is not a problem free zone in East Africa. Thank you Geoffrey for taking time with us to learn more about the events that took place in Northern Uganda and influenced the communities but also the wildlife in Kidepo. Tourists from abroad should do so.
We'll be back.
Email Marc | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well organised
Transport, accommodation, permits to see gorillas, etc. was well organised, we did not have to worry about any logistics. E-mail replies for the reservation were quick and to the point, all was arranged in 1/2 day.
Email Neil | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
From my first contact with Ilse they were incredible.
The accommodation at Flame tree village in Kigali and our stay at Lake Mutanda . One of the most beautiful places on earth. The whole experience far excelled expectations. The staff were easy to contact to take care of a few problems in connections. It all went like clockwork . I had researched this trip 5 weeks in Africa for 18 months and Matoke was by far the best value. It was an experience of a life time. If I was to do it again they would be my first call.
Email Emma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent experience
The staff were incredibly helpful, responsive and accommodating whilst booking the trip from Australia. Once we arrived everything ran smoothly and on time, we did the one day gorilla tour in Uganda which was incredible however a very tough and long hike so be prepared. It was an experience of a lifetime and would highly redommwnd
US
Email Connie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
My dream trip come true !!
Everyone involved with Matoke Tours was very friendly and helpful.
I chose the trip that included seeing the gorillas three times over the span of 9 or 10 days..... in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. I could not have had a better time. The gorillas were up close and personal, to a degree. They did not touch us, but they were fun to watch esp. the babies. I highly recommend this trip if you are a gorilla fan. Also the accommodations and meals were very interesting.
CA
Email Nigel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Challenge..worth taking!
Lional. at Matoke, Uganda was a great agent and organized my 8-day tour very well. Andrew, my tour guide was an ornithologist extraordinaire, a good safari guide and knew the roadways very well. He made an effort to ensure I saw what I wanted to see. However, the terrain when tracking chimpanzees and more so, Gorillas, was a challenge. It was a marvelous experience I would not have missed but I believe Matoke Tours should ensure that their clients are aware that a certain level of fitness is required for those searching for primates in the dense forests, the walkways erected some years back are in serious decline and crossing streams is achieved by taking your socks and shoes off. All this adds up to a level of 'risk' so I believe health insurance is more of a 'must do' and should be suggested at the time of booking. Due diligence! The Ugandans are very friendly, helpful and pleasant and at the lodges more so. Had a great time I shall always remember.
Professional and hassle free with great service
Everything was organised well. The guide was a real charmer but very service minded. We enjoyed the lodges, that were basic but great. The tour operator could have been clear on what to pack as we went trekking in trainers (very wet). Brilliant country to visit!
Fantastic trip - brilliantly organised by Matoke
We had an absolutely great trip to Uganda with Matoke. Edwin was a fantastic guide and driver. Both the gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi were absolute highlights of our visit to Uganda and we’re already looking for an excuse for our next visit!
Many thanks for your assistance with planning and organising the various aspects.
US
Email Laura | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing adventures thanks to Matoke Tours!
I spent months creating the perfect solo trip to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania and Ilse from Matoke Tours was with me every step of the way. She was there to answer my many many many emails almost daily for months! She helped me create the perfect tour! Her patience was very much appreciated. She even checked in and helped with a few things during the tour! Every detail from the lodges, meals, transfers, gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, golden monkeys and park entrance fees where all taken care of! The tour it self was amazing. Musa was my personal guide in Uganda and Rwanda and he was awesome. I love Musa!! So sweet and humble, very professional, informative and made sure I had the best experience! Each lodge/tent Ilse and I picked out turned out to be great and I was very happy with each place. I felt safe with Musa and in each lodge. No issues! Next I went to Tanzania where Hamdani was my personal guide. Hamdami was also great and very informative!
I very much enjoyed my experience in planning my tour and experiencing every wonderful moment. I will definitely use Matoke Tours again for my next trip to Africa!
US
Email Josh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tremendous trip, zero problems
My friend and I took a 7-day safari in Uganda and Rwanda. On our first day, our driver, Big Sam, picked us up from our hotel in Entebbe and gave us a briefing on the trip. He explained that sometimes, things would not go smoothly, but it was important to be patient. "T.I.A." he said (This Is Africa). Sam could not have been more wrong. The entire trip from start to finish ran like clockwork. The chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, the gorilla trekking in Bwindi, the golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga, and the Dian Fossey hike in Volanoes NP (warning - extremely muddy!) were each, independently, among the most exciting excursions of our lives. Having just finished a safari in Kenya and Tanzania on which the tour company flubbed the bookings for two of our four accommodations (!), I was prepared for mishaps, but Matoke was precise, professional, and extremely organized. I also requested quotes from a few different companies, and Matoke's price was more than fair. Really, we could not be happier. Thank you Matoke for an amazing experience!