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
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gorilla trekking - an unforgettable experience and worth the hard work
When researching Uganda, we investigated about 6 or 7 operators, and chose Matoke for a number of reasons. The European connections and bonding arrangements were valuable. We found them very flexible in advising on itineraries and then finally in booking our tour. They were very price competitive for the ground arrangements and lodge quality which we selected (not quite the cheapest, but some others who were less helpful were very much dearer). Some insisted that we fitted in with their pre-arranged itineraries and dates - Matoke custom built exactly to our requirements. Generally the booking process was efficient although it was slightly off-putting to end up dealing with 3 different people. The continuity of one person handing the whole booking might have given us a little more confidence. The tour itself went very well, much of this due to our driver/guide Jacob, who was excellent. His English was impeccable, his humour infectious, and his knowledge about Uganda, its history and culture were most informative. When there was a hitch in our travel arrangements, he worked hard to ensure that it was rectified. The lodges were of variable quality, and generally less good than those we have found on other African safaris. Primate Lodge at Kibale had many shortcomings, especially for the price they charged. Service and facilities both left much to be desired. Katara Lodge was beautifully designed, excellent rooms and service, but the drive back from QE Park on such a bad road became a bit of a bind. Mahogany Springs excelled in the quality of staff and food, but for a reasonably new lodge the state of repair was not brilliant. But these criticisms are probably general to Uganda. For the prices charged, the country is still some way behind others on the safari circuit. Nevertheless it was a fascinating country, with very friendly people, some beautiful scenery, offering unique safari opportunities. And the almost faultless organisation of Matoke Tours helped to make this an unforgettable experience.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
good safari with the family
For booking very attentive and client friendly treatment. during the trip a reliable and safe car, with a driver who was driving proper and carefull. during safary a very experienced driver with lots of knowledge about the park and the animals. Driver was next to that good in checking program, cross checking interest of the group. All in all a good time of fun with the family
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Matoke tours exceeded mine and my family's expectations.
As my studies had brought me to Uganda to do an internship, my family didn't want to miss out on this opportunity to travel to a new country, explore a new culture and of course visit me. The agreement was to explore the best of western Uganda, so it was up to me to find an affordable tour that also covered the highlights of that part of the country. After having searched the internet for tour companies, I stumbled across the Matoke budget tour. It sounded pretty exciting including chimpanzee tracking, viewing of the tree climbing lions, gorilla tracking, bush walk and many other activities. But as a student with limited budget and a passionate backpacker, I wasn't sure if this was the best deal I could find and at the same time slightly skeptical when it comes to online booking (because you never know who is on the other side). So I went ahead and tried to organize the trip myself, only to realize that it was a time consuming, complicated process with no promise on saving any costs. Having come to that realization I decided to book with Matoke tours and have come to the conclusion that every penny is well spent. The communication with the staff was reliable, I always got a quick response and the safari tour outstanding. Not only were the activities exciting, even the accommodation made our trip exceptional. I am glad to have booked through Matoke tours and am glad to recommend it.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Above expectations
I never heard of this organisation, but I had a good feeling after I went to their office in the Netherlands. We had a great trip in Rwanda and Uganda. The driver was very nice and knew so much about the country and the animals. He arranged everything for us. The hotels and the food were good. I went with other organisations to other countries in Africa, but I would recommend this organisation!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic!!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday. You gave us an incredible experience, brilliant service and really good value for money. I would highly recommend Matoke to anyone for safaris and primate tracking in Uganda.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very well organised, good price-value level
We (couple of 60 and 54 years) booked a 20 days private tour with Matoke, including Ziwa Rhino S., Murchinson Falls NP, Kibale NP with Chimps Tracking, 4 days Rwenzori Trekking, Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Vulcano Hike on Mt. Muhavura in Mgahinga NP, Mburo Lake NP and Mabambwa Swamp.
Our Driver-Guide was very knogledgable, friendly and a safe driver. The car was very reliable and we didn't even have a puncture. The chosen accomodations were very good, the food sometimes even excellent.
We had a wonderful trip which fulfilled our expectations.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A travel agency to remember! Everything ok accomodation, transport, food, guiding.....
We made a trip in Uganda and Tanzania with Matoke tours a tour operator from the netherlands. There isn't a thing I could say that was wrong about this trip. It was an amazing holiday: Uganda was so beautiful and untouched by tourism. The gorilla's were the max but also the country itself had much of beauty to offer. And also the guide big Sam was amazing. We learned a lot of the country from him. The accomodations were very beautiful and the locations well choosen. The food was always very tastfull, and there was always an alternative for the vegetariers of our group.
In Tanzania they worked together with Easy Travel, they did also a good job, plenty of food, good driver and guide, beautiful accomodations even in the middle of the Serengeti in very luxurious tents amids the lions and other wildlife
We saw the big 5 and the 5 ugly ones, and so many more. And at the end our journey ended in Zanzibar, where we could choose our location and Fumba Beach was really a quiet and relaxing place, with amazing food.
Really a very recommended travel agency Matoke Tours with thanks to Yorinda in the Netherlands who arranged everything with a smile!!!!
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable 3 weeks in Uganda and Rwanda thanks to Matoke Tours!
Used to travel by ourselves to remote places, it is not easy to find a touroperator that meets our expectations. At Matoke Tours we found the 3-weeks trip in Uganda and Rwanda that includes highlights as well as off road areas where not so many tourists go to, such as Kidepo Valley National Park and a visit of the Karamajong tribes.
We love the quality, personal contact, clear and fast communication of Matoke Tours Netherlands. Thanks Rob!
In Uganda we welcomed the enthusiasm and competency with which Richard took care of us while learning us everything we wanted to know about the life in Uganda/Rwanda. Thanks Richard!
This was our 2nd trip with Matoke Tours. Very sure that a 3rd trip will follow.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing trip in Uganda!
Matoke are very professional. They spent a lot of time with me for the planning of the trip and the elaboration of the itinerary (private tour). During the trip, the guide was very good. He was smart, had a lot of knowledge. We learned a lot about the country and the nature. We always felt safe. We are already thinking about the next trip and probably we will go again with Matoke.
Motorbike trip
Wonderful trip and excellent staff. Great country Uganda