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
Email Simon Clements | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Making dreams come true
The trip to Uganda was a surprise for my daughter graduation from university,before our onward trip to Tanzania.
My contact was Pleunie
She was amazing from day 1 with ideas and prices for different types of accommodation and tours .
Emails were always answered quickly and I felt confident that the trip would be a success.
Then comes the hard part making the trip ,go as we had arranged by email .
This was expertly done by the oracle of Uganda Barnabas our guide.
A passionate tour guide who taught us so much about Uganda and it’s wildlife.
Every morning we were greeted by the biggest smile he engaged both myself and my daughter in amazing conversation throughout our journey.
You are both great assets to your company .
You both made our dreams come true .
Matoke tours were a great choice and I would 100% use them again.
Thankyou so much Simon and Georgina
NL
Email Wendy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well organized roundtrip in Rwanda
Our overall experience with Harriet was very good. Communication was fast and accurate with helpful tips. From the moment we arrived in Kigali, all went well and smooth. Our roundtrip was great, we stayed in beautiful lodges and our driver John was a very nice man who drove very safely. He arranged everything and was very flexible. Due to surgery prior to the trip, we needed the 'easy' gorilla and chimpanzee trekkings and John took care of it all. Our trip was 8 days: Kigali-Nyungwe Forest-Lake Kivu-Volcanoes NP-Kigali and it was a perfect way to see all the the different landscapes of beautiful Rwanda.
NL
Email Ben en Natascha | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable trip to Madagaskar
After a perfect preparation with friendly personal contact we went to Madagaskar. Everything was organised just perfect. For our first part of the trip (national park Antsirabe) we had a friendly driver who told us a lot about this beautiful country. Every aspect we had questions about were answered, climate, nature, politics, life etc. We learned a lot! We were very lucky that all the animals we could see in an area were there, it was so great to see the lemurs but we also loved the great variety in kameleons and gekko's. We could'nt have done it without the guides who found every animal and told us about their behavior.
The second part of our trip was in the north, from Diego Suares to Nosy Komba. Here as well a very experienced guide and good driver who told us a lot about this area. It was nice to see the African life, we visited the market, had dinner in a local restaurant and the 3 bays walk was unbelievable in its beauty!!
On our way down we visited the red and the grey Tzingy, incredible landscapes and also saw beautiful birds, lemurs and kameleons in the dry forest. All very impressive.
From Ankarana we made an extra trip to Ambilobe which is a lively town with lots of small bars and restaurants. Chaotic and dusty. The day after a visit to a plantation, also very interesting. We could not only see how several fruits grow (cocoa, vanilla, pepper and jackfruit) but also taste some of them! Tip: buy Ylang Ylang essential oil here, it is the best!
For Nosy Komba we hardly have words to describe it. Blue warm ocean, a wonderfull place to stay, great food and a nice snorkling trip. We saw beautiful colored fish and sea turtles!! Of course we visited the small village with all the beautifull craftwork and bought some souvenirs and presents. (please pay what they ask, it is all beautifull and not expensive but lots of work to produce). And we saw the black lemurs very nearby.
All the resorts and hotels where we stayed were beautifull, clean, very friendly staff and great food. We had a wonderfull trip!
DE
Email Sabine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A journey like in a fairy tale - instructive, full of excitement and enchanting moments
Our driver Kassim picked us up on time in the morning, to start the trip from Victoria Lake to Kibale Forest. First positive surprises - sufficient drinking water was provided, the car was comfortable and spacious. From the first moment we felt optimally being cared through Kassims friendly and engaging manner. 6 hours ride went by in no time at all. We had an interesting conversation about the country and its people. Our needs were well catered for.
The first accomodation, Turaco Treetops, was a brilliant highlight - extraordinary friendliness, aesthetics and excellend food in overwhelming nature. The chimpanzee trekking, in a group of 8 people, was an unforgettable hike, criss - cross through the rainforest, up close on the trail of the chimpanzee. A competent, admirable guide there too, with whom we felt absolutely safe.
Queen Elisabeth National Park, Katara Lodge - unbelievable view into the distance, beautiful garden and swimmingpool. Sovereign game drives with Kassim, a skillfull driver, who took care about everything very respectfully and reliable. The boat safari was another highlight, full of great animal motifs.
To crown the event - Lake Mutanda, nature like a magical fairytale world.
It was a brilliant, colourful journey and a wonderful time!
DE
Email Karl | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Matoke tours is the perfect Tour Operator, you can rely on them!
At the beginning of this year, 2023, we decided to travel in July to Uganda.
We wanted to go on an 11-day safari trip and then spend 11 days visiting friends of ours who have been active in social projects in Uganda for 20 years. Our friends recommended us Matoke Tours as a tour operator.
The planning process with Coen from Matoke Tours has been a lot of fun. Everything was discussed in detail, in a friendly and relaxed manner. With many recommendations, the tour was planned according to our wishes.
At the beginning of July we started. With Brussels Airlines from Brussels to Entebbe, transfer to the hotel and our guide Anatoli picked us up the next morning. Anatoly as a guide is a stroke of luck. He is very competent, he told us a lot about the country and its people. He is very friendly and helpful, he took care of everything and made our trip a unique experience. We especially liked his sense of humor. It was like traveling with a friend.
The entire trip was just wonderful. The nile springs, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP with great Chimp tracking, Queen Elisabeth NP with amazing Boat Trip on the Kasinga Channel. Lake Mutanda with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP as a special experience. Transfer to our friends in Kisoro and at the end the transfer to the airport in Kigali/ Rwanda. Everything perfectly organized by Matoke Tours. The lodges were all very nice and very well tailored to our needs.
Summary:
Uganda is a very beautiful country with very friendly and lovely people.
The landscape is lush green and mostly hilly. There is so much to see, wildlife, colorful birds and beautiful butterflies and flowers...
July is a good time to travel
It is a very comfortable and safe travel.
Matoke Tours is the perfect tour operator. By the way I am not on their pay roll.
Next year we will probably travel to Uganda again, with even more time to support our friends' social projects.
I wish you a lot of fun in Uganda
Regards
Karl
NL
Email Ingrid | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Matoke Tours ensured that we could tour Uganda without any worries. Every day we were amazed by all
Our tour through Uganda was really great. Everything was well arranged by Matoke Tours. Even on the day before departure, the owner Coen called to ask if we were ready and if we had any questions. Really nice. We travel a lot but we have never experienced this before. In Uganda we traveled around with a cool jeep of which we could raise the roof when we arrived in a National Park. We had Mike as driver for the entire trip. He spoke very clear English and knew a lot about everything. Nature was truly his passion. Coen from Matoke Tours had put together our tour perfectly according to our wishes, but Mike still sometimes gave a tip on the spot for a small adjustment. Sometimes because of the weather, but also because he got to know us well and knew exactly where we stood. This tour through Uganda had everything. Every day was so special, but we were also always amazed by the overnight stays. Can it be even more beautiful! From safari tents in a NP to a beautiful private lodge with a view of the waterfall. We also continued to be amazed by the nature and animals in Uganda. In addition to the elephants, buffalo, lions, leopard, etc., we were also able to admire the chimpanzees and gorillas up close. That was truly an experience I will never forget. Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa. And Matoke Tours and Mike ensured that we were able to enjoy all the beauty of this beautiful country without any worries. Thank you Matoke Tours.
NL
Email Jan en Lian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organized with great support and experienced travel agency
Our trip to Uganda in October 2023 was beautiful! Varied green landscape, savannas, unspoilt nature with wildlife, beautiful and interesting culture, authentic villages and friendly people. And of course the impressive track to the gorillas! A fantastic, adventurous and intensive journey. And our driver/guide David Bakeine was great! He was good company for 3 weeks and took us safely and proudly across his country to all the beautiful and interesting places in Uganda. Watch our travel experiences on our YouTube channel 'Travel adventures to watch' in the video 'Adventure in beautiful Uganda' that we made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLd1fiStJkQ
SE
Email Peter & BrittMarie Bergfalk | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uganda Nature and wildlife tour
We did our second tour in Uganda with Matoke Tours.
We had 10 days with our guide John from Matoke tours and it was a fantastic experience.
John was as always a rock to hang on to during these trips, he has extremely good knowledege and are a great driver.
The guides in the parks and nature walks was verry serviceminded and full of knowledge.
We especially think about Moses and his guiding in Sipi Falls and the coffey plantation as a great experience but also all rangers in the different parks we meet during our tour.
Remember that the hike around Sipi falls can be quit hard depend on weather, if it rains the track will be verry slippery and hard to use.
The lodges was according to our expectations but we would like to see some alternative to the 3 cource menu at dinner time for example some more lighter food.
During the drive around the country we recommend that you have a neck pillow due to the bad roads and a thermos with cold water. A flashlight on the evenings is also a great feature to bring.
As always Matoke tours delivered a great planned trip and the communication with Pleunie was great from start to finish during our planning.
We recommend Matoke tours when planning a Uganda trip.
BE
Email Annick & Peter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect discovery of Uganda
Sadly, our journey to Uganda has now come to an end, but we’re left with truly wonderful memories. A huge thank you to Matoke for organising this trip for us. The preparation was flawless. We made a few additional adjustments to the programme, and all suggestions were communicated promptly and clearly.
From the moment we arrived in Uganda, we felt completely taken care of. Everything was handled on our behalf. Special thanks must go to our guide, Mike, who was kindness personified. He kept us well-informed every step of the way, letting us know what was on the schedule, when and where to be ready, what to wear, where we would dine, etc.
Mike navigated us with ease, finding his way perfectly wherever we went, even on bumpy dirty roads. It was impressive. And everyone knew him, even hundreds of kilometres from his home. He was clearly a beloved figure. How many times did we hear someone say, “He’s my brother from another mother”?
The car was immaculately clean every morning, no matter how muddy we’d left it from our adventures the previous day. Each morning, it was like new again.
As for what we saw—those experiences will stay with us forever. We encountered so many wild animals up close: gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, smaller primates, zebras, antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, warthogs, crocodiles, and countless birds.
In short: a trip we’ll never forget.
Matoke, well done.
And Mike, thank you, thank you, thank you!
AE
Email Lauren | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip toUganda with Matoke
In April this year, I had the most incredible solo one-week private trip to Uganda, organized by Matoke Tours, and I can't recommend them enough! From start to finish, the entire experience was exceptional.
My guide, Mike, was absolutely amazing. He was not only knowledgeable about the local wildlife, history, and culture, but his passion for Uganda was evident in every conversation. His professionalism, friendly demeanor, and attention to detail made my trip so much more enriching. He truly went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible.
The itinerary they put together for me was fantastic. We trekked through the stunning Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking, and the experience was truly unforgettable. Then, we headed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking—an experience that surpassed all expectations. Being up close with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat was nothing short of magical.
The accommodations were top-notch, and every lodge we stayed at was comfortable, welcoming, and offered amazing food. The meals were delicious and varied, catering to all dietary needs, and the views from the lodges were breathtaking.
Matoke Tours did an outstanding job organizing every detail of the trip, from the seamless logistics to the excellent customer service. They truly made my dream trip to Uganda a reality. If you're looking for a memorable, hassle-free African adventure, I highly recommend Matoke Tours. I can’t wait for my next trip with them!