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
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.
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.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A lifetime experience
We had one of the best times of our life in Uganda.
We met mountain gorillas and chimpanzee face to face and saw all the other animals on land and in water.
The perfect experience is not only due to the magnificient nature and wildlife. The Matoke team planned and organised just a perfect tour for us and our driver and guide Antoli from Matoke Tours is an outstanding man. He is very competent, friendly and customer oriented. A big thank you to Anatoli and the Matoke team.
CH
Email Emmanuelle Ayer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ouganda will be in my heart forever thanks to Matoke Tour
Well having just spent 3 weeks in Ouganda, I must say it has been BEYOND my expectations and Matoke tour has definitely something to do with that feeling.
We visited with their recommandations all the possible highlights, staying in the most beautiful places nature wise , it was a great mix of safari, roads used by very few tourists, boat safaris, Sippi falls, Nile rafting, Kibale forest with the chimpanzes, Mutanda Lake and the gorilla tracking. We went round the country in a really cool 4x4 and the driver was very safe on the sometimes very bumpy and difficult roads. His service was perfect! Always on time, very friendly and fun and making contact with the locals really eased the relationship to people. Matoke could even organise us to visit the secluded far North tribe of the Karamanjong which was A highlight.
We could relay on Matoke tour at every moment, the head office was always there for questions or details to sort along the trip.
We had the best conditions to visit Ouganda , because we felt they love to share their enthusiasm and love about Ouganda. So I can only recommend Matoke highly. Thanks to the head manager Vim and our driver Franck !!
AT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We will think of this outstanding and very successful safari for the rest of our lifes.
We were greeted by our excellent driver Confidence, who went out of his way to please us. A very safe driver, too. The accommodation and food were very good and the game drives very successful. We did see the chimpanzees and the gorillas both after one hour walk. Everything was well organized and the day drives not too long. We can only recommend Matoke tours!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Attention to details and great guide made for a wonderful trip.
Went to Uganda with Matoke, 10 day tour. Wim provided many details during the planning of the trip regarding travel times (very difficult without local knowledge), camp and food accommodations, and activities. I was able to tailor the whole trip to my desires, and everything went beautifully. My guide was Musa, a long time guide, with lots of local insight to the culture, landscape, flora and fauna of Uganda. He clearly takes pride in being Ugandan, and travelling alone with him for 10 days was informative and always pleasurable. Our schedule included many long days, and Musa endured them all with a smile. I would not hesitate to recommend Matoke to anyone considering African travel, and would ask for Musa specifically if I return to the area.
Steve
Great safari with Matoke Tours
In February we made with Matoke Tours / Easy travel a 15 days trip to Northern Tanzania. We visited Tarangire, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. It was really fantastic! We have seen a lot of migration, many lions, cheetah’s, kills, birth of a zebra, black rhino’s and so much more.
Everything was perfectly organized. The accommodations and the pace at which we traveled were perfect.
Compliments for our guide Benedict. He discovered with his "eagle" eyes animals we barely could find with binoculars. A great guide and driver. He knew to steer the car always so that you had a perfect position for filming and photography. We had told him at the beginning we have been several times in Africa and knew a lot about the wildlife. That he picked up very well and gave us no standard but the more specific information, so we learned more.
All this means that we can look back on a great time.
Benedict, Matoke Tours and Easy Travel thank you for this wonderful experience!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
The experience lived up to our expectation, and Dan was informed and flexible to our needs. The accommodations were first class, food good, and we saw all the animals we had hoped to. The customized trip to a Water School project in Nebbi District went according to plan, and was a lot of fun.
The only criticism was that the original vehicle we were given had seat belts which didn't work.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exellent safaris in Lake Manayra, Serengeti andre Ngorongoro
Just perfect!! Special thanks too our proffesional guide Ombeni Moses
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent holiday to Uganda
For years on top of our list, visiting the Gorillas in their natural habitat. But the only problem, we cant go on a trip longer than a week. Matoke tours perfectly understood our problem and made a custom holiday for us.
With just a few keywords, Chimps, Gorillas and Nagamba Island, they made a beautifull trip for us. Before we left we received all the information and our schedule for the week. On the airport our driver was waiting for us and took us to our overnight stay just 10 minutes from the airport.
A perfect trip with great accomodations, lovely staff and good food. The Chimp and Gorillas gives you goosebumps allover. A perfect gift on our daytrip to the gorillas we've met 2 groups of gorillas. It's incredible to be so cloose to this beautifull animals. Also we see lot's of other wildlife.
We had the most lovely time in Uganda and recommend everybody to go and see for themselfs.
Thanks to Matoke Tours a once in a lifetime journey.