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
DE
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Matoke Tours - Great parnet for visiting Africa!
First off some facts:
-We were 6 people between 27 and ~50years old from Germany
-Uganda 8 days from mid September 2018
-Tanzania/Zanzibar 5 day at the end of September 2018
It took me a while to find the time to write a review and I'm usually not the guy who likes writing reviews, but me and my co-travelers belief that Matoke Tours and everybody who was involved with our journey deserve some feedback. So here it is:
We started our trip at Entebbe airport and our plane landed quite late (around 10 p.m.). We got out of the airport and at first the heat and humidity hit us quite hard. It was dark, somehow smelly and we didn't really know what to expect. We spent our first night in some small guesthouse near the airport. The housing was somehow strange, there were a lot of mosquitos (which we tried to avoid because we heard all kind of stories about the diseases they might transfer...more of that later), and there were dogs barking all night. But we felt save because the guesthouse was well guarded. At first we thought, that it was not a good idea to travel to Uganda but that first night was literally the only not so good thing about our Journey.
The next days basically went like this: Kibale National Forest (Crater Safari Lodge - excellent!) - Community- and Swamp-Tour -Chimpanzee-Tracking + tropical rain in the forest and being attacked by African bees - Queen Elizabeth NP (Ihamba Lake Resort - Excellent!) - evening + morning Game Drive (same as Safari but Safari seems to be the Kenia-word for Game drive...) - Boat-Safari on the Kazinga channel - Gorilla tracking in the Bwindi National Forest (Mutanda Lake Resort - Excellent!) - Travel to Lake Mburo + Safari-walk in the queen Elizabeth NP (housing at Eagles Nest - great view, cute dog, nice bar, tent - Okay for one night) - flight from Entebbe to Zanzibar with a stay at the Blue Oyster for three days (super nice people, great lodging, nice bar + great cocktails, nice and clean beach, good food and they even send us a Christmas card - would definitely go there again and recommend to everybody!) - Stone Town (Swahili House - great!).
We saw a lot. Crazy African cities, beautiful nature, great rain forests, beautiful lakes, the Indian ocean, lions, elephants, hippos, Crocodiles, Eagles, snakes, giraffes, buffalos and many many more... Every place was full of really nice people, who always wore a smile on their face. And what was very strange: almost no insects and no mosquitos. Sure I got bitten twice but in the end I had more bee-stings that mosquito bites (and that only because we had to pay for the honey that the chimpanzees stole...). Recommendations for travelers: don't buy expensive mosquito-proof clothing- just buy one or two bottles more of DEET 50%.
And one thing or rather one person I did not mention at all: Our guide Big Sam. We were extremely lucky that he was guiding our tour. He is very experienced, he knows the nature, he knows the animals, he knows the authorities and he knew an answer to all our questions. And we had a lot of questions... And most importantly: He is a nice guy. He was joking around a lot and was able to laugh about himself. We had a great time and we think and talk about our journey a lot. We miss Uganda, we miss the people from the Blue Oyster and we miss Sam. We will be back and we will travel with Matoke again!
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Email Sonia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and always accessible
It can be overwhelming when looking for a company to book a safari, but luckily I read many great reviews on Matoke tours and am very happy I used them for my trip to Tanzania. They are always very quick to respond to any inquiries, check in on you during your safari and everyone on the team was very professional and made you feel like more than just a customer. The tour itself was AMAZING, our tour guide Gabriel was very knowledgeable, taught us not only about wildlife but also culture and the way of life in Tanzania. Accommodations were great, but we especially loved Tortilis camp in the Serengeti, the staff there were fantastic. Thank you Matoke for an unforgettable adventure!
Email Murray | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Full wildlife Uganda experience with an excursion to Zanzibar
The adventure was certainly one of my best to date and will be remembered for a while to come!
We had an amazing time and the team from Matoke did an excellent job all round with the whole itinerary unfolding to perfection and to top it off Kasule (the driver) was a real champion who really took great care in ensuring we had the best trip possible. He was very attentive to our needs and we really could rely on him to coordinate and manage the entire logistics portion of the trip.
Accommodation in general was fantastic! starting at Murchison River Lodge and Bush Lodge but it was a close tie between Lake Mutanda and Mahingo which we really loved! I must confess that I was quite disappointed by Enjojo. Even though I consciously decided to do the Bamboo hut as a lower cost alternative it was definitely not worth $75 as the hut leaked onto the bed and when the camp management moved us, they put us in a very musty and partially rotting tent which I would have been hesitant to spend $10 to stay in. A word of advice is not to put any guests in this side of the camp as it is really not fit for paying guests. They tried to assure us they are building new lower cost alternative condos, so if I were you I would wait for those to be completed before sending guests back to the low cost alternative at Enjojo. But overall that is a very small blip on the otherwise near perfect trip.
I managed to see the Shoebill, the Gorillas and the Chimps so pretty much perfect from a wildlife perspective with some great pictures to boot, we just need to sort through them all now ;)
Matoke was a fantastic choice for this holiday and their team really looked after us so well!
I will certainly recommend anyone who asks, firstly that Uganda is a wonderful destination and secondly that if they go Matoke is the only option!
Hopefully I can save up and afford another trip to do the rest of the country we didnt get to this time such as Kidepo, Ruwenzori and another visit to Bwindi to find the African Green Broadbill
Email John Cooper | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A well organised adventure
Initially living in tents albeit up market ones was a bit daunting but we came to love the experiences - lying in bed listening to the sounds of the African night. Lusekelo was a wonderful guide and extremely knowledgeable (I am a zoologist myself). The food was far better than we could have hoped for although the drinks in the Sopa lodge were very expensive.
NL
Email Johan and Mia Mathijssen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent safari tour in relaxed Uganda
My wife and I had a marvellous 12 day safari tour visiting more than 5 National Parks in Uganda. The whole trip was well beyond our expectations. During preparation of the tour Matoke Tours gave several tips which proved to be very valuable and the driver/guide was excellent during the whole trip. Thanks to Matoke Tours our safari was a great success and without hesitation I can recommend Matoke Tours as one of the best (if not the best) safari tour operators in Uganda.
We enjoyed the scenery, wildlife, hospitality, lodges and above all the professional and pleasant guide Geoffrey. Parks in Uganda are beautiful and wildlife is abundant. Atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant; we felt we were welcome at any place, at any time.
Matoke tours did a wonderful job!
Email Janet Sorensen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, can’t wait to organise my next tour through them. Everything was perfect
I had an absolute adventure in Uganda and Kenya! I love the outdoors and doing fun activities -So travelling to Uganda and Kenya was a perfect choice. Every time I arrived at my next accomodation or activity I was so grateful to the Matoke team. They were efficient, professional and really friendly.
Anna, from Matoke tours, did such an excellent job at organising everything, and when I arrived I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. She really did an exceptional job at organising a tour I’ll never forget.
Everything was way beyond my expectations. I stayed at Nile Porch in Jinja and went down the white water on a single tube - I’d definitely recommend it if you love white water rafting, but looking for something a bit different but just as much fun (if not more) than a blow up raft.
Nile porch was a beautiful place and had spacious safari tents with showers that overlooked the Nile, surrounded by monkeys jumping through the trees.
I also stayed at Mihingo Lodge and it was by far the most incredible place in terms of accomodation; it was something out of a dream, up on a huge rock, with an infinity-like pool overlooking the safari park, directly in front of a watering hole.. we saw a leopard one morning while we were eating breakfast. I went specifically to Mihingo lodge for the horse back safari - if you love riding, this safari is great. It was the best horse ride I’ve done on a holiday - I had the time of my life galloping through the safari park, riding next to the zebras and giraffes.
However the gorillas near Mutanda were by far my favourite part of my holiday.
We stayed at the mutanda lake resort and trekked through Mgahinga National Park.
We got so close to them! I actually couldn’t believe how close we were, I could almost touch them, it took my breath away. I saw gorillas nine in total, a big family - and they were really playful. My friend went to a different area in Uganda to see the gorillas, near Biwindi, but apparently they were hidden among the bamboo and they didn’t see any silverbacks. The area where I was booked is apparently the best place because there are more silverbacks in the family and the gorillas are out in the open a little bit more - I got to just sit right next to one :) this is a bucket list activity and worth every penny. The trek can be hard, and one older lady had to turn back because she couldn’t physically complete the hike. The trek can take between 4-9 hours and it’s thrlugh dense jungle. But it’s worht it and the trek itself was so much fun. Don’t wait to you’re too old to do the things you love!
We managed to squeeze in the Sabinyo mountain hike as well. It was really was an adventure climbing up those little stick ladders! I absolutely loved this hike - it was a real adrenaline rush because the ladders and bridges were made out of little sticks - so not for the faint hearted, but the view from the top was worth it and I can’t wait to come back and do it all over again.
Kenya was also great, we saw heaps of animals (the big 5 and so much more) in the Masai Mara, I even got a kiss from a giraffe.
We did the hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara - and while expensive, again it was a memory I won’t forget.
We also went to meet the Masai tribe and had some fun dancing and jumping with them.
Jimmy our driver also a special place in my heart forever, we got along really well, I loved him. We ended up meeting his family and had lunch with them on the last day :) he was such a genuine and lovely guy.
I can’t thank Anna and the Matoke team enough for all the work they put into organising my trip. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to come back again to Uganda - and I look forward to organising my next African adventure with Matoke.
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Email Howard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Green bananas are the way to go!
“Matoke” means green bananas, and as you are guided through East Africa, especially Rwanda and Uganda, you see everyone eating them, buying them, cooking them....it’s an apt name for a great local African tour company.
About a year ago, as I was plotting my East African adventure, I kept seeing tour companies based in the UK or US, and I wanted to share a locals perspective, and hopefully save some money. I had convinced 5 friends to join me, and I had to make sure they were happy with EVERY moment of the trip.
I found Matoke on a google search of Ugandan tour companies, and while many companies replied, they immediately went into depth. I first befriended Ilse, and she spent many hours creating an outline to meet our wants and needs. I have been to Africa a few times, and I knew my group of 50, 60 and 70 year olds needed a bit of coddling and expertise.
Matoke did not fail to deliver. Ilse even convinced me that it was relatively safe to head into the DRCongo with their week long itinerary to see the giant Grauers gorillas, and the mountain gorilla sanctuary. They tailored our trip to the hotels and lodges that would keep us comfortable and not break our budget. Their first estimate was roughly one half of other offers. I double checked reviews of each lodge and coupled that with online reviews of Matoke and I was sold.
Months of planning. A gazillion emails (answered immediately), and Ilse left on leave to have a baby, and we were then passed on to Anna Vos. WOW! Anna was simply remarkable. I felt like we became good friends, and she understood all our nervousness and replied immediately to reassure all would be to our liking.
The best part was she made sure “Anatoly”, the Ugandan man with a HUGE smile and open heart was to be our guide in the DRCongo, Rwanda and Uganda.
I cannot say enough good things about this man, as all 6 of us enjoyed his expertise, his demeanor and his warm funny nature. We wanted to take him home with us, and we wish him well!
Dramatic last minute changes occurred that closed the DRCongo border and we had to come up with a “plan B” 1 month before our departure. Anna scrambled and was able to recreate an amazing week in Rwanda. Every place we stayed at was simply incredible. We never felt cheated or uncomfortable. So many incredible memories in the heart of Africa. If we were hungry or needed a bathroom or just a pat on the shoulder, Anatoly was in charge and made every day....even the really early days, or the 3 hour “African massage” rough road days..a pleasure! We still miss Anatoly and keep in touch. He made our Rwandan-Ugandan tour one we will never ever forget.
We also booked a second part of the tour to Tanzania, to go out on safari with Matoke. They, in turn, hired a respected safari company in Tanzania, called “Easy Travel”. The change from Anatoly to our Tanzanian guide was 180 degrees. While most of our needs were met, and the places we stayed in Tanzania were top notch.....STAY at Tortollis Camp in Serengeti!!....we all missed Anatoly and wished he were still our guide. We had many long drives with our Tanzanian guide, and he just lacked the connectedness, the comeraderie, and the level of care that we had grown used to with Anatoly. I cannot blame Matoke for the guide there, but we really did not enjoy his company, and all 6 of us wished we had someone different. He was always prompt, always diligent, but on too many occasions, we felt he was not right for our group. Perhaps a small group, but not a wild group of novice travelers on their first trip to Africa.
I made a huge mistake with Ilse in the early planning, and misdirected her on my wish to see the Great Migration. At the time we went, it was now far to the north in Kenya, and we were all a bit let down.
All in all, you have many choices to make when searching for a responsible tour company. Africa can be a challenge to have events always work out as you planned, but after many trips to Africa, I have learned to accept that fact. Matoke will “hold your hand” regardless of sudden changes and make you feel safe and secure.
I can not recommend them enough. I plan on going back to Africa many more times in my life, and I will always try to utilize Matoke’s expertise in the future.
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Email Adam S. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fascinating once in a lifetime experience
We went to Tanzania in late August. We toured Tarangerie, the Serengeti and Ngorogoro. Paul was our tour guide. It was an amazing experience.
Paul was great. He did an excellent job driving through difficult terrain and always pointed out animals we couldn’t see. He was always professional and he was fun to be around. We enjoyed his company and we always felt that Paul was in control of every situation.
The accommodations were comfortable. We traveled with two teenagers and they had a great time. The food was simple but very good. Lots of chicken and lamb, potatoes and rice and simple vegetables like carrots and beans.
Animals were everywhere. Zebras, hippos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, ostrich, gazelle, antelope, crazy looking birds. We saw them all.
I’d highly recommend this tour and make sure you get Paul as your guide. He was excellent.
Good luck!
ADAM S.
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Email Sharon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Matoke Showed us the Best of Uganda and Tanzania
We booked Matoke Tours Uganda-Tanzania 13 day trip with a few minor changes and upgrades. The tour took us through a week of Uganda: Kampala, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi National Park. Edwin was our guide, and he smoothly got us to our destinations and provided lots of information about what we were seeing along the way. Accommodations ranged from good (Kampala) to amazing (everywhere else) and the food was excellent everywhere we went. We were able to see the habituated chimps and gorillas, and everything but rhinos on the "big five" list. We then left Uganda and were handed off to another driver who took us to Kigali Rwanda to start our second week. We flew from Rwanda to Arusha Tanzania where we were met by our new guide Paul. Tanziana was equally amazing in it's own unique way and Paul was an excellent guide. Our trip included Arusha, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Similar to Uganda, the accommodations in Arusha were good, the rest were amazing. In Tanzania we were able to see the elusive rhino (waaaay in the distance, but still we saw it!), many many big cats, and the migration of the wildebeests and zebras. We paid extra to take a sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti and it was worth every penny. Matoke was easy to work with through the entire process, and held our hands from the moment we got off the plane in Entebbe until we flew out of Arusha. The only thing I would do differently if planning the trip again would be to skip an overnight in Arusha and drive further to Lake Manyara on the first day. Otherwise, this trip was perfect from start to finish.
Email Nick | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magnificent - Surpassed all our expectations
We had a fantastic and special 15 night holiday in Uganda arranged by Matoke Tours.
The service from Matoke was excellent, from initial enquiry to the end of our trip. Communication and recommendations were good, payment was easy and safe and the service provided was at a fraction of the price available to us in the UK for the same accommodation.
We expected a great trip but this surpassed all our expectations. As with all trips to countries like Uganda you need to be prepared for poor roads, long transfers and limited healthcare etc.
All the lodges we stayed at were different and were as we expected. Food and service was very good (although we did struggle with the large food portions).
The food at Mahingo was probably the best. The new managers there were very welcoming and there was a lot to do there in the form of activities. If I were to do this trip again I would have 2 nights there. Bakers lodge was probably our favourite,with the hippos round and about. That said, they were all really really good.
Everything went to plan without any hitches. We were impressed by the schedule...the timings for the activities and transfers were perfect.
We saw so much and Uganda was far more lovely than we could have ever imagined.
Wild Waters was beautiful...we just had a day relaxing there. I think 2 nights is enough as you are a bit trapped there.
Robert was one of the best guides we have come across on our travels. He is a real gentleman in every sense of the word. He was knowledgeable, fantastic at spotting animals, and good at getting us the front seats on boat trips. Robert really made our trip special, we could not have asked for a better driver/guide.
The parks were fantastic, lush, green and we saw tree climbing lions, leopards and hyenas up close. The boat trips were fabulous for spotting birds and crocodiles. The highlight of the trip was the gorilla trek. We got ridiculously close to the family we trekked too. Once in a lifetime stuff.Be warned, don't turn up expecting a gentle walk to see them. The terrain is seriously up and down and some people with us struggled as they were ill prepared and unfit. Carrying your own backpack isn't a matter of pride, employ a porter and put some money back into the local economy.
We had a holiday that will live on in our memories.
I would happily recommend Matoke to anyone who wishes to travel to east Africa and Uganda in particular. It was first class.
