35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
You will never regret booking a tour in Uganda with Matoke Tours!
I don't even know where to begin, so I'll start with GO VISIT UGANDA and do it now! I just got home to Los Angeles, California USA, a week ago, after visiting Uganda for 13 days and all I do is cry! I miss it so much! It was the absolute highlight of my life! I am a 42-year old single woman, and this was my first solo travel adventure. Uganda is truly a special gem and I have visited 6 other countries in southern and eastern Africa. I can tell you, there is no country like this. Uganda stole my heart and I am in love with it! It has stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, the most delicious fresh food directly from the farms, warm friendly people, and the most special chimps and mountain gorillas in the beautiful forests (and big game too)! I have been on several safaris before, so my focus in Uganda were the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chimps in Kibale National Park. Everyone HAS to do this at least once in their life.
I first reached out to 6-7 tour companies and began my research. I first started researching in 2019. I had not heard of Matoke Tours before and found them online through my various searches. I contacted some of of the mainstream larger adventure companies and was not impressed. I have to say I was so pleased with the response time and care from my travel advisor Pleunie van Uden. I am very detailed oriented and have high expectations when it comes to customer service. Pleunie was on it! She impressed me with her professionalism, care, and had a great business skills set too, which is comforting when you are spending so much money for an adventure with such high and life changing expectations. Example, no typos in her email correspondences. It's silly, but that comforted me. She always returned emails within a business day accounting for a 10-hour time difference. The other companies were not as professional and response time was too slow and I felt "lost in the shuffle." I corresponded via email with Pleunie and let her know what I was looking for, how many chimp and gorilla trackings I wanted, my desire for high end lodges and accommodations, that photography was my hobby and I was coming with all my camera equipment, and that safety was a priority as a solo female traveler. She designed a program for me within a very quick turnaround and pretty much had it on the first try, she nailed it. The process was as smooth as can be and felt too good to be true! Then Covid happened. Pleunie was great in assuring me everything would carry over to whenever we could all travel again and once the world was ready again. I stayed in touch with her throughout 2020 and she kept me posted on the status of the country, tourism, and the gorillas. She even let me know when a baby gorilla was born which I was happy to hear. She felt like a friend, even though she was all business. That's how you know you are working with a stellar tour advisor. Then came 2021, dates were re-booked and adjusted a bit to work with my schedule, Covid vaccines rolled in and things were looking good! Just when I would worry everything would get shut down again, Pleunie remained positive and assured me things were looking promising. With each month that passed by getting me closer to September, I felt like I needed to pinch myself, like was I really going to Uganda, finally? With all the Covid protocol and PCR tests needed throughout my trip, Pleunie remained positive, informative, assuring, and was truly excited for me. As stated, I was concerned about safety as a solo traveler, and she really comforted me and made me feel taken care of. Pleunie put together a magnificent program including Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Northern and Southern sections of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Add on top of that road tripping with my driver guide to each location, which allowed for more sight seeing, interacting with the community, driving through the villages and really getting a feel for the country (well the west and southern side of the country -- I must return to see the North and East). Pleunie was always available while I was in Uganda as well, in case I had any emergencies, she was just a WhatsApp call or text away. She was FANTASTIC. I am already referring Matoke and Pleunie (and my guide Geoffrey, see below) to everyone back home and can't stop speaking praises. Thank you Pleunie for creating the most fulfilling adventure, it changed my life! You nailed it. Incredible job.
Now let's shift the focus to my driver guide Geoffrey Katende. It was like fate that he was my guide. Geoffrey was the absolute best! I tear up just thinking about the journey he guided me through. From the airport pick-up in Entebbe to the final goodbye 13 days later, Geoffrey will be a friend for life. He is a special man. He was very seasoned, so knowledgeable... knew just about everything -- all kinds of facts about Uganda, animals, birding, you name it. I felt like I was in such great hands. Geoffrey is a natural. Hospitality, care, guiding is who he is. I felt so safe and cared for, and we had some great laughs too! As a solo traveler, he was like my travel buddy and always remained professional. He interacted with the locals often through our road trips, we had some great photo shoots and photo exchanges, we made friends along the way with lodge staff and rangers, everyone knew him and I just felt so lucky he was my assigned guide! Geoffrey understood me and adapted quickly, as I can imagine the range of personalities guides have to manage. He has such a good heart and just wants you to truly enjoy your time and fall in love with Uganda, which is absolutely what I did! An example, of his good character: we were driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park and I had stopped to take a photo of the landscape. As we started to drive away, he stopped the car, went in reverse and then stopped the car again, got out of the car and picked up a nail he saw in the street. He didn't want another driver to drive over the nail and pop their tire. That's a good person. I am sure there are other wonderful guides at Matoke but I won the lottery with Geoffrey. I can't wait to come back again! I am so grateful for his guidance, care, and professionalism, all while having so much fun! It was hard to say goodbye, because he took such good care of me. Many tears, many tears. Thank you Geoffrey Katende for being the wonderful man that you are, and Matoke is so lucky to have you! Any guest is lucky to have you as their guide. Oh, and one more thing, he is an excellent driver! He dealt with my need for air conditioning (I can be demanding with that), car sickness from the anti-malaria medication, and driving the bumpy roads at times in the rain -- he was a champion at it and always assured me everything was ok. He sent me home with a delicious avocado he picked out and memories and photos that I will cherish the rest of this lifetime. See you soon hopefully Katende!
Also, a special shout out (mention) to my second guide Jacob, who was fantastic as well. Unfortunately, we only had a day together, as it was the end of my trip and I was only in Entebbe for the night to get my PCR test and await results. He was lovely though in the short time we had together. Funny, outgoing, and personable. He was great help to me at the airport and took me as far as he was allowed to go, with all my heavy luggage (4 bags), in the hot heat! We didn't have much time together, but I can tell he would be loads of fun to have as a guide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
AMAZING EXPERIENCE AT ZIMBABWE! CLYDE AND HIS TEAM AT TAYLORMADE AFRICA ORGANIZED A FANTASTIC TRIP!
Our 3 Safaris at Zimbabwe exceeded our expectations in every level!
Clyde helped us (3 couples) organize the most amazing trip ever! Logistics were right on point, specially considering covid made it much more complicated. He always checked in during the trip in case there was something he could do for us.
The lodges were pure luxury and the service from the staff was unbelievable! The Game we got to see was abundant. We saw all of the Big Five... Lions feasting on their prey several times, even while doing a walking safari!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They really cared and made sure that we had a great safari.
Incredible 8 Days!
We just had an amazing time with Africa Kenya Safaris – can’t thank you guys enough. Everything was perfectly organized, from our pickup at the airport and then to Amboseli and Masai Mara parks. Our guide Daniel was the best. He knew just where to find the lions and leopards at the Masai Mara and had great stories to tell. Over 8 days we became great friends and can’t wait for our next safari with you guys. Thanks again for an incredible holiday!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Expeditions is the best agent that anyone would wish to use to arrange his/her vacation, attention to detail and reliable.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful days in Kidepo Valley NP
To go to Kidepo Valley NP with Peak Cruise Safaris was an excellent idea. The service before the tour was very good and everything has worked. My driver Abdul was an absolutely nice guy. He had a very good knowledge of the park and he knew where to go.
So I really enjoyed my time in Kidepo Vally NP. I loved to watch the beautiful landscape and the wild animals, as much as the visit to a remote community.
So I had a wonderful time in Kidepo Valley NP.
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experience
My safari through Northern Tanzania with Lion King was superb. During the booking process, both Godwin and Pendo were immensely helpful in planning my trip in a way that it would be a wonderful experience. Pendo in particular even went further than that - my luggage got lost on my flight into Tanzania and she helped me get it back a couple of days later, even had it flown to the Serengeti where I was by that time. Exceptional service. I then had the immense pleasure to have Musa as my guide and it couldn't have been any better. He is extremely knowledgeable and I learned so much about animals, Tanzania and Africa in general. Musa was terrific in spotting any animal, big and small, and I was lucky enough to see everything there is to see - from all big 5, to baby lions and even a cheetah family. Musa also went all out at all times to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. He was patient, always friendly and happy, fun to be around and great to have a chat with (even in my native German - which he speaks extremely well). Thank you Musa for this fantastic trip and experience - and thank you Lion King for all your fantastic support. All accommodations were great (I especially loved the tented camp in the Serengeti), so was the food and all staff and people we met along the way - all were incredibly friendly and helpful. I can wholeheartedly recommend both Lion King and Musa as a guide - you won't be disappointed. Hope to come back one day!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip was amazing thanks to Mansur, the best guide
Although we experienced a small problem at the beginning, related with schedule, our memories about Kenia are amazing thanks to the guide, Mansur. He was so kind, enthousiastic, close to us...but above all, he was a proffesional. He is an expert and knows everything on Safaris (Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli in our case). We saw the Great 5 thanks to him! Always trying to catch a spectacle of animals!
I would call this agency again for sure.
Thanks Mansur, and the agency!
Blanca & José Manuel
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience that far exceeded our expectations, with a great Driver-GuidePlanning a trip, tha
Planning a trip, that too to far away Kenya, in the middle of a pandemic was full of challenges. We had isolated for months and now, we had to entrust people we'd never met, with our safety and also hope for a great safari experience. We had to finalize and then cancel a couple of times with other companies, because of changing family commitments and the Covid situation. I found George and Right Choice when I was in the middle of my second round of searches.
Cost wise, Right Choice's quote was less than 1/3rd of what I'd been quoted by "Luxury" tour operators, and about 30-50% less than upscale (but a notch lower than the topline) operators. So, honestly, I was a bit skeptical as to whether Right Choice could deliver or not. I am thrilled to say, that Right Choice not just delivered on everything they promised, but way way more. And I'll also tell you this, I did look at vehicles of luxury tour operators while touring (because I'm sneaky like that), our vehicle was way better! Our vehicle was very comfortable and took us through some extremely rough terrain with no issues.
Communication with George, who owns the company, was fantastic. He was always available, to answer my most detailed questions. He always had great recommendations. And, when I needed time to pay an installment, because of an issue with my bank, George asked me to take my time and put me at ease when I was feeling awful that I wasn't able to make a payment on time. When I needed something, George did not second-guess me. I have severe dust allergy and needed an air-conditioned vehicle. George gave me one. As I found out, during my search, this was not an easy thing to deliver in Kenya. Most tour operators (including the luxury ones) tried to convince me that dust was no big deal and that the driver would drive slowly and my allergies wouldn't bother me. George did not do that. He understood my need. It made a world of difference, as I did not fall sick at all, during the time we were touring with Right Choice.
I am a very detail-oriented traveler and this time I needed to be even more so, because my mom was traveling with us. The way Right Choice took care of us was amazing! The Covid safety measures were great too. When I explained that we would like our Driver/Guide to be Covid-tested, like we were, it was done without any fuss. The vehicle also had hand sanitizer.
Ken, our guide, was simply the best! He treated us like family. My mom loved that he called her "Mama" and really took care of her. Ken went above and beyond, to make sure we got every shot we wanted and every animal we wanted to see. And we didn't even need to tell him. He just knew. Ken was very punctual, patient and eager to make sure that we were having a great time. Ken was also very knowledgeable about animals. He was a very careful driver and spotted animals like magic! His friendly personality, also meant that he was getting great information from other guides and we really had the best wildlife watching experience because of him!! Every restroom stop we made, the restrooms were very clean and well-ventilated. We felt very safe. Ken also kept the vehicle sparkling clean. Any opportunity he got, he cleaned the vehicle. It made a huge difference, because safaris can get really dusty. Mara roads (if you can call them that!) are extremely challenging. Ken navigated them without any discomfort to us. We weren't worried about even rocky river crossings, because Ken was supremely skillful. At the end of our safari, we were really sad to part with Ken. We keep in touch now. We would highly recommend Ken for not just being an amazing tour guide, but also looking after us like family. We never had to worry about a thing!
I am very finicky about accommodations, and honestly, camps were my husband's and mom's idea. It was not something I was gung-ho about, to start with. I wanted to make sure that we had all the facilities that we would've had in a lodge or a hotel. And the places needed to be sparkling clean. Every place George recommended, was top notch. We stayed at the Elephant Bedroom Camp (Samburu), The Cliff (Nakuru), Mara Ngenche (Maasai Mara) and Porini Cheetah Camp (Ol Kinyei Conservancy). All fabulous places where we were very comfortable.
I felt extremely comfortable, planning out and executing the trip from a different continent, thanks to George. Right Choice doesn't have the frills of some of the bigger companies, but they do DELIVER! That is really all anyone needs. If you want to have a splendid safari experience, at very reasonable costs, Right Choice should be your tour operator of choice. "Right Choice" was indeed the right choice for us.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very caring, interested in the customer needs and helping as muchh as they can!
"The first and best safari with a very good guide!!"
The safari was much better than expected. We could rely to 100% on our guides and tour operator Everything went smothly. We‘ve seen a lot of animals very close thanks to our incredible guide Jonas :-) We are from Germany and we are more than happy with the experience. It was our first time safari and I never thought we would see so many animals that close to us. It is a lifetime experience and everyone should experience it, the money it’s definitely worth it! We also did a balloon safari, it’s expensive but it’s a must to do it. All the people here are super nice and caring. And if you have our guide Jonas, you will have your dream holidays, he makes a difference! Thank you very much :-)
FI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant trip, lifelong memories
My wife and I had an excellent two-week trip with Benjamin from Siya Phambile Expeditions. Everything worked out perfectly well and we had an unforgettable trip experiencing African wildlife, history, and present culture. Communication before the trip was excellent, the booking process straightforward and all questions were answered. Also small modifications to the itinerary worked out perfectly. He has asked about our special interests and included all extras we requested. He has, too, organized transfers for the week we spent independently in KwaZulu-Natal at a short notice and took care that also there things worked out with no problems.
The trip was perfect from the pickup at the airport in Johannesburg to the dropoff at Tembe elephant park. The game drives were brilliant. Benjamin is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic wildlife guide. Without him we would not have had so many and high quality wildlife sightings. He provided invaluable information about the animals and was able to reconstruct what was going on only by hearing hyena calls from distance, for example. Added with knowledge of how to situate the car by knowing beforehand what was going on + might happen made it possible to have very near encounters with animals, if one was lucky, and we certainly were, on multiple occasions. Also the ability to spot animals from great distance while driving was impressive. Most of that would have passed us by if we would have done self-driving.
The food was very tasty, Benjamin is an excellent cook. We got introduced to South African grilling culture, which was a memorable experience by itself.
It was our first safari and certainly not the last one. We look forward to more adventures with Siya Phambile in the future.