Maria and Lawrence, Viajes Matatu owners
Viajes Matatu
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2023)
- Member Of:
- AUTO, USAGA & ESTOA
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $348 to $2,087 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
ES
The best decision we could have made.
To give a little bit of context, we are a couple and, for us, doing this trip was a big financial effort. Because of that, we looked at so many different options and agencies before making our decision. And precisely for that reason, I think it is important to leave this review: we also had our doubts at first. When you are spending a significant amount of money on a trip, it is completely understandable to be a little nervous about who you are putting your trust in.
Everything was perfect.
The communication, closeness and transparency that María gave us from the very first minute was what made us choose this agency, and in the end we got so much more than we expected. We did the whole trip completely on our own, with a private guide accompanying us throughout, and we are certain that we paid much less than people who were travelling in groups.
María and Lawrence went above and beyond to make sure we could do all the activities we wanted, despite having limited time and a limited budget. It is also worth mentioning that we organised everything only three months in advance.
All the hotels we stayed at were incredible, with very good facilities, great breakfasts, lunches, dinners… The route and all the activities we did were fantastic, especially the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla tracking.
We also felt very well looked after whenever any issue came up. For example, our luggage arrived late and we did not have to deal with anything ourselves: the agency arranged for it to be brought to the national park where we were staying. And it was not the airline who did it, but the agency itself.
I know this may sound like just another review saying that everything was amazing, but honestly, if you are reading this because you are having doubts, don't hesitate anymore. We had those same doubts, and after experiencing the trip, we would have absolutely no hesitation in choosing them again. The agency is simply unbeatable and, honestly, this trip has changed our lives.
Another thing that made this experience so special for us was our guide, Olela Andrew. We spent every day of the trip with him and it was an absolute pleasure to share this experience with him. His knowledge, kindness, generosity and sense of humour meant that, rather than just being our guide, he became a friend to us.
I think it is important, when you travel to a country so different from your own, to get to know the reality of the people who live there and their culture. We feel that we had that opportunity, largely thanks to Andrew.
María, Lawrence and Andrew are three people we will always be grateful to. And if we return to Uganda (which we will certainly try our very best to do!), there is absolutely no doubt that we would want to do it with them again.
To sum up, I would highlight three things:
Uganda has been an absolutely spectacular, dynamic and surprising destination, and it offers so much more than the more traditional safari destinations.
The agency offers a level of service, support, personalisation and exclusivity that is practically impossible to find elsewhere at the same price.
The people who make it all possible are the ones who will truly make this more than just a trip, turning it into an experience you will never forget.
Thank you so much for everything and, from the bottom of our hearts, we hope we have the chance to see you again.
Amazing package with a caring and professional guide.
The trip was amazing from start to finish. And it was very clear that all the straff wanted the best for us. They really tried to make the meetings with the animal good for us.
The cottages/rooms were so cozy!
And all the animals we got to see was absolutely incredible. And the views.. oh my. Sunrise in a place like that is hard to beat.
Email Sofia Martinez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good organization and quality, we just worried about enjoying ourselves!
Traveling with Viajes Matatu was an incredible experience! They tailored the itinerary perfectly to our preferences (one of us wanted to visit two national parks, while the other two wanted to visit just one), took care of every detail, and the guide was brilliant. We visited Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Moroto. The organization was perfect, the hotels we stayed at were top-quality, and the car was well-equipped for rough terrain after the rain. I would definitely go back!
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ES
Email Ernest Granollers | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very attentive and kind. Great explanations and always keen to provide comfort.
At the time I traveled with Viajes MATATU, I was a student, so I greatly valued their flexibility in adapting both the budget and the experiences. I was looking to engage with Ugandan culture and avoid highly touristy sites, and they accommodated that perfectly.
Everything went smoothly, and I was very satisfied with my trip.
I loved that one of the owners is European, as she understood my culture, while the other is African, with native knowledge of the region. I personally think this combination adds great value to the company, bridging cultures to create the perfect experience for travelers.
Had an amazing safari with Viajes Matatu
I had an unforgettable safari with viajes Matatu and I would choose them again and again, the trip to Murchison falls and kidepo national park was great, the guide was good too, Maria and Lawrence were good at communicating and always kept in touch had the best ideas of hotels, it was worth it. I recommend them 100%
Email Mercedes Prunell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
100% Recommended
I trusted Viajes Matatu when my parents came to visit us in Entebbe. They do not speak English and together with Maria and Lawrence, they spent an unforgettable weekend at Sipi Falls. They complied with the schedules, itineraries and care in a highly satisfactory manner, along with great human warmth. Communication was excellent before and during the trip.
ES
Email Carme | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a wonderfull experience
Everithing was perfectly organised and the guides were magnificent.
ES
Email Ernest | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Excellent. Unforgettable trips and everything was made easy in every aspect. I will be back very soon.
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