Water experiment at the Equator -Uganda
Katona Tours & Travel
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Member Of:
- AUTO - Association Of Uganda Tour Operators, UWA - Uganda Wild life Authority & UTB - Uganda Tourism Board
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $70 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Alicia Imbody | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Flexibility and Value
Due to extremely limited time while attending a conference in Kigali, I reached out to Katona to see what options were available for a one-day trip. Their team suggested Mgahinga Gorilla National Park just across the Ugandan border, which was a bit further and a little bit less convenient because of the border crossing, but for $1200 savings in the permit and a much more intimate experience (I was the only visitor who had signed up for gorilla tracking on a sunny Saturday) it was definitely worth it! My driver and guide for the day, Elias, was flexible and professional managing the complicated logistics with a calm attitude so I could fully enjoy the beautiful journey and my time in the park. I would highly recommend Katona and hope to hire them again for when I return to Uganda with more time to explore at a more leisurely pace!
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Email Janet | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Prompt responses and easy to deal with, awesome driver!
I booked the 1 day gorilla trek at the last minute and Jackie was sure to make everything very accommodating for me, a representative even delivered my Gorilla permit directly to the house. My driver Jackson went above and beyond that of a driver. Not only was his driving safe, he answered all my 110 questions with a smile and was a lot of fun to travel with, felt safe and secure the entire time and enjoyed the day of a lifetime!! Highly recommend Katona to anyone and will use them again!!
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Email Lisa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Less than expected for a custom tour
Communications with the agency were prompt and polite and included the attractions I wanted to see but I paid for a custom tour (I was the only client), expecting a great guide to tell me all about the land, flora, fauna and people along the way of my 5 day trip. My "guide" was a driver, not a guide and on long stretches of driving (some up to 8-9 hours), he did not engage me unless I kept asking specific questions. They didn't have wildlife or bird guide books in my vehicle to help me make sense of what I was seeing. I also had issues with the rude guide they handed me off to in Bwindi to see the Batwa people, who tried to steer me to a Bachiga village instead of the Batwa one that I had specifically asked to go to.
The attractions themselves did not disappoint: Kibale for Chimpanzee tracking was great--I was dropped off at the park and a ranger took over from there. The Kazinga Channel boat tour was superb, the experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking with their rangers was an incredible.
In all fairness I contacted Jackie at the main office and let her know my concerns and she was very apologetic, so I assume she has fixed the problem(s). Perhaps if it had been a group, I wouldn't have these issues, but as a solo traveller, I felt I had paid a lot for a lesser level of service.
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Email Eric | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Quick email responses and 3 day tour went super smooth
Like everybody else, we didn't know who to pick for our 3 day Rwanda gorilla trek. The quote from Katona was the best and they had good reviews so we decided to use them and we were very happy. Our guide was waiting for us at the airport and told us about the itinerary which we changed slightly with no problems. He was very accommodating to whatever we wanted to do for the entire trip. He drove very safely the entire trip, which my wife really appreciated especially while in the mountainous region which she hates. The vehicle was very roomy and we were able to stretch out for the drive to our lodge which we really appreciated after the flight in. We had a late flight out on the third day and our guide was very accommodating about getting us to the airport whenever we wanted.
Jackie answered all of our emails immediately and checked in on us twice during the trip to make sure everything was satisfactory. I was initially a little hesitant about wire transferring money overseas but it worked out just fine and Jackie emailed us as soon as the money cleared. We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days in Rwanda and would definitely use Katona Tours again.
Wonderful adventure
Great communication and excellent service. Our driver was on time and friendly, and we made it to/from the park without any issues. The Gorilla trek was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We found ourselves deep in the bush surrounded by 36 gorillas snacking on plants and playing all around us. To be fair to the other companies though the trek itself is independent of Katona tours (though covered in the price of course). Highly recommend!
LV
Email Gaida Matisone | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
You have to trust in Katona Tours
When I decided to see at least one of 680 Black Gorilla I visited Trip Advisor Forum. In fact I had many proposals but I'm lucky that choosed Katona Tours. Communication was good and quick. Jackie is excellent! Richard was not only guide and driver but also my nanny! Note: 1 .Before your trip You should read "Green Hills of Africa" by Ernest Hemingway 2. Though Gorilla tracking is the main activity, a range of other walks may be provided 3. Visit the local orphanage (Director Mrs. Happy) and school, who benefit from direct contributions from guests in the area. Help them. Happy New Year! Many thanks Katona Tours!!!
Email Sarah Matthews | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 day Gorilla Treking
The team from Katona Tours and Travel were very professional and helpful throughout, ensuring that I had the best experience, tailor-making the tour to my requirements and organising everything. The accommodation was superb and I had never imagined that I would get so close to a family of Mountain Gorillas. This was amazing experience and something that I will never forget - thank you so much.
Email Andrew Monaghan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari of Uganda and Gorilla's in Rwanda
My wife and I have just returned from an absolutely amazing 16 day tour of Uganda and then to see the gorilla's in Rwanda. This has been the best experience of our lives and cant wait to come back and see more!
I was, initially, nervous about booking with a non Uk based company but Jackie at Katona was wonderful, answering all of our questions and helping us develop our tour. When we arrived to meet our absolutely brilliant guide, Caesar, at the airport we were immediately reassured and felt secure in the knowledge that we were with a company that would look after us and make our trip the best it could be.
Our tour was busy, but thats what we wanted as there is so much to see. Our view of Uganda is cemented as one of the best places to visit, the people, wildlife and scenery is all spectacular.
We opted for the "luxury" range of accommodation and were, in general, thankful of this as after a long day of seeing the wonders of the area you are in a bit of comfort goes a long way! Some of the places we chose were more mid-range by European standards but there is limited choice and overall we are very happy.
I would recommend Katona Tours to all and will happily share our experience with you should you wish to contact us.
SI
Email Matjaž and Anja | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bwindi gorilla tracking, chimpanzees tracking and splendid bunyonyi lake
We were really lucky to choose Katona. First of all we want to give compliments to Jackie who was astonishing fast in replaying on all our requests about journey and managed to schedule splendid safaris (4x) with chimpanzee/gorilla tracking in less than 14 days. Our guide Richard was the great implementor of the plan. Who would resisted a divine bush breakfast in NP made by him? Boat trip to Pygmies, Punishment island and Upside down island was just the icing on the cake.
Anja and Matjaž from Slovenia
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Email Gali | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari in Uganda
My husband and I booked a 16 days (budget) safari with Katona, and we had a great time on these days. The accommodations were in great locations, and everything went according to plan. The price was the best price we got from 50 (!!) deferent tour companies (and we had a full board every day).
Our driver, Jack, made sure that everything will go on the best side, and even more. He was just wonderful, he was our driver, our friend, our guide, our photographer, our everything we needed! We can't be more grateful for all that he has done for us! (I can keep writing about him but I don't think you want 4 pages why he IS the best driver).
We really enjoyed Uganda, I guess it is The Pearl of Africa.