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
US
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.
US
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.
US
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.
NO
Email Terje Grimgaard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Uganda tour with Matoke Tours
My wife and I travelled to Uganda for a 10N/11D safari tour in July this year arranged by Matoke Tours.
Anna at their office was always very helpful to us, and from day one she came up with good suggestions to make our trip perfect. She always replied quickly. As I am a keen bird and wildlife photographer, she also arranged so we had Confidence as a perfect driver and also a excellent birding guide. He was a very friendly guide that worked hard to find the most birds.
We stayed in mid-range accommodations and mostly nice safari tents.
Game drives and boat trips near Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park were the highlights of the tour. We also loved to meet the Batwa/Pygmy people of Uganda near Mutanda Lake Resort at the end of our holiday. We highly recommend Matoke Tours.
Email Lee Gonzalez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect Tour of Uganda
Had a fantastic 8 day tour of Uganda with Matoke tours. Everything was organised perfectly. Great well paced itinerary. All the lodges provided were amazing. The game drives, the chimpanzee and gorilla trekking were all amazing experiences along with all the other things we did. Our guide Mike was great, very knowledgeable, friendly and a perfect host. Uganda us a beautiful country and I highly recommend a trip there.
Email Camila | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fast corrective action by Matoke
We organized a four day gorilla tracking in Uganda with Matoke. We left Kigali and drove to Rushaga, where we tracked one day and another day we tracked at Nkuringo. If your budget allows, we would highly recommend doing two days gorilla tracking. Our hotel in Uganda was Gorilla Safari Lodge and it wasn’t anything to write home about.
The problem was that Matoke subcontracted transportation to the lodge and the lodge took the outsourcing a step further and hired another company. This third company sent us a driver that could not communicate in neither English or French and had never been to the lodge. We got lost on the way. The lodge did not have a meal ready when we arrived. The driver never wore a uniform and when we met he did not even know the names of the people he was meant to pick up. On day two, our driver was nowhere to be seen and had to be called by the lodge. He eventually came to pick us up and drove us to the wrong entry point. Someone from the hotel had to get in the car with us to take us to the right place. Frustrated with the two days, we wrote to Matoke and the corrective action was decisive and swift. They were unaware that the hotel had outsourced our driver to another company and that they had sent an unprofessional and inexperienced driver. They immediately sent one of their own drivers, gave us a complimentary massage each, covered our laundry bill and were quick to follow up on how things were doing.
I’m happy to say the story ended well and our Matoke driver was everything driver one was not: he was polite, knowledgeable, spoke English, and knew how to get to our destinations. We felt in good hands with him. Matoke was apologetic and responsive, which we appreciate. Our only recommendation would be to choose outsourcing partners more carefully and ensure that if other companies provide one of their services, it is done with the same Matoke standards.
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great safari thanks to the very good driver!
Everything was well arranged. When the hotel of our choice was not available, we got several other options recommended by Matoke, including the pro's and cons of each hotel. The driver was excellent. He knew a lot about wildlife in Uganda, understood our specific areas of interest and had good fun with our children.
We did not have to worry about anything during the trip, as all was arranged by Matoke. Except for the weather..
US
Email KT | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
LOVED MY TRIP.
I planned most of my trip via e-mail. The people who assisted with planning were very patient with my multiple changes to my itinerary. They were also open to me not following one of their existing itineraries. Musa was guide and he was just lovely and we had a really great time. I would go again in a second!
US
Email Renee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible 12-day exploration of Madagascar
I thoroughly enjoyed my recent 12-day tour of Madagascar with Matoke Tours. This is the fourth country I've explored with Matoke (the others being Uganda, Rwanda & Ethiopia) and I continue to be pleased with my experience with them. I continue to recommend them to friends and colleagues, all of whom have been very happy with their Matoke experiences.
In each country, I have worked with someone different at Matoke (the staff has country-specific expertise) but the level of customer service has not changed. For a variety of reasons, my trip to Madagascar required several major changes - including shifting the trip from a December timeframe to one in March - and Coen, at Matoke, made those changes so easy. I really appreciated his flexibility in moving things around to accommodate my changing needs. Madagascar was also the first solo trip I've taken with Matoke and I was so fortunate to be matched with an incredible guide, Tojo, who really made the trip. He was so good-natured, easy company, knowledgable, funny, and kind. I learned an enormous amount about Madagascar from Tojo in a short period of time. I highly recommend him as a guide for all travelers, whether solo, families, couples, groups, etc.
Madagascar has amazing wildlife and nature. I was lucky enough to see seven different species of lemurs and many chameleons, thanks to the great guides Matoke hired for me in both Ranomafana and Isalo National Park. The overall beauty of the country is breathtaking. I never tired of watching the landscapes change from the window of the van and marveled at the city and village scenes that we both walked and drove through.
The accommodations in Madagascar were more simple than what I had in Uganda and Rwanda, but Matoke successfully managed my expectations about the level of accommodations during the planning stages. I had a very clear idea of what to expect before I arrived. Every place I stayed was absolutely fine - safe, clean, friendly staff, good food - but were not luxurious (with the exception of one more upscale place - Jardin du Roy). Some were in beautiful settings but slightly out of town, making it less easy to do an impromptu walk through town. And you have to be prepared to not have electricity in many places during the night, which can mean some warm evenings.
My Madagascar itinerary was a good mixture of cities, rainforests, beach, mountains/canyons, as well as being both active and having downtime. In retrospect, I probably could have added a few more "active" experiences to my itinerary but also appreciated having downtime many afternoons to read and relax. In my experience, Matoke is very receptive to creating the experience you are seeking. I encourage travelers to let them know up front what kind of experience they want to have.
Overall, another great experience with Matoke. I highly recommend them to travelers genuinely seeking an experience that will be informative, exciting, safe/comfortable, fun, and memorable. I also highly recommend Madagascar as a destination. So many beautiful places to see, creatures to admire, and incredible people to meet.