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
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great once-in-a-lifetime experience
We had an even better safari than we expected. For 9 days we experienced 5 National parks and we did a village-tour and a hunting with the Bushmen. And slept in all super lodges.
It was perfectely built up. The first park (mt. Meru) he saw Giraffes, two kinds of Monkeys, zebra's en some Buffels (1)en exotic birds and the shit of elefants(2), so they where there but we didn't see. Then the next park (Tangarine) we finally saw the first elefant far away then closer and closer Meanwhile we saw the lion (3). The first lodge at the mountain Meru was beautiful but the second (Roika) was beautiful and really in the bush. We were only allowed to go to our tents (=huts) accompanied by Masaai warriors with spears ! Nights we heard all kinds of game , like Hyena's , wildebeasts, elefants and other grass-eating animals. We were in the middle of it !!
Then one day walking in the village (Mto wa Mbu ?) where we had a local meal, a kind of rice table in the middle of the locals.
Then we went to the Serengeti Park via the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. what a beautiful journey and what a wonderful African massage (roads !!) we all had, me my wife and my daughter (12).
this is a huge park where we constantly looking for game and always saw them everywehre. Our guide Manuel, who was with us during these 10 days, was perfect. He gave us all kind of information on the animals, on the vegetation, on Tanzania and it's history and so on and he had the eye of an eagle. He saw more than the 3 of us together. And he didn't drive too fast like a lot of Jeeps do!!
Although the roads sometimes were terrible I think it should never change because you're more in the bush , more in the safari.
And at these two Parks we came across he leopard (4) and the Rhino (5). So the big five was complete.
Then one morning at 7 o'clock the thre of us went hunting whith the Bushmen and we (=they) hit a squirle and a dikdik, which we ate on the spot after making a campfire . Wow how those people live ! Primitive to the basic.
Then the last night we arrived in a the most beautiful lodge (Karama) at Arusha and we realised how quiet all the other lodges were: NO TRAFFIC ! the only sound at the other lodges was the sound of nature !
I've done a 3 days-safari about 20 years ago in Kruger Park, which impressed me already but "living for 9 days in parks really is the way to do a safari."
After this we went to Zanzibar for 5 days to rest and to process all the impressions from the days before.
Matoke tours, thanks for the impeccable organisation (and for giving us Manuel as our personal guide) and we would recommend you to anybody who would go on safari.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing trip from beginning to end, the gorilla tracking was an experience of a lifetime!
Matoke Tours exceeded my expectations for the gorilla tracking trip, from the driver that took us from Rwanda to Uganda, the beautiful scenery along the way to the gorilla guides and porters and the lodges we stayed in. All the people we dealt with were friendly and knowledgeable. The places we stayed in were clean and comfortable and the food at Lake Mutanda Resort was delicious! Great trip, couldn't have asked for anything better!
BE
Email Gerard & Gaby | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extremely professional company,outstanding service on private tour itineray, very client minded team
Three weeks ago we have been travelling for the second time in Uganda (period 10/2011 & 02/2014) with our preferred Matoke tours travel agent due to their professional knowledge , assistance and cooperation . Each time , one of their selected private driver/guide such as Big Sam or Alfred contributed to great memories being taken home to Belgium, every detailed travelling program has been completed without any negative experiences , unexpected events , any disturbances or any claims during or after our tour. Matoke team members in The Netherlands (Holland) and Kampala do contribute spontaneously on free upgrading advises in order to satisfy their clients the upmost towards the final itinerary , the revised quotations in order to prepare and proposing the printed order . To us , Matoke tours has a variety of opportunities of which you can choose the preferred accommodations as budget , medium upgrade or very luxury stays. Another flexible advantage , you are able to select your flights yourselves or they take care of the flights both ways . We are thinking already to contact the Matoke tours office once again with regard to future plans on safari tours in Tanzania , focus on south parks such as Selous +Mikuti + Ruaha and afterwards relaxing on the coast site as an extended beach accommodation for a few days. Outstanding job guys keep the good work going on and once again many thanks for your contribution on preparing a very detailed and outlined daily program within estimated travelling times and agreed financial budget .
Their 4WD vehicles are very well maintained and each driver/guide is very safety minded on the roads without taking any risks , he does show an outstanding responsibility attitude every day , we love them so much ......thanks to you guys as well.
BE
A great Africa experience!
Everything was arranged according to the schedule. The personal attention towards us was perfect. Our driver/guide was Richard Tumusiime. He was able to maneuver his Jeep trough the 'massage' roads and the wildlife in order to get us the best spots. He knows exactly the behavior of each animal, he gave us a very professional explanation. He took good care of us...
Many thanks to Matoke Tours, especially to Richard, he did a great job!
Webale nyo
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great trip to Uganda
We had a fantastic trip to Uganda with Matoke (Murchison Falls,Queen Elizabeth national park,Kibale forest,...) Our guide Sam did a great job. The lodges were beautifull and our
best experience was to be close to the gorillas ! Thank you Matoke!
NL
Email Hamoedie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Private Safari, Beautiful Country & a Very Nice Driver
I've been to Uganda before & fell in love with the country, it's people & nature. I wanted to experience this with my girlfriend so Matoke Tours adviced us to go to Kidepo Valley ( North Uganda ). A hell of a ride, however, what you see & experience along the road is amazing. The north of Uganda is not yet touristic so you get the best Africa experience value for your money. The scenery is beautifull and you won't find a lot of other tourists in the Parc. The accommodation is this parc is basic but perfect.
After Kidepo, we went to Murchison Falls ( 6 hrs drive ) and stayed at Nile Safari Lodge. If you are a romantic person, check it out! Small, personal, nice staff & a beautifull view over Murchison.
Matoke tours did it for me again!
Thanks again.
Ps. Our driver was Sam and i recommend him
Email David Smith | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Took extremely good care and attention of all my travel arrangements including planning the trip.
This was an absolutely wonderful trip and I cannot thank Matoke Tours enough for making this all possible. I had used Matoke Tours on a previous visit to Uganda and, so it was a relatively simple decision for me to approach them once again. Given the general travelling situation at present, I felt completely reassured right at the outset that I was in good and capable hands once again. Sven Gilian, the Sales Manager of Matoke Tours, took a lot of meticulous care and attention in planning my itinerary and dealing so promptly and efficiently with all my queries. There was also sufficient flexibility provided in case I had to make any late amendments or rescheduling to my travel plans. I spent 12 days in total going initially to Murchison Falls and then headed south towards Kibale National Park, QE NP, Lake Mburo and then back towards Entebbe. The lodges were excellent, the food and hospitality as well. There was full adherance to Covid protocols in the vehicle, the lodges and all the national parks offices etc. I had an excellent and knowledgeable driver/guide, Kule from Matoke Tours , whose company made the journeys so much more enjoyable. We had a little debrief every evening and discussed the route/activities for the next day which was really good. I hope once the travel restrictions are eased, many more can visit Uganda and experience the natural beauty and wildlife. I look forward to my next visit and to reunite with all my friends at Matoke Tours.
Incidentally, whilst I was at the Kibale National Park, I lost my cap, It is a brown cap and has 'Panama Canal' on it. If any of you happen to visit Kibale NP in the future and see one of the chimps wearing it, it's mine and I would be grateful if the chimp could be coerced into returning it back to the main office :)
DE
Email Sue | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Matoke Tours was fantastic and surpassed our expectations.
We had a fantastic tour through Uganda. It was very well organized, we couldn’t have a better guide/ driver who accompanied us throughout the trip. Everything was always on time, just as planned. The guides in the National Parks were very good qualified , knew everything about nature and animals. Everybody was concerned about the environment and respectful to the animals.
We would absolutely recommend Matoke Tours. They did a very professional job. Many thanks to all the hidden organizers and of course especially to our guide Barnabas.
NE
Email Sandra & Dominik | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great trip with Matoke
We've just come back from an 8 day mid-range Uganda tour booked with Matoke Tours. Our trip was organised and arranged very speedy and efficiently via email, the communication with Matoke's Travel Consultant Pascqua Lorna extremly professional, prompt and friendly. The itinerary of the tour was well and accurately planned, including great activities and 4 lodges well chosen and super nice lodges. With Confidence Matsiko, we had an excellent guide on our side during our whole trip. He is an excellent safe driver, always friendly, polite and in good mood. Also he's an expert about his country's nature and animals and made sure we spotted as many beasts and birds as possible during our safaris. We really enjoyed our time with Confidence, he was not only very helpful and well organised, making sure we had a great holiday, but also super nice and interested in his clients, happy to chat, share ideas or answer questions and thus making the sometimes long journeys very enjoyable. Confidence Matsiko is truly a gem, a very experienced, knowledgeable, reliable and pleasant guide - we strongly recommend him to anyone planning a trip to Uganda. Same applies to Matoke Tours: contact Pascqua Lorna and she'll make sure you'll have a great experience in Uganda. A big thank you to Lorna and Confidence for a truly unforgettable trip!
US
Email Beth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous 14 days!!! Wildlife! Birds! Culture! Great accomodations!! Amazing staff and guide/driver!!
My adult son and I spent 14 days driving through Uganda, from Kampala, Jinji, Sipi Falls, Kedepo, Murchinson Falls, Queen Elizabeth and finally the gorillas in Biwindi, with our amazing guide/driver: Geoffrey Katende. Every part of the trip was planned by Pascqa Lorna in the Matoke office and every part was amazing. I cannot say enough about Geoffrey who both is extremely knowlegable about wildlife, birds, geography, land marks, and culture, but is a very patient and sweet person. Geoffrey really cared about us and tried his hardest to make sure we had a great experience. It was often Geoffrey who wanted to continue to drive around the parks or see more sights, and we would have to say that we wanted to go back to the lodge to rest. He is very enthusiastic and is excited about every aspect of Uganda even though he has probably seen everything many times. Geoffrey is also a very safe driver which is important in Uganda and he never tired even after hours of bumpy roads, he never got rattled and he always got us where we were going safely and without drama. I had total faith in him to be safe and professional.
Pascqa Lorna was also amazing. She planned everything and worked very hard to make sure we did everything we wanted to do. During the planning phrase she emailed me faithfully and quickly and she was available while we were in Uganda and helped me with problems even when she did not have to. She also really cared that we had a great experience, it was much more than just doing her job. The lodges we stayed in were uniformly very nice and were picked by Pascqa and the activities we did were very fun and rewarding. Also because it was just the two of us, we were able to do things we had not planned sometimes and Geoffrey was always willing to change plans and do whatever we wanted to do.
I would definitely recommend Matoke to anyone traveling to this part of the world, and if I am lucky enough to return to East Africa, I will use them again.