US
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.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thumbs up
Communication was fast and efficient and the guides were amazing. Accomodation was adequate for the price range. Thumbs up!
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kakasii you are the best! A very special experience with a very special guide!
Thank you Brenda and Kakasii! We had a great time in Moshi, Machame, Arusha, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. We enjoyed every moment and not only the wonders of the best Tanzanian Parks. Besides your very competent work, we could really appreciate your warm and friendly approach.
That night in the tented camp is unforgettable! Ciao! Rita and Ferruccio
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Full Day Open Vehicle Safari
All three our guides were excellent and our group saw loads of animals and got great information and facts from our guides !!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
It was an excellent experience with good tour and they was very helpful in our needs specially when my baby needed a doctor,
The only one negative thing is our first hotel was not as we expected but the explan why and apologize for it ..
They are really good and helpful,
Thanks for Nancy and Bony the driver..
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome safari company with very knowledgeable Guides very good safari jeeps
Comminications is very good especially that English is not the mother languge of the Guides and they always ask if you understand or if you any questions
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beacon Safaris is awesome!
My girlfriend and myself both went on our first Safari and trip to Kenya with Beacon Safaris. What an amazing trip!
We planned our trip with Robert and had a very smooth process figuring out our trip and sending the payment. Once we arrived into Nairobi airport we met our driver for the week Ken.
Ken is undoubtedly the best safari driver and such an awesome human! We saw the entire big five on our 8 day safari and could have easily stayed for another week with Ken and the amazing wildlife. He was able to guide us around the park with ease, teach us about Kenya, and get us in the perfect position for amazing photos.
I would never hesitate to recommended Beacon Safaris and Ken to anyone I know.
Thanks again for the awesome trip,
Andrew & Hillary
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly amazing experience!!
We went with Fleet Foot Safaris on our 2 week Africa vacation with destinations including Victoria Falls, Chobe, Capetown, and Kruger. Hennie, Elmor, Jaco, and Lionel are the best!! They are the best hosts, travel agents, guides, and chefs, all rolled into one. The team worked with us to plan a multi-segment trip for our group of 12. They arranged for our stay in places which were really nice, our activities were well planned , and they were very open to making changes as needed. They anticipated and took care of all our needs, for instance, Elmor stocked our apartments with fruit and water by the time we checked in. And Hennie cooked and arranged some of the fanciest breakfasts and dinners. Their knowledge of wildlife, history, politics and current events in South Africa is impressive. Strongly recommend using their services for your vacation planning.
MC
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This is Africa
Thank you very much to Bernard !! He organized for me an amazing private tour ! Everything was perfect ! The program, the activities, the lodges. He loves what he does and transmit all his knowledge with passion.
Thank you also to Edrick the driver !
For sure I will contact you for my next trip !!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesum ...
it was a great experience , when i visited kruger national park with kurt safari' for full day game drives.