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| Koen Wesselink | kjw~DOT~wesselink~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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We enjoyed a fantastic holiday with Jolinaiko Eco Tours. Over the past week, we have traveled from Accra to Eastern, Volta region, back to Greater Accra and finally to Central where we visited Elmina. During this short trip, we were guided fantastically by our driver John, who made sure that all our needs were met. He explained local customs, discussed with us which activities we should attend and helped us with anything we required. In the meantime, he knew exactly how to give us the space we needed to have the idea we were on a holiday together and still be there every time we needed him. The accomodations were great, the activities as well. We thank Jolinaiko for our fantastic holiday!
Monday, April 25, 2022 at 15:10 hrs - Netherlands |
| Alex Kostich | alexkostich~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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I am just back to the USA after being one of the first visitors to Ghana since the pandemic swept the globe in March; and I was so happy to have found Jolinaiko to help coordinate my trip and plans. Agnes worked so hard to solidify our itinerary and was always responsive to my many emails and questions leading up to the trip. Since we were coming in December, my biggest concern was logistics over Covid and how we could travel safely without putting others or ourselves at risk. We had testing protocols confirmed in advance, among many other systems in place to ensure that our endeavors were safe. Aside from that, the required planning for the trip could not have been easy for Agnes or the Jolinaiko team, but they did a great job ensuring we had our requests and needs met-as well as making sure the itinerary ran smoothly without any delays or 'hiccups.' Of course, it is Africa-so there are always unforeseen circumstances to expect unexpectedly (for example, one night in Tamale our accommodations lost power when we arrived after 12 hours of driving all day; we were tired and wanted to shower and charge our cameras and equipment but it was not possible...within minutes our driver Agoro found an air conditioned hotel in town just 15 minutes away and we were placed there immediately). The responsiveness and ability to navigate and be flexible with unforeseen problems is not to be taken for granted, and we appreciate that so much! Also, the itinerary crafted was spectacular in variety and interests; we toured the slave castles on the coast, we spent a few nights at Mole National Park on safari with elephants, we toured villages of various communities and tribes in the north (Larabanga, Paga Lake with the sacred crocodiles, and the Teng-Zug village shrines). We also walked the canopies in Kukum National park and stopped at Meet-Me-There in Dzita to enjoy a relaxing few days at the beachside communities. Our trip provided a terrific learning experience and photographic opportunities, and we packed in so much activity in such a short amount of time (less than two weeks). Remarkably, everything went smoothly and easily in light of the pandemic challenges-and it is proof that travel to West Africa during a pandemic can be done safely, responsibly, and without incident. I am also happy that a portion of our trip's costs would go back into the communities we visited for initiatives such as potable water supply, sustainable farming practices, the support of local entrepreneurial women, and anti-litter campaigns (specifically in the town of Tagbo Falls, where you could literally see the difference and pride people took in their clean litter-free community). I am interested in traveling for personal enrichment, but increasingly it's become important to me that my funds are applied to help the communities we are visiting and spending time in. Jolinaiko is an organization that cares about these initiatives and I feel good that we were able to link up with them for this incredible and rewarding trip. Once again, thank you to Agnes and Cindy for being so responsive, patient, and knowledgeable in executing our plans and answering our questions. I highly recommend talking to them about your tour of Ghana, you won't do better anywhere else! Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 20:47 hrs - Los Angeles, CA (USA) |
| Ana Fernandes e Sara Bruins | anamarsou~AT~sapo~DOT~pt |
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Jolinaiko Eco Tours prepared a one week tour around Volta Region in Ghana, meeting our expectations in terms of places we wanted to visit and accommodation where we stayed. Each step of the tour preparation was managed with professionalism , communication via e-mail was efficient and the detailed initial proposals helped us to decide about the final itinerary. It was indeed a great experience to travel in Ghana, beautiful land and warm people. John was a careful driver, very kind, interesting person who gave us information about the country and the culture. He made our tour safe and pleasant! We appreciate the concept of Jolinaiko Eco tours that respect local traditions, promote a small scale and sustainable tourism. We would definitively travel again with Jolinaiko Eco Tours. June 2019
Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 16:06 hrs - Portugal |
| Hohenstatt |
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Travelling with Jolinaiko Eco Tours (in the southern part of Ghana) was a fantastic experience. Preparation and communication in advance as the tour itself with the guide and the driver were great.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 11:51 hrs - Germany |
| Richard J Reilly | richr50_2000~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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We just returned from our 22-day tour of Ghana, Togo, and Benin and it was one of the most interesting and rewarding tours I have ever taken. While the itinerary was set, I saw places and cultural aspects of these countries I did not imagine beforehand. I give all the credit for our experiences to our guide Sam. He was very knowledgeable, flexible, and funny and had all the contacts necessary to see events and places that were not on that itinerary, including voodoo ceremonies, markets, and off the grid cafes. He is a treasure for Jolinaiko and I will recommend him to any and all who wish to travel to that part of West Africa. He is fully dedicated to his guests and their well being. Many thanks to him and to your company for a fine tour. Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 23:02 hrs - Daegu, South Korea |
| India and Anton |
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We spent four days travelling in Benin over the voodoo festival, which was an amazing experience. We couldn't recommend our driver and guide, James, more highly for future travellers -- he was very knowledgable, attentive, and friendly. It was clear that he cultivates relationships with his connections in Benin, which meant that the local guides were very friendly and helpful to us, as well. He was a very good, safe driver, and made us feel comfortable throughout the trip. Again, we would highly recommend him, and would love to travel with him again.
Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 16:53 hrs - A Brit in Ghana and a Russian in the UK |
| Véronique | veroniquesweerts~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Nous avons voyagé en famille pendant 2 semaines à travers le Ghana avec Fofo. Ce fut vraiment une magnifique expérience. Fofo est un chauffeur formidable mais surtout un guide génial qui nous a accompagnés dans toutes nos visites pour nous expliquer énormément de choses sur son pays au fur et à mesure de la route. Il a aussi traduit tout pour nous en français... on ne s'en serait jamais sorti sans lui, il a en plus un GPS intégré dans la tête :-) Merci Fofo et merci à Jolinaiko qui l'a choisi pour nous et qui nous a aidés à préparer ce voyage de manière très efficace et très personnalisée. Nous gardons tous un fantastique souvenir de ce voyage. Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 14:32 hrs - Belgique |
| Jacopo |
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Jolinaiko Eco Tours organized for me a taylor made 10 days Ghana, Togo and Benin tour. Really good and fast communication by e-mail during the organization, we created together a tight programme rich in sightseeing. During my trip the driver was really dedicated, passionated and indefatigable. Agoro was not "only" a driver, but much more a complete guide. Last but not least: we did everything was on the programme. No surprises at all! Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 17:35 hrs - Italy |
| Katharina E. | katharina~DOT~ehrhart~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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I found it very enjoyable and enriching to travel with Jolinaiko. Having a personal guide allowed me to learn so much more about Ghana and get into contact with locals more easily than I could ever have done on my own. The whole team was super flexible and helpful in creating an itinerary according to my wishes and the accommodation they chose for me was perfect.
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 09:34 hrs - Germany |
| Simone Varekamp |
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We zijn net terug van een prachtige reis in Ghana. Jolinaiko had alles prima en naar onze wensen geregeld; goede overnachtingsplekken, prima ontbijt, een goede bus en een fantastische chauffeur. Dit was de 2e keer dat we met Jolinaiko gereisd hebben in Ghana en ook nu was het weer perfect geregeld. We hebben een prachtige week gehad en veel gezien. Jolinaiko Eco Tours kunnen wij zeker aanbevelen!
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 21:41 hrs - Nederland |
| Warren Guthrie | wcguthrie~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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I am a serious photographer. Joli-Eco Tours was the ideal one-stop solution for me. Cindy reviewed my website so she understood what I wanted to accomplish. Then she developed a great 8-day itinerary complete with car, driver, local guides at every stop, hotel reservations, guest house stays in-villages, and even a flight booking. She consulted with me prior to the trip, and during the trip she checked on me via the local guides. I learned that she cares for the villagers just as she did for me. With their expertise, experience, quality and caring, you will be in good hands with Joli-Eco Tours. Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 21:25 hrs - Winnetka, Illinois USA |
| Ricky Emanuel | ricky~AT~emanuel1~DOT~net |
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We have just completed a nine day tour of Ghana with Jolinaiko. The company produced a perfect balance itinerary taking in a mix of beautiful places in the Volta region. The accommodation was really good in general and carefully chosen ( eg river facing rooms on the Volta river and Beautiful suites in the Keta region at Meet me there ( highly recommended place to stay). Our driver guide John was excellent and so friendly flexible and personable. We chose to pay for the tours we wanted rather an all inclusive package as the 4 of us had different interests. When there were issues on the trip the tour company sorted them efficiently and without fuss. I highly recommend this company and encourage anyone with an interest in exploring this wonderful country and its people to do so.
Monday, April 23, 2018 at 19:44 hrs - UK |
| M. Roberts | lalalamatan~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much of an amazing time I had in Ghana thanks to Joilnaiko!!! Even though it was very short, you all jam packed it with such amazingness, the memory gives me sooooooooooooooo much joy. And Wisdom was the best guide ever. I learned so much from him, it was a true blessing to be under his kind care while traveling in a country unknown to me. Ghana is a wonderful place. I will definitely be taking more tours with you all. I really feel like I got an amazing education on this trip. Thank you so much. Monday, April 16, 2018 at 10:16 hrs - london |
| Luis Garcia | lgm45~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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My name is Luis García. I am Spanish. I have made a “tailor-made” (individual) trip through Ghana, Togo and Benin with Jolinaiko Eco-Tour during March 2018, lasting almost three weeks. It has been one of the best trips of my life. The culture, the people, the landscapes of these three countries are incredible. A highly recommended trip for those who are interested in cultural and ethnic aspects, especially. The trip has been perfect in every way. Very well organized. It responded to my expectations 100%. Kindness and excellent services by all the staff of Jolinaiko, who have shown great efficiency. And the relationship of quality-price in terms of their services is unbeatable (I say this after having asked for a quote from several agencies). Special mention deserves "my" guide and driver, Sammy Ametewee, who accompanied me all days during these three weeks. He is a fantastic guide and driver. He does not need "Google" at all. He knows all the places of interest in these countries, he has friends everywhere he goes, he knows very well the history of most of the places and alternative routes that without him it would have been impossible to know. And as a person ... incredible. A true friend after three weeks! In summary: anyone who is interested in traveling through this area of Africa, I recommend the travel agency Jolinaiko Eco-Tours for its efficiency, for its professionalism and for its excellent prices. And, very especially, for their staff. Saturday, April 7, 2018 Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 09:30 hrs - Spain |
| Shdema Group |
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Thanks to Apollo for the great tour. For a permanent smile. For a magic arrangement of every need and every necessity. For dancing steps through the tour. For decisive way of looking at the countries we met. For being with us in this wonderful tour.
Monday, February 19, 2018 at 10:36 hrs - Israel |
| Sonya |
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I read the information for the Magical Benin tour and knew immediately that I was going to join the trip and it was everything that I could have wished for and more. For me this wasn’t just a tour to a different but fascinating culture and festival, it was an ancestral journey back to mother Africa. I really liked the patience and support of Cindy and her team as I sent many emails trying to decide exactly what I wanted and how to go about it. In the end I opted for the Magical Benin tour, followed by a few days with a guide, Boris who was excellent, informative and clearly knew his country in depth. As to the tour it was a small group of seven which I appreciated and the length of five days was perfect. The quality of accommodation, food and travel generally was good and access to the festival and even a masked dance that we did not expect to attend was fantastic. Most of the group were seasoned travellers and yet we all leant so much about the culture and history of Benin and Vodun as a spiritual worldview. What you get from Jolinaiko as a traveller is experienced guides and competent and prompt service with a smile, what else could you wish for? Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 11:21 hrs - UK |
| Meredith | mrootbernstein~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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The trip I made in January 2018 was great! I didn't have a very clear idea what to expect before arriving as I had never been to Africa before, but you did a great job of planning a good mix of activities that I really enjoyed. I really liked Atsiekpoe village, meeting people there, walking and taking the boat to the market, making a basket with Moses, and the lodge. Tagbo Falls Lodge in Liati Wote was also really nice, and I was very happy that Gideon was able to arrange for me to have a dress and shirt made there. Walking in the forest to see the falls was also very nice. All the handicraft activities were very enjoyable. Gideon was very good at finding interesting things to show me. He didn't talk too much, which I appreciated, but we had some good conversations. It seemed to me that everything went smoothly and I always felt that everything was under control-- I did not have to worry and that was nice. I hope to be able to come back and enjoy more of village life and do some of the things we didn't have time for-- the week went by very fast!
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 13:59 hrs - USA |
| J. Bowman | jacinta_bowman~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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The trip top Ghana, Togo and Benin was perfect and you were so helpful. You have a very special company and I hope you dont change. Im sure WAfrica will increase in popularity and perhaps your service wont be as personal. This would be a shame as I think the personal touch is what sets your organisation apart. Agoro was a fabulous driver and tireless. I have been with drivers in a lot of developing countries and they drive like mad men and I always have to tell them not to while I am in the car. Agoro drove like he had the queen on board, always so careful. In addition all the time he was thinking what was best for his passengers and he was always calm at the end of a long long hard day! We also liked very much your lodge and the staff were beautiful. We wanted to spend more time here to just relax and be in this special place. I remember I wanted to see the butterflies and the Lonely planet said Togo was better. Ghana was better. I saw so many butterflies on the walk to the waterfall and even just outside the Jolinaiko guest house. Monday, January 29, 2018 at 09:51 hrs - Australia |
| Carolyn |
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Thank you Cindy, Agnes and Fofo for a wonderful tour around Ghana. The tour had a mix of everything: spending time with local communities, getting close to nature and wildlife, learning about the history of the slave trade, and visiting fascinating palaces, mosques and churches. Travelling with Jolinaiko Eco Tours has taught me so much about Ghana. I look forward to more travel around West Africa with Jolinaiko.
Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:28 hrs - Australia |
| Dan |
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I took a trip arranged by Jolinaiko in February 2017. Cindy did an amazing job arranging a private tour for me that included all the highlights of Ghana, Benin and Togo. The highlight of the trip was my driver/guide Sam. He made an already excellent trip, one of the most trips of my life and I have been to 107 countries! I cannot recommend Cindy and Jolinaiko enough. Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 17:46 hrs - U.S.A. |
| Inge | inge~DOT~pen~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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We hebben een fantastische tijd met Kawawa, onze chauffeur, gehad. Hij beschermde ons. Hij zorgde overal voor correcte prijzen. Hij werd overal enorm gerespecteerd en daardoor werden we op verschillende plaatsen in de watten gelegd. We hadden interessante gesprekken. Ongelooflijk hoe ruimdenkend hij is. Hij hield afstand wanneer we privacy wilden en kwam dichterbij als we het vroegen. Door hem leerden we zoveel van Ghana kennen. We ontdekten dingen die je niet in een bradt guide kan vinden. Onze reis zou niet hetzelfde geweest zijn zonder hem. We kunnen joli-ectours en vooral Kawawa aan iedereen warm aanbevelen. Monday, April 24, 2017 at 18:43 hrs - België |
| Carolyn |
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Thank you Jolinaiko Eco Tours for a wonderful and memorable tour of Ghana. Fofo was a considerate and informative driver/guide who always looked out for me. I look forward to more adventures in West Africa with Jolinaiko. Thank you!
Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 11:41 hrs - Australia |
| Lara Van Houcke | lavaho~AT~telenet~DOT~be |
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We (Ik en een vriendin) zijn net terug thuis van een rondreis door Ghana. Alles was goed geregeld. We hadden normaal een chauffeur maar door omstandigheden kon deze onze rondreis niet doen. Ik vond het fijn dat Cindy via onze vervangchauffeur voor een dag uitlegde wat er juist ging verder gebeuren. Nadien kregen we Gershon als chauffeur aangewezen voor onze verdere rondreis. Een aangename jongen, enorm spraakzaam, Sociaal en goedlachs. We hebben veel bijgeleerd over de cultuur van Ghana. We hebben er samen met hem het beste van gemaakt. Hij was net een deel van ons groepje. Aangename ervaringen meegemaakt met deze reisorganisatie, zeker een aanrader! Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 19:59 hrs - Belgium |
| Kyla Hunter | kylahunter~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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We had a wonderful trip, thank you Cindy! It was definitely made a million times better by having Isaac along. He made things so much easier and it was lovely to have someone coordinating as we went. Isaac worked very well with our family. My young girls (4 and 6) loved him and were excited to see him every morning. He did a great job of being around but also giving us some 'family space' when we were settled in for the day or evening. Doing the trip with public transport worked out well for us. We used a Togolese driver in Togo and Southern Benin to save us from the cramped bush taxis, and it gave us a bit more freedom. The rest of the time the big buses were comfortable. We took the 'local bus' from Tanguieta to Ouagadougou. It was an experience we are happy to have had, but my 6'2" husband wasn't excited to repeat again quickly! He said he'd be okay doing it again for 2-3 hours, but not another 12hrs!! My girls fell in love with the Moto-taxis in Natitingou, it was one of the highlights of the trip for them! Even walking down the street in Paris my 4-year old told me that one of the motorbikes looked like a taxi and we should just take it to our apartment rental! Isaac even searched out a motorcycle ride for them on our last day in Ouagadougou and they were VERY excited about it!! The next time we're in West Africa (we'll need to come to Ghana one day!) Kacela (the 4 year old) has told Isaac that he needs to find a pink moto for her!! Thanks again to everyone at Jolinaiko!! Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 21:20 hrs - Canada |
| Lene Bargmann |
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Thank you Jolinaiko Eco Tours for some wonderful days in Ghana Togo and Benin. Thank you Cindy for your kindness and help when we where delate because of flight cancellation, and thank you James for being an extraordinary good and understanding guide for me and my sister. We had a fantastic tour with you, and I will definitely recommend you to other people!!!
Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 14:08 hrs - Denmark |
| Visser family |
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Thanks to Cindy for planning such a great trip, to knowledgeable and pleasant guide Boris for showing us Togo and Benin and to driver Deni for getting us through traffic swiftly and safely. Our family (with 3 small children) truly enjoyed it!
Monday, October 24, 2016 at 22:15 hrs - Netherlands, residing in Accra |
| Mian and family |
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We (family of 6 with children age 13-17) stayed in Atsiekpoe for 5 days in August 2016. It was the most intens and memorable experience of our 4 weeks in Ghana. We enjoyed the village, the people, the river and the food very much. We relaxed and also experienced the village life. Fishing, basketweaving, church going, market visit, watching the blacksmith and the people going about their business. We would have loved to stay longer..... Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 17:25 hrs - the Netherlands |
| Familie van Dijk | clairyfrenk~AT~planet~DOT~nl |
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We had three fantastic weeks in Ghana. We visited the places were we lived in the eighties. To meet old friends all over Ghana was fantastic. We travelled by Landrover with Fofo excellent and very friendly driver and guide. He brought us to many different places of interest. We visited nice places like Bobiri, Hand in hand in Nkoranza, Cocoavillage at lake Bosumtwi, Kosa beach and of course Sunbirdlodge and Mole in the North. A journey perfectly organized bij Cindy and Apollo from Jolinaiko. Thanks a lot. Monday, September 26, 2016 at 02:11 hrs - Netherlands |
| Sharon Geil | ecohome6205~AT~earthlink~DOT~net |
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I recently returned from a trip to Togo that combined visiting a sponsored child (which defined the time frame) and a wonderful tour of Togo. I'm so glad I found Jolinaiko, but it was after I'd already sent off my visa application; having already given up on Ghana's seemingly impossible visa requirements. Had I found Jolinaiko earlier, no doubt that issue could have been resolved. Future trip! Isaac was a wonderful and knowledgeable travel companion as we explored his country together. Perfect mesh of botanical/environmental focus and cultural focus!
Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 17:57 hrs - USA |
| Pepi and David | jmosqueira~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Just back from West Africa after a wonderful 33 day trip, visiting 5 countries, organized by Jolinaiko, we want to thank Cindy and her team once more for all the effort that they put into making this possible. They went out of their way to ensure our safety at all times, to be hassle free at the border crossings, and to take us to all the sites ww wanted to see. Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 17:06 hrs - Spain and England |
