We highly appreciate it if you would like to take the time to write a review of your tour in our guestbook!
Please consider to (also) place your review on our Facebook review page.
Besides in this guestbook and on our Facebook page, you can read more reviews on our Travel Local review page.
| Edith en Ellen | e~DOT~doosje~AT~chello~DOT~nl |
|
Cindy en Paul lieten ons kennismaken met Ghana. Zo namen ze ons mee naar de Jolinaiko Ecovillage Atsikpoe. In een volgeladen bootje over de rivier, kennismaken met mensen die ons graag rondleidden en vervolgens een glaasje Fanta bij de wijze dorpsoudste. Vrouwen roeren in grote potten met wit spul (later ontdekt dat dit fufu was en dat wij daarvan geen fan zijn), kinderen willen op de foto (een enkeling huilt omdat we groot, eng en wit zijn) en mannen lachen een vlekkeloze glimlach. Het is heel bijzonder in een dorp te lopen waar de mensen zo anders leven dan wij in het westen doen. We zien de fundamenten van het guesthouse in wording (gebouwd door het hele dorp met Apollo). Hier komen we nog eens terug. We waren nog nooit in Ghana geweest, of zelfs maar in Afrika. En dus hadden we veel plannen: wat we allemaal zouden bekijken en doen. Graag hadden we verteld over alle mooie dingen die je aan de kust kunt zien en doen. Zo heb je vele forten, gebouwd door de Europeanen, oa gebruikt bij de slavenhandel. En verder prachtige vissersdorpjes, lagoons, markten. Maar we zijn 6 dagen in Cape Coast gebleven, en niet omdat we geen plannen maakten om weg te komen. Het was gewoon veel te gezellig. Ghana is niet van dingen bekijken. Ghana is van er zijn, de mensen, de muziek, de sfeer en de verhalen. En dan het meest bijzondere en bizarre van de hele vakantie: het voodoo festival in Benin. Mensen in prachtige gewaden en spannende ontmoetingen met mysterieuze engugu’s. Boris legde ons uit wat er gebeurt (ja, die geit gaat geslacht worden – oh). Nieuwsgierig naar wat er bínnen in zo’n tempel gebeurde, keken we Boris smekend aan. Via via kon Boris iets voor ons regelen, zijn oom is voodoo priester en wilde ons wel ontvangen. Een beetje zenuwachtig hebben wij de volgende dag de Fa tot ons laten spreken. En dat was ongelofelijk. Heel bijzonder om dit onderdeel van de Beninese cultuur van zo dichtbij mee te maken. Het ritueel zelf was al zo anders dan je überhaupt bedacht kon hebben, en ook de dingen die hij ons over onszelf vertelde waren mooi en beangstigend waar. Tja, we zouden nog zoveel meer kunnen vertellen, over Penjari National Park met de leeuwen en de olifanten, over Liati Woti met de duizenden vlinders en de waterval, de bijzondere kasteelhutten in Togo, de heerlijk relaxte hangmatten in Kokrobite met een Star biertje in je hand… Zowel Cindy als Apollo als Boris begrijpen helemaal hoe je een reis onvergetelijk kunt maken. Dankjewel, en zeker tot ziens! Groetjes, Ellen en Edith
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 22:15 hrs - Nederland |
| Tjodi | tjodi~AT~oor-zaken~DOT~nl |
|
Ik vond de sfeer zeer ontspannen en de landschappen die voorbij gingen in de Landrover waren erg imponerend. Omdat ik veelal achter in de auto zat kon ik alle kanten omkijken, de Landrover is een fantastische auto om door Ghana te reizen en heb erg veel indrukwekkende situaties meegemaakt. Waaronder Palm wijn drinken, Accra de gigantisch drukke stad met al haar drukte en vreemde geluiden, prachtig. De landrover dealer waanzinnig wat de monteurs daar doen is vakmanschap, kunnen ze niet in Nederland weet ik! Wat ook bijzonder was de gigantische stilte toen we opweg waren naar Aktsiepoe. De zandweg die rood van kleur is de koeien die daar stonden te herkauwen en wij de crew die een opname maakten van jullie in auto. Het moment van oorverdovende stilte die de weg gaf en het landschap was erg indrukwekkend en ontroerend en ook zo'n overgang met de hysterie in Accra. Kortom een mooie tijd met jullie gehad!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:22 hrs - Nederland |
| Maudy, Prince and family | princade~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
After a referral from a Dutch friend, we made contact with Apollo. In November 2007, we (husband, wife, mother in-law and two kids ages 2 and 5) set out to Ghana as first time visitors. Before leaving the Netherlands for Ghana, Apollo recommended a nice hotel in Accra where he and Cindy promptly met us the same day we arrived. Like a professional which he is, Apollo asked us pertinent questions regarding our budget, interests, tour duration food etc and he diligently outlined travel plans to meet our needs as a family with children. He emphasised that it was a flexible plan and we could make changes during the course of the tour as we deem fit. Our tour guide was Peter, one of Apollo's twin brothers. During what turned out to be the most exciting family holiday so far, Apollo kept in touch with us through the telephone to ensure all was going according to plan. He didn't have to worry as Peter was not just a guide, but ALREADY a dear friend who was very caring and inseparable from the children throughout the tour. We are now back in the Netherlands but the children won't stop asking when they will return to Ghana and have Peter take them around to the nice people they encountered during the tour. GOOD NEWS: We are counting the months when schools will be closed for holidays and we can return to have Apollo and his team complete our dream tour of the rest of Ghana and most likely in the near future Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. Thank you.
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 17:44 hrs |
| Lotte & Arjan | arjanbakkeren~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
|
Thanks to Jolinaiko we had a great three week holiday and learnt a lot about the West-African people, history, religions, music, food, nature and politics. Apollo is a passionated and committed guide. We travelled three weeks with Apollo through Ghana, Togo and Benin and Cindy joined us in Ghana. Travelling with Apollo and Cindy was great fun and made it possible for us to get an impression of daily life in the different West-African cultures. The organisation is very flexible, which makes it possible to adjust the programm to your wishes. For us it was an experience never to forget! Lotte & Arjan
Friday, January 25, 2008 at 09:58 hrs - the Netherlands |
| jennie vader |
|
Hoi Apollo and Cindy, After hearing so much about joli-ecotours, I visited you web-site for the first time. It looks even more beautifll than I expected. I can't wait to come and visit you! Jennie
Monday, November 5, 2007 at 11:59 hrs - Holland |
| Dewi and Wim |
|
In July and August this year we (father and daughter) travelled with Apollo, who was our guide, Willy who was the driver and Boris, who travelled along to get acquainted with Ghana. Apollo is a very dedicated guide and Willy a very caring driver. Also on a occasional evening we had a beer and played some cards. It was a relaxed journey and Apollo is very knowledgeable and very charming, making contacts everywhere. Ideal when you travel with a younger one. We travelled from Accra in 14 days to Ouagadougou, where we had a different guide, specialized in Burkina and Mali. It was a memorable journey. Thank you and hope to see you again.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 10:47 hrs - the Netherlands |
| George |
|
I went for some days to Togo and Benin with Boris. He is the most exceptional guide I've ever met. He was quite professional, very kind and knowledgeable about the area. Although we had some unexpected troubles, his behaviour was remarkable. He knows what I mean. Besides, he's a friendly and fun guy, and it was like travelling with a friend. I'd definitely recommend Boris to anyone who wants to visit West Africa and have some fun there. Thanks for everything. Take care. George
Friday, September 21, 2007 at 19:55 hrs - Ireland |
| Irene and Annemarie |
|
We received a warm welcome. People carried our luggage on their head to our house, everybody greeted us with 'Woez' and people were smiling. Children were running after us screaming 'yevu, yevu!'. It is a lovely place to live. Living with the sun. The villages are not really developed and isolated from the ' civilized world'. (no electricity, mud houses, cooking on a fire etc.) Still the villages are rich in what they have. You don't need electricity, because there is a breeze from the river and water is close by. We thought it was wonderful to walk outside and see the goats and chickens walking freely. The people live from the natural resources like fish and cassava. They make baskets out of plants and eat mangoes when it is the mango season. On Sundays you see everybody in their beautiful traditional clothes going to church. Although the villages are little, they have five churches! God plays an important role in these communities. We hope that you will enjoy the people and the nature as much as we did. Yevu, woez! Dear Apollo, It's been two months since we left Ghana. Volunteering in Vome is an experience we will never forget. A unique village in a beautiful country. Thank you for showing us and helping us. If you come to the Netherlands we will welcome you in our new appartment. Good luck with your project. Kiss Sunday, September 2, 2007 at 14:46 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Dewi |
|
Apollo makes an art of his guiding. Not being satisfied with just showing the way, he gives the extra touch to it, such as having and making fun and talking about life issues.
Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 20:56 hrs |
| Shannie |
|
You can’t get to know a country properly in this short of time but with Apollo’s knowledge, the relationships he’s built up, his obvious passion for both the country and its people, not to mention Daniel’s excellent driving, we really got to see some of the ‘real’ Ghana. A great combination of culture, wildlife, religion, scenery and everyday life.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 11:18 hrs |
| Jennifer |
|
Accra-Kumasi-Mole-Techiman-Bobiri-Cape Coast What atrip! We feel we’ve fitted in so much in such a short period of time. Just a few of the highlights: excellent elephant encounter at Mole, meeting the fetish priest at tye monkey sanctuary and drinking schnapps with him, and seeing a yam being pulled from the field! I had a great time- mainly because of the charming people Apollo introduced us to along the way. This has been a really good introduction to Ghana…looking forward to the next time.
Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 21:13 hrs |
| Delia |
|
Travelling with Apollo, Paul and Boris through Ghana, Togo and Benin has been wonderful. We saw so much in only 2 weeks, if only we had more time. Really enjoyed the time spent stopped by the side of the road seeing village life- children playing, animals grazing, women cooking, fun. The opportunity to stay by the water (beach or river) was a treat. Thanks for your professionalism and flexibility.
Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 18:01 hrs - UK |
| Marc Davidson | marc~AT~marcdavidsonphotography~DOT~com |
|
I just wanted to send off a quick note to let you know how happy I was with my trip to Benin and especially with Boris. I have done a bit of travelling in my time and I have to say that without a doubt, spending time with Boris as my guide was like travelling with one of my best friends. You should be very proud of his professionalism, the way that he represents your company, and most importantly his country and his culture. Spening a week in Ouidah walking around, talking with Boris and snapping pictures here and there was more than I could have asked for or expected and can only wish that every travelling experience from now on can be like my one to Benin. Thank you again for helping set up my trip and for giving me the opportunity to make a great friend in Africa, Boris
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 21:31 hrs - Toronto, Canada |
| Akwasi Sarpong |
|
Holala, for the first time I was able to see so many wonderful places in my motherland Ghana. Places like Elmina, Lake Bosumtwi, Kakum, Busua and Bunso Arboretum and Volta lake Region which I never had a change to see before. The touring was perfect organized by Apollo and I am sure someday I will like to visit other places again with his Eco tour. May God bless us all.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 21:58 hrs - Holland |
| Renate and Dieter Finsterer | attempt_vienna~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
|
We travelled with Apollo's agency in Ghana,Togo and Benin for a bit more than three weeks in November 06. Small as his agency is, he did a marvellous job organizing our trip and we appreciated especially that we could influence everything according to our ideas. The mix of an organized tour and independent travel, we are no longer very young (72 and 70), and the well balanced ratio of cost and what we got for it was perfect We would like to thank him and his guides and drivers who were extremely nice and helpful. Best wishes for the future. Renate and Dieter
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 18:23 hrs - Nuremberg Germany |
| Kym Pointon |
|
In September 2006, my friend and I travelled with Apollo for a week to the beautiful Volta region. We had a great time travelling in tro tros searching for kente villages and beads and managed to set a new record for the slowest time to climb Mt Afadjato. Apollo was a fantastic guide - very easy going and flexible and was able to meet all the 'challenges' we set him. We then met up with Apollo again at the end of October to travel for a week to Burkina Faso where his French skills were invaluable. Jolinaiko Exo-Tours is a great concept and Apollo has great vision. I look forward to watching the development of the eco-village.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 07:10 hrs - Australia |
| yolanda sarpong | sarpong~AT~planet~DOT~nl |
|
To travel with Apollo is just relaxed and easy. He takes time for everything and he can easily feel want you want. Therefor this trip I made in November with two other persons was perfect. I saw everything what I wanted to see, and sometimes even more. Apollo thanks for all your patience and the way how you quickly find solutions for everything and for your care and explanations.
Friday, January 5, 2007 at 19:08 hrs - Holland |
| marijse koelewijn | m~DOT~koelewijn~AT~hetnet~DOT~nl |
|
In november 2006 we travelled three weeks through Ghana with Apollo. From Accra westward along the coast as far as Nzulezo stilted village, and north to Kumasi, from there to the east, east of Lake Volta and back again to Accra. The journey in one word: fantastic!Travelling with Apollo as a guide, we visited local initiatives for tourism like Bunso Arboretum, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Liate Wote, where we climbed Ghana's highest Mountain (which, by the way, has a quite moderate height). Being with Apollo ( and one of our company also being a Ghanaian), made it quite easy to come in contact with Ghanaian people and that was what I liked most during this trip. While travelling, there was time enough to hear more about Ghana and to share thoughts about development,poverty, government etcetera. I experienced that everywhere in the world there are people who want to realise their dreams and it takes all of us to make the world a better place to live in.
Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 12:36 hrs - Holland |
| Simon and Laura | simonsteward~AT~madasafish~DOT~com |
|
We spent a week travelling through Ghana in a taxi with Apollo. A very enjoyable week it was too. Apollo couldn't do enough for us. It was the little roadside stops, and the opportunity to interact with ordinary Ghanaians which really made the journey. Being able to get close up and personal with the locals, and to share their lives, if only for a brief moment was wonderful. Thanks Apollo
Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 14:26 hrs - United Kingdom |
| Harm & Cindy | harm~AT~isaac~DOT~nl |
|
Hi Boris and Apollo, Finally, we have found some time to write a message in your guestbook. We have been running for 2 months and are already adapted to the hectic life in the Netherlands. We want to thank you both, Boris and Apollo, for the superb holiday we had in Togo, Benin and Ghana. Apart from a great guide, Boris has become a friend for life! We made a website on our trip, which can be found at harm.isaac.nl/travel. Even though it is in Dutch, you might find it nice to visit. We put all the pictures we made online. Since it is way too much to describe all details on out journey, we will give a short list of highlight which will be in our minds forever: - the meeting with the Voodoo priest in Ouidah - the meeting with the King of Abomey - the visit to the Tamberma people in the north of Togo - the impressive walk to and view of the Akloa falls - the stay at the stilt village Ganvié - the lunch with Boris and his family - Cotonou's night life with Salsa bars - and much more! We can advise anyone to visit West-Africa, especially Benin. The culture is magnificent, the culture and history is everywhere, and people are very very friendly and social. Thanks again and best regards, Harm and Cindy
Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 20:16 hrs - Eindhoven, the Netherlands |
| Stoot family | bertstoot~AT~home~DOT~nl |
|
we made a trip through Ghana for 3 weeks with our 2 children of 7 and 9 years old, by private vehicle.Lots of highlights! Apollo thanks a lot !
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 21:20 hrs - Holland |
| Martin & Laure | laureklerks~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
In june 2006 I was planning to visit my daughter, who worked as a volunteer in Ghana for 2 ½ months. After some searching via Google I found in a site of a volunteer that this person made use of a guide. Also I found only two organizations which organized trips to and in Ghana. The complete arranged trips were not attractive, therefore I started to study the website of Apollo including the experiences of his travel companions. The first impressions after e-mail contacts with Apollo were OK, but what could we really expect? After some hesitation we made the appointment that he could be our guide from Mole National Parc and we traveled six days with Apollo by trotro, STC bus and taxi…what an experience! Thanks to Apollo we experienced in a short time different aspects of Ghana. We met the local people, saw beautiful pieces of nature, got to know how people live, tasted the local foods and drinks and discussed several issues. Apollo showed us almost whole Ghana in 6 days! Something we could never have done when we had traveled without Apollo. And, because Apollo arranged everything we asked for, we didn’t have to worry about anything, we trusted him and besides that he had many good suggestions and ideas as we have experienced now. It felt just like a real vacation, something that’s not easy to achieve in Ghana. In three words, the trip was; efficient, special and last but not least; fun!
Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 18:35 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Bram and Barbara | barbarag73~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
We were in Ghana for 2 weeks and we had a fantastic time. Also thanks to Apollo, who is a great guide! The first week we travelled through Ghana together with Apollo and our private driver Francis. We saw and did a lot of nice and interesting things. We visited Elmina Castle for example and we went to the biggest outside market in Africa in Kumasi. After our round trip we did some relaxing in Barbara's village in Krokobite, where we stayed in a very pleasant and quiet cottage. Our last 2 days we stayed in Accra, where we did some more relaxing around Labadi beach. Anyway we can recommand everybody to go to Ghana and use the services of Apollo and you will have a holiday you will never forget!
Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 17:38 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Ginny | minsk23~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
I traveled with Apollo for two weeks throughout Ghana, Togo, and Benin. I had the freedom to go where I wanted, when I wanted, as fast as I wanted, and change plans daily, all with the security of a knowledgeable guide. Through Apollo’s professionalism, excellent conversation, courtesy, open mindedness, tolerance and enthusiasm I was able to learn and live Africa more so than many of my other trips combined. Africa is no longer a distant place on a map, or a show on T.V. but many faces, smiles, songs, smells, colors and friends to me. Travel needs to be experienced in this way. The world needs more Apollo’s to bring us all a little closer together, understand each other better, break barriers and live and breathe a country that is not our own. Thank you for the fantastic memories, daily experiences, conversation, trust, comfort, laughs and friendship. Can’t think of anything I would have changed. Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 23:46 hrs - Canada |
| Jeanne | jeanneneri~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
|
great design and project. god bless you. Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 12:59 hrs - EU |
| Yolande Kouwets | yolandekouwets~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
A year ago I was planning my trip to Ghana. I wanted to end my study for primary education with a special three months traineeship in Africa . I got in contact with somebody who was very enthusiastic about Apollo. He could help me finding a nice and friendly primary school. We had a lot of email contact and he answered all my questions with a lot of patience. That gave me ( and my family of course) a very save feeling. At the beginning of October I arrived in Accra and from the first moment I felt welcome and save with Apollo in, for me, a totally strange country. Apollo showed me Accra, brought me to Aveyime where he stayed as long as I needed to feel comfortable. His brother Abraham cared for me and he became a very good friend. My time in Ghana was unbelievable special, I’ll never forget any small small J thing that I saw, smelled, tasted etc. The experience at the primary school was, of course, very impressive and sometimes difficult but I had a lot of nice and warm people around me who helped me. Because of Apollo and a lot of his friends my last traineeship became a big success! During my time in Ghana, my parents visited the country and Apollo arranged a lot for their trip too. The last three weeks I travelled around to see more of the country and with a lot of advice of Apollo it became a very special time. Apollo, thank you very much for all you did. I had a great time and I’ll never forget the special concertJ, the dancing, the good discussions we had, the conversation about the ‘bath’ issueJ, the people I met together with you and all the fun we had together. I wish you all the best with you company and I’m very sure that I’ll visit Ghana, Aveyime and you again as quick as possible! Yolande ‘Yo’ Kouwets Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 15:13 hrs - Holland |
| Carole Bonhomme |
|
Wonderful website!! I am planning a trip to Togo and Benin for August. I am hoping you can plan the trip. Keep up the good work.
Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at 16:29 hrs - U.S. |
| Stefanie | stefaniemikkers~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
|
Hi Apollo, You have a nice site! I hope everything is going well with you. I spend a great time in Ghana, also because of you. I shall never forget the nice weekends in the beach house, the hike trip in Kibi and all the peolple you introduced me to. I miss it a lot! Take care and a gros bisous Friday, November 25, 2005 at 18:45 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Onyeolu Ngbada Owerri | oyeolu~AT~owerri~DOT~imo |
|
Nice site keep it up
Monday, October 17, 2005 at 01:02 hrs - Lome-Togo |
| Loes Magnin | loes~DOT~magnin~AT~zonnet~DOT~nl |
|
Dear Apollo, as i told you before: you made my adventureous trip to ghana a lot easier. By helping me get the hang of ghanaian life on my first day in Accra, and by being my friend all through the next following weeks when i was travelling on my own. Apollo has a way of making you feel at home and comfortable right away. Btw: I recommend his motorriding skills...adventure guaranteed! Sunday, September 4, 2005 at 13:11 hrs - holland |
