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Besides in this guestbook and on our Facebook page, you can read more reviews on our Travel Local review page.
| Simon and Laura | simonsteward~AT~madasafish~DOT~com |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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great design and project. god bless you. Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 12:59 hrs - EU |
| Yolande Kouwets | yolandekouwets~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Nice site keep it up
Monday, October 17, 2005 at 01:02 hrs - Lome-Togo |
| Loes Magnin | loes~DOT~magnin~AT~zonnet~DOT~nl |
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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 |
| Koos Snijders |
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This website is still getting better. Very interesting and inviting. We are coming to Ghana this august!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 21:31 hrs - Limburg - The Netherlands |
| Bart, Jan-Willem, Aniek en Erna | emanden~AT~hetnet~DOT~nl |
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It all began with Bart...we came to Ghana because he went there for a volunteersjob and we missed him... The first week in Accra we played the tourist by our selves and took the time to acclimatize (as much as possible). During this week Bart introduced us to Apollo. Under his supervision we visitted the Volta region, including the cycle tour, the botanic garden and a canoe trip we'll never forget!! Everything you read about Apollo is so true. He is the best guide you can wish for. But leave the little canoe's where they are...at the shore. Although you miss a great deal of the fun. It must been said: with Apollo we saw in a short notice a part of Ghana we surely would have missed. Of course we had brought our 'Brad' but that book doesn't have the skills and the personality of this professional living guide. The traveling goes smoothly, superb accommodation, mingle with the locals, swimming under the waterfall, climbing a mountain, spotting monkeys and still have plenty of time for relaxing and playing games or do some laundry-things. The honey in our yoghurt reminds us daily of Liati Wote and our Ghana experience. Apollo, thank you so much!! Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 16:00 hrs - nederland |
| Sanne Geldermans | sannegeldermans~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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I have been with Apollo Panou around with a motorbike. We had lot's of fun and offcourse somethimes a serious discussion. Also it's wurth telling we have seen nice places, local dancing and had a good nights sleeping in a guesthouse. Next time when I am in Accra I will visit him again and ask for a longer tour around. Thank you Apollo for a nice time with a big laugh. Friday, February 25, 2005 at 11:43 hrs - Holland |
| Norine + August + Gabriela | norine~DOT~olfers~AT~cwinet~DOT~nl |
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In de zomer van 2003 ben ik met man en kind naar Ghana/Accra geweest. Wij wilden zo graag de plek bezoeken waar de Slavernij is gestart. Zelf hadden we heel veel informatie verzameld vanuit internet. Van een kennis kregen wij de naam van Apollo. In Ghana hebben wij contact met hem opgenomen en hij heeft e.e.a. voor ons geregeld m.n. de geweldige trips van Accra tot Kumasi.Het is een succesvolle ervaring geweest. Dit wil ik jullie ook aanraden meer omdat Apollo heel lief; vertrouwd; geduldig en behulpzaam is. Hij kan je hart doen smelten voor het land en de mensen. Ik zou geen moment meer twijfelen en gelijk contact maken met Jolinaiko Ecotours om te beleven wat wij hebben mee gemaakt waardoor wij inmiddels nog een keer zijn geweest. Heel veel vakantie plezier toegewenst en wedden dat het niet bij die ene keer blijft. Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 17:03 hrs - Nederland/Suriname |
| Norine + August + Gabriela | norine~DOT~olfers~AT~cwinet~DOT~nl |
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In the summer of 2003 we went to Ghana/Accra. We make this choice because we want to see were the Slavery start. From someone we get the name of Apollo to contact him about our staying and some trips. We travelling with Apollo and for us there is no one else to let you know the Ghanaian way of life. This was a wonderfull experience. The Trust; the Enthousiastic; the Kindness; what Apollo have, you shall have no fear to open your hart for Ghana and the people. Apollo can plan any trip for you even with a low budget. We enjoy our stay in Ghana and went again. Please don't be detached to make your choice an contact Jolinaiko Ecotours directly and have fun.
Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 16:48 hrs - Netherland / Surinam |
| Donna + Carl | djsheppa~AT~excite~DOT~com |
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We spent a wonderful weekend at the Langma Cabin at Kokrobite in September 2004. We took long walks on the beach, explored tidal pools, and collected seashells. We mixed with the locals at the nearby fishing village of Nyanyano and feasted on the home-cooked meal we created using the fishermen’s catch. We also indulged in wine and lobster at a nearby beach resort, complete with musical entertainment. When we were not exploring our surroundings, the palm tree-lined coastal view from the front porch was spectacular, and made it possible for us to relax and unwind from our typical Ghana lifestyle. Our time was memorable for many reasons – we were able to move at a pace that was our own; we traveled easily using public means from Accra to the Cabin site, eliminating the added stress that is often a part of travel in Southern Ghana; and we didn’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy wonderful scenery and food. We couldn’t pull ourselves away on Sunday afternoon to head back to Accra – the weekend was feeling too short! - but staying over Sunday night turned out to be a perfect option as we still made it to work on time bright and early Monday morning. We are looking forward to another great weekend getaway in early 2005! Donna + Carl. Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 17:49 hrs - Accra, Ghana |
| Mr./Mrs. Müller | lmbmuller~AT~zonnet~DOT~nl |
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Hello Apollo, Here is finally a reaction of our visit to Ghana and the trip that we made with you. We met you in our hotel and you proposed to make a trip to several interesting objects along the coast near to Accra. We went to “Kakum” and during the travelling to the national park, you told us the history of Ghana. Besides of informing us about the history of the country you showed us the important buildings we passed during the trip, like “Fort Amsterdam”. You showed us where to find the sweetest “sweets”, liked the dried banana chips. Besides of the banana chips you pleasantly surprised our mouths with fruit and minerals. We still remember the tasteful avocadoes, you bought for us! In “Kakum” we walked over the seven hanging bridges, which were placed between the tops of the trees, to experience that a forest in Ghana is something different than a European forest. After “Kakum” we went to “Fort Elmina”, where its impressive history was waiting for us. Still, looking at the pictures of “Fort Elmina” the same strange undefined feeling crawls up in our bodies. It was a wonderful day. If we return to Ghana, we surely will try to find you for another trip. Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 12:04 hrs - The Netherlands |
| René Bouwman | ReneBouwman~AT~zonnet~DOT~nl |
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If you want to experience the daily life in Ghana, Apollo will show you the places otherwise overlooked. He will take you along longolongo roads to see Ghana in its full detail and beauty. Always with professional guidance and knowledge by Apollo. And he cooks a damn good meal to! René Bouwman Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11:58 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Ingrid de Beer | info~AT~ghanecc~DOT~com |
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The biggest asset of Apollo is that he has a exellent knowledge of Ghana and the Ghanaian culture and can explain very clearly about it to us Westerners. He is proud of his country and likes to show all its beauty to whoever is interested. Apollo is very approachable for visitors as well as for Ghanaians. He therefore is the missing link between different cultures. For me it was a perfect way to get to know the true gems of West Africa: its people. Ingrid de Beer Project Manager House of Culture Ghana Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Culture Friday, January 21, 2005 at 12:15 hrs - Accra, Ghana |
| Carlijn Brenninkmeijer | c_brenninkmeijer~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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I know Apollo since 2001. From the beginning I experienced him as a very reliable person who never lets you down. I have been four times in Ghana. Every time I met Apollo. He arranged a training period for my niece. He has the ability to work with all kinds of people. The best memories I have are from a cycling trip he organized at Aburi gardens. When you are an active person and you like to cycle I recommend this trip to everyone. You cycle through the fields, bush, a small river and you pass clay huts and small villages. Even in a 2 hour trip you are able to see a lot. I also went to Togo and Benin with Apollo. When my mother visited me he arranged a reliable driver for us. He never let me down. Carlijn Brenninkmeijer Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 14:37 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Erik Overmars | erik_overmars~AT~hetnet~DOT~nl |
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Hello everybody, I have been travelling with Apollo on several trips and tours. He is friendly, sympathetic and very knowledgable. Above all, he is very reliable and flexible and will adjust his tours to meet your wishes. He has shown me the Ghanese way of living in Accra and in villages outside. I have also seen natural and cultural highlights, like Kakum national park, Fort El Mina and waterfalls. Any means of transportation is possible: buses, cars, taxi's, and riding a bike in the hills north of Accra is certainly worthwhile! Apollo will do his best to make your tour enjoyable! Apollo, good luck with the creation of your website. Say hello to Cindy and take care! Greetings, Erik Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 23:01 hrs - the Netherlands |
| Julia van Leeuwen | juulvanleeuwen~AT~hetnet~DOT~nl |
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Travelling with Apollo is, apart from moving in with a family, probably the closest you can get to getting to know the Ghanaian way of life. He takes you to remote places, travelling by local transportation, meeting beautiful people on the way. He has strong beliefs and ideals that he likes to share with other people, but always shows a lot of respect. Whenever he feels someone is in need, he tries to help, in a quiet, modest way. Being very restless and normally having difficulties sitting still, somehow Apollo (without knowing it) showed me how wonderful it can be to just sit and watch the world go by, and to see how rich and beautiful small things can be. So, if you really want to get a touch of Ghanaian life, travel with Apollo. He took us to Volta region, but I think he can make a trip to any other region one to always remember. Love, Julia Thursday, January 06, 2005 at 12:09 hrs - The Netherlands |
| Cindy Noordermeer | cindy~AT~aandachtvooraids~DOT~nl |
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Although I am already for a long time in the country and used to travelling on my own, travelling with Apollo gives something extra to the trip. His attitude and the way of interaction takes away the gap between foreigners and the local people. For suretravelling with Apollo is making new friends from different levels of the society and learning a lot about local life and culture of the country. We travelled through the most fertile part of Burkina Faso (1 night in mud-stick house in a village near Nandom, 1 night in local village on the way, 2 nights in guesthouse in Bobo-Diaulasso, 2 nights in local guesthouse near Banfora, 2 nights in Goua and back to Ghana). We travelled in an extra ordinary wayby motorbike for one week. The routes where dirty, the accommodation basic in local villages...but I felt comfortableslept and eat terrific. Reallyone of my life-time experience. Cindy Noordermeer, Accra, Ghana Sunday, January 02, 2005 at 18:04 hr - Accra, Ghana |
| Marleen van der W. | marleensadres~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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In july and august 2004 I travelled for two months through Ghana. Because it was my first time in Africa and I was travelling on my own, I had to learn much to be self-sustainable. You can not undermine how helpless you are without a guide, at least the first time you visit this country. Via via I got in touch with Apollo Panou. From the time he welcomed me at the airport untill one month later when I left him to travel by my self, he helped me with everything. He showed me much pretty places. Places you can not find with a guidebook. He took me to drink pito (a special brewed local drink) with old men in traditional villages. He showed me the Rastafariens because I was interested. He taught me how to wear my money, how to discuss with the ‘sellers’ and he cooked me the best traditional Ghanaien dishes. If you want to travel on a budget, traditional way and to see the real Ghanaien lifestyle, Apollo is a very good guide. Very important to me was to travel with a guide you can trust and where you feel comfortable with, in this country which is so different then Europe or the US. Marleen van der W. Monday, December 27, 2004 at 13:32 hr - The Netherlands |
