Your consultant Ute, y'r eyes & ears on the ground
Roho Ya Chui
- Offices In:
-
Netherlands
Germany
Austria
United States
Australia - Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, APTA & SATSA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Jo, Michael, Shannon, Kelly, Nat and Jacob | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari experiences were many and varied seeing fabulous wildlife with experienced guides thanks!
Ute was terrific. She accommodated our family's particular needs and our desire to make our own choices right from the start of our planning. When our flight was delayed, she was at the end of an email to help sort things out immediately. It felt like Ute was there traveling with us. She had a knack for understanding what was important and connecting personally even though all our interactions were via email. Thanks Ute - we had a great 3 weeks in Africa. A very personalized service. Would highly recommend. We are looking forward to our next African adventure and using your services again.
DE
Email Jens | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience on Blyde River, Kruger & Panorama tour
We booked the 6-day Blyde River, Kruger & Panorama tour with Roho Ya Chui and were not disappointed. Communication was always good with quick and helpful responses before and while travelling. A great selection of lodges and local operators as well as the stunning views along the Panorama Route and the amazing wildlife of Kruger truly made this an unforgettable experience.
BE
Email Dirk | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our first visit to South Africa - A truly unique experience
After a very difficult year in which my wife experienced a serious illness, my father passed away and I suffered an awkward accident, we decided to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary with a somewhat different trip: instead of doing one of our beloved cultural marathons, we decided to indulge in the amazing fauna and flora and the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. Our goal was to recover, enjoy and relax.
After screening the numerous travel agencies offering taylor-made tours, I decided to contact Ute Sonnenberg from Roho Ya Chui whose website gave me that gut feeling of confidence and professionalism which was confirmed immediately after my first contact with Ute.
We had some 12 days to spend and wanted to make the best out of it. Also, we wanted to be pampered and did not shy away from topping-up our budget if we felt it was worth it.
Ute gave us a couple of suggestions and in the end we managed to pick out the ones we thought suited us best and fitted into a feasible i.e. not too tiring travel schedule, taking into account the limited time.
1. Johannesburg
Disembarking from our plane in Johannesburg we were welcomed by a special handling agent who swiftly took us through immigration and customs bypassing all the other passengers of a fully booked Boing 747-8, ushering us to the white Mercedes Limousine waiting outside. Our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Johannesburg was just perfect. What a nice start-off! The Four Seasons is a calm retreat in the outskirts of the town with luxurious rooms, a great pool and spa and an excellent restaurant. We simply loved it.
2. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
After a relaxing day in Johannesburg we were taken once again by a white Mercedes Benz (water, refreshments, hand cream etc. on board) to the airport where we embarked on our flight to Skukuza, the amazingly beautiful (yes I am not joking) little airport at the southern point of the Krueger National Park where we were picked up by a driver from Kirkman's Kamp, the lodge where we were going to stay for the next 4 days. Well, no words to describe, or if so, it will be too much reading for you: just to say that we were stunned by the luxury of our room, the beauty of the whole compound, its location, extraordinary staff and amazing food. The game drives (2x per day) were quite an experience: we saw the big five, we were pampered with a lush breakfast in the bush, an open air bar at sunset on the margins of Sabi river, everything prepared by the rangers at the end of our game drives, just amazing.
3. Victoria Falls
From Sabi Sands we were taken to Nelspruit airport from where we flew to Livingston. Following Ute's advice, we stayed at the Royal Livingston Hotel which is the only 5* Hotel right close to the Victoria Falls, located in the natural reserve. You can hear the thunder of the Victoria Falls sitting on the terrace of your room and watch the "spray" at sunset while sipping a drink on one of the hotel's wooden decks along the Zambesi River. And you can simply walk to the falls and visit without paying as hotel guests have free access to the falls. The rooms are extremely tasteful and well appointed. The hotel is an island of beauty and calm. Zebras are strolling on the lawn. Al fresco dining on the terrace over the river is yet another must... Unforgettable.
4. Cape Town
From Livingston we flew via Johannesburg to Capetown where we hired a car and stayed at the Vineyard Hotel which is located on the backside of the Table Mountain, not far away from the Botanic Garden and has some amazing gardens itself and an excellent outdoor pool. We had a junior suite facing the little river running through the gardens. An island of peace and calm. Visiting the centre of Cape Town and the Harbour area is easily doable by car. There are good parking facilities all over. During our 3 days in Cape Town we visited the Table Mountain on a most beautiful sunny day, the Botanic Gardens, the Cape itself and the region around Cape Town. We loved the delicious seafood and oysters at Houtbay and had an excellent dinner at a wine estate in the Cape region. We definitely feel we need to come back.
5. Franschoek
We drove to Franschoek taking the coastal road (R44) through the Hottentots Mountain Holland Catchment Area, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay, indulging into the stunning landscape and seaside views, wow! Ute recommended us to stay at the Grand Provence in Franschoek. Well, yet another highlight. We stayed in the owner's cottage, had our own butler who would light 2 dozens of candles around the pool for an evening swim and, of course always keep the fire burning in the living room. The property not only grows excellent wine but also offers a Michelin starred restaurant which simply cannot be missed. We stayed for 2 nights to discover the wine region but would have loved to stay longer...
6. Johannesburg
From Capetown we flew back to Johannesburg for another day before taking the plane back to Europe. The white Mercedes limousine was once again waiting for us at the airport upon arrival taking us to the Saxon Hotel, yet another top recommendation of Ute. This former private residence of one of the richest men of South Africa is an all-suite hotel with beautiful African art works all over the place, a mega outdoor pool and - of course - a private butler for each suite. It is totally secluded and calm. We had a bottle of champagne in our suite upon arrival. The food was excellent, so was the service. We visited the Apartheid Museum (a must, very impressive), Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto and his Presidential residence.
This first trip to South Africa exceeded our expectations and we want to thank Ute for her excellent and professional advice and perfect organisation. We couldn't have asked for more.
Well planned and executed!
Ute did an excellent job of choosing the places we stayed and the safaris we took. Our driver for 2 days was excellent and we were able to see 3 of the big 5. The last day was in Sabi Sands. We hit the jackpot. On the first night drive, we saw 4 out of 5. We enjoyed the day in Sabi Sands the best because we didn't have to travel for almost 2 days to see the big five. Both accommodations were good and the food was excellent.
US
Email Martin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional experiences at Ngala and Kirkman
Well organized safari by Ute from Roha Ya Chui to Ngala and Kirkman. Transfers to and from the lodges was flawless. Importantly the driver that took us from Ngala to Kirkman noted a riot on our way and found a back road to take us to Kirkman. Another couple that was driving themselves on the same route that day was not so lucky. Their car was attacked, hit by stones and pushed from side to side, when they passed the burning tires on the road. We found another couple on the road driving in their car who were desperate as they were completely lost as there are no road signs at all. All of this is an indication that it pays to use a professional for your local travel needs and Roho Ya Chui did that flawless. The safaris at both Ngala and Kirkman were very exciting. It was like you were participating in your own documentary. We will go back for more.
US
Email Manasa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 3 night safari in Kruger
My husband and I booked our safari through Roho Ya Chui. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! We decided to do 3 nights, 4 days. When I emailed Ute about this, she was very responsive and helpful. She planned the thing for us: our flights into and out of Kruger National Park, our accommodations during the safari, and our road transportation. We got 2 unique experiences: 1 beautiful lodge for the first 2 nights and then 1 night in an all-inclusive fancy bush camp within the park. We saw the Big Five, and SO MUCH more! It was just incredible.
US
Email Sharon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I would choose Ute Sonnenberg and And Beyond for ALL my future travel (safari).
I had previously been on safari in Tanzania with another organization and I really believed it could not be beat. And it truly was. Ute's choices and recommendations for us were so spot on, the number and choice of camps, how many days at each, giving us the perfect variety of game to visit. She was always responsive, adjusting our trip to accommodate our seemingly endless needs, and rather last minute too. She was amazing, booking our wonderful Cape Town Hotel as well. The consistent quality of And Beyond, (we did 4 camps, two in Phinda and 2 in or near Lion Sands) the incredible talent and training of our Rangers and trackers, was unfathomable, as was the hospitality throughout. We've only been home a week and can't wait to start planning our next trip. Way beyond expectations.
AT
Email Markus | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good combination with excellent value for money
We had a great time doing the seven days trip to Vic Falls, Chobe and Okavango with Roho Ya Chui. It allowed us to see the "must's" of the region within our limited available time. We particularly enjoyed the time at Bakwena Lodge and Machaba Camp in Botswana.
Email jake | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip we have done!
Ngala Safari Lodge is the best travel experience we have ever had. Thought this would be a one off but we are already planning to come back in the future. Staff were amazing especially Allyn at the lodge.
Email Kendall | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfectly executed last minute African adventure
I contacted Ute about 14 days before my husband and I wanted to travel to Africa. We had a last minute window of being able to take time off of work. Ute was the perfect person to reach out to! She was very quick in her responses, was very thorough, and gave us the time (even though the trip was approaching quickly) for my husband and I to review the options.
She is very knowledgeable of the different areas to travel, travel times and the best way to get the most out of every day, and met exactly what we wanted.
All we gave Ute was a budget, key places we wanted to visit, and the dates available. She quickly came back with a full itinerary, & was open to conversations on potential adjustments.
We went to Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta (Moremi specifically) ,and Phinda private reserve in S. Africa. We had never heard of Phinda, and to be honest, was a bit nervous about the sighting potential & quality (as you always hear about Kruger, etc). I was 100% incorrect in having any nerves. Phinda was actually our favorite part of the trip- from the lodge, to the guides, to the sightings, it was absolutely amazing!
It was Ute's deep knowledge of the different parks and areas of each country that made our 2 week experience absolutely perfect! If we are lucky enough to come back to Africa again, we will book through no one other than Ute.