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
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.
US
Email JP | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience
This was one of the most memorable experiences of our lifetime! Ute did an amazing job of removing all the stress associated with such complex travel arrangements. She was very responsive throughout the process and once we were on the ground in South Africa absolutely everything went off without a hitch. We had very high expectations and they were somehow blown away! We already want to go back and will absolutely use Ute again.
NL
Email Roald | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari with pleasant staff and ensuring the Big 5
From the beginning, Ute has answered all our questions within hours: big or small, everything was helpful and answered all our doubts. As soon as we got into Skukuza airport, the pick-up was very smooth and we went immediately on our first game drive, seeing elephants within 30min of our landing in Kruger. The two days in kruger were excellent to get used to the new enviroment, while the 1 night in Nottens could not have been any better. The food was great, the staff very nice but the game drives are on a different level of anything else. Driving up to anything you would like and expect to see within meters, allowing yourself to enjoy the wildlife and nature in its best while learning a lot from the rangers knowledge and guidance. Definitely recommend this to anyone, from couples to families.
CH
Email Roger | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
Very good organised-Thanks to Ute. Arrangements were perfect, everything was on time.
The camps we stayed were all good, specially Savute under Canvas was just great!
US
Email PEER DAR | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent safari operator
In contrary to any other trip we made along the years, arranging a safari trip without assistance for the first time is not straightforward. While there are many fancy websites with great photos and grading for each camp, I still found it difficult to understand the differences between each area and camp as well as the transfer arrangements. Ute was perfect for assisting with all the choices we made. Her responses were prompt before and even once during the trip when we were not certain about a transfer flight she was immediately available on whatsapp. I also found it a superb service to be able to communicate with one person and not with different representatives of a larger company that may or may not be available when you need them. absolutely recommended.
US
Email Mark Humphrey | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Vacation Thanks to Ute and Roho Ya Chui
An African Safari has been one of our dream vacations and after extensive research we came across an itinerary by Roho Ya Chui that sounded wonderful which was a 14-day Tanzania & Zanzibar vacation. Ute was our booking agent and was highly responsive from the beginning to all our questions, concerns, etc. She takes care of everything including booking the hotels/lodges and all the transfers. She also provided flight information so that we could easily book the flights. During our vacation that we just completed, everything and I mean everything went smoothly. There was always someone there to pick us up from airports, lodges, etc. We always felt safe along the way. All of the lodge bookings (tented camp sites & beach stay) were amazing. We cannot say enough kind words about the African people who work at these tented camp sites and lodges. Everyone is so hospitable and kind and they will all go out of their way to take care of you to assure you have the time of your life! If we do another Safari (and I hope we do), I would definitely book through Ute again.
One last thing, Ute booked us in the Next Paradise Boutique Resort in Zanzibar for our beach portion of the stay. This place is amazing, especially if you are looking for a quiet - relaxing place to reflect back and recover from a busy Safari. The food is amazing and the people are amazing. It is a small 20 room resort and I am so happy that Ute selected this place for us.
FI
Email Mikko | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfection, best vacation by far
Finding a travel agent to help with Africa package was first a little difficult. Luckily we found Roho Ya Chui, Ute's expertice and help & quick response in all the questions was priceless. We booked the Victoria Falls & the Best of Botswana package and it was excellent! All the transfers went so smoothly (all the border crossings went easier than in US) and all the lodges (& Beyond) were amazing, pure luxury - 5 stars. We will definitelly use Roho Ya Chui again and already dreaming for the next African vacation, Kenya & Tanzanya) Best vacation by far!
US
Email SRay | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personal and professional
I loved working with Roho Ya Chui to coordinate my safari because Ute not only made the whole experience very easy, but was diligent in answering all my questions and managing our trip in a very personal way. I came away very much feeling like I was speaking to another human being rather than being treated as a nameless faceless customer. The actual safari and hotel were also phenomenal. Laughing Waters Guest House made us feel comfortable and valued as guests, and served amazing food. The safari guides were fun and informative and really made the experience that much better (we absolutely loved Mandla and Mishak). Thank you for such a great trip!!
US
Email Martin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two different safari camps in Kruger - both excellent in their own way - fantastic animal sightings!
I found Roho through a Google search of safari operators. Although there was a list of packaged safaris Ute was very good in custom designing a trip for us and handling all the logistics associated with the transfers. She was excellent in communicating information and following up on questions.
The airport hotel exceeded my expectations. The Sabi Sabi Earth lodge was first rate with the accommodations and food being first class - the game viewing was excellent in the open bush. I had lower expectations for the Ngala tented camp but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the accommodations, the friendliness of the staff and the great rangers that they had there. If anything the game viewing was better at Ngala but part of this may have been that the main safari lodge was closed so there were only a few people in a big private reserve. All in all probably the best adventure type vacations we have taken.
Amazing experience and great customer service!
My wife and I booked our honeymoon through Roho Ya Chui. Ute provided excellent customer service and gave us great recommendations on hotels and safari lodge. We ultimately stayed at Kirkman's Kamp for our safari and Royal Livingston for our visit in Victoria Falls. She also organized a day trip to Chobe National Park for us.
Ute customized our itinerary to our liking and was very responsive. Everything was communicated through email (I didn't need to call or skype with her) and everything turned out perfectly. Thank you Ute for an amazing experience!