About Rothschild Safaris

Rothschild Safaris was established in 1998, born from South African founder Leora Rothschild's passion for travel and a love of luxury. An award-winning team of global travel experts, we curate a delicate balance of unique experiences, often in untouched wild places, with just the right mix of breathtaking adventure and ultra-luxury accommodations to the more intimate, off-the-beaten-path camps, all thoroughly vetted by our team. No two itineraries are alike; each is full of rich experiential opportunities to become fully immersed in your surroundings. Our customized journeys ensure no crowds and no overlooked details—just seamless adventures. 

Leora Rothschild, the heart and soul behind Rothschild Safaris, is a formidable force in the travel industry. She is known for her incredible dedication and ability to forge long-standing partnerships based on a common desire to create the most incredible experiences available in luxury travel. She has built a team of strong, passionate women since starting the company from her living room in 1998. Her untamable curls, a gift from her mother, add to the charm of her dynamic leadership style. Leora is available every hour of every day to each guest, embodying her belief that travel is more than just a business—it's a fundamental part of life. 

Growing up in South Africa, Leora's love for the continent blossomed during childhood camping trips in Kruger National Park, where she shared intimate moments with nature, often around a campfire and always near the heartbeat of surrounding wildlife. While travel has evolved to include luxurious amenities, the essence of adventure that sparked her passion remains deeply woven into each Rothschild Safaris offering. By ensuring her team creates itineraries infused with the spirit of wild adventure, she maintains the company's unique identity. Leora believes understanding a destination goes beyond knowing the accommodations; it involves connecting with local cultures, artists, and communities. Her commitment to nurturing relationships in various destinations allows Rothschild Safaris to provide exceptional experiences for travelers. When not exploring new locales, Leora enjoys family life split between the USA and Australia. Her expertise and devotion have earned her recognition in the Travel + Leisure A-List for multiple years, solidifying her status as a leader in the travel industry.

Claudia’s journey began 25 years ago when she first set foot on African soil during a backpacking trip after graduating from university. Her adventure took a thrilling turn during a walking safari in the Okavango Delta, where she unexpectedly encountered a male lion, leading to an exhilarating moment that convinced her to embrace this untamed land. Under starry skies, with the distant calls of hyenas, Claudia realized her heart belonged in Africa and promptly informed her family in the Netherlands she would not be returning home. This pivotal experience launched her career in tourism, working as an expedition guide for five years as she led small groups across Southern and Eastern Africa as well as South America. Following several years in the UK, which allowed her to explore Europe, she returned to her beloved Africa.  At Rothschild Safaris, she does a lot of behind-the-scenes work managing our operations and admin teams to ensure that all the details of each trip are perfect.

Viji Krishna's journey into travel design is rooted in a life of global exploration, beginning with her childhood travels from Bangalore, India. Her career in the travel industry spans over 25 years, characterized by innovation and a genuine desire to share the transformative power of travel with others. Viji's commitment to wellness and cultural understanding shines through her meticulously crafted itineraries to destinations like India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Her ability to blend the beauty of planning with the actual travel experience makes her an exceptional travel designer, enriching clients' journeys with Rothschild Safaris' ethos of authenticity and mindfulness.

Ruthie Detwiler, a seasoned travel designer with 28 years in the industry, possesses a profound passion for global exploration. Her journey has taken her through Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and her true love, Africa. Specialized in Morocco adventures and African safaris, Ruthie spent three years uncovering Morocco's hidden wonders. From horseback safaris in Kenya to canoeing on the Zambezi River, she has experienced Africa's vast offerings. Having also traveled to numerous other countries worldwide, Ruthie's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for travel are infectious as she curates unforgettable journeys for Rothschild Safaris clients. Her dedication to conservation and crafting meaningful travel experiences makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

Pam Langhoff, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, has embraced travel as a lifelong passion since her first safari at 16. With close to two decades in the travel industry, Pam has crafted a myriad of travel experiences across Africa, from family safaris to adrenaline-packed adventures. Her deep connection to South Africa, combined with her international living experience, equips her with a unique perspective on travel needs. As a mother and an adventurer, Pam's ability to create transformative travel experiences for Rothschild Safaris clients speaks volumes about her dedication to making travel dreams a reality, all while supporting a company focused on conservation and client care.

Storm Keen, born and raised in Zimbabwe, found her calling in the wild landscapes of Africa. Her career transition from tourism at Victoria Falls to running overland safaris across Eastern and Southern Africa enabled her to immerse herself in conservation and culture. Now a travel designer, Storm uses her vast firsthand knowledge to curate impressive African experiences for clients. Her passion for the natural world and dedication to educating others on conservation align perfectly with Rothschild Safaris' mission, making her an invaluable guide to Africa's rich and diverse ecosystems.

Aimee Olson's love for travel was ignited at 16 during a transformative summer in France, leading to a career in international travel planning. Despite pauses in her career due to her husband's military service, she maintains a global perspective, marked by experiences in China, Morocco, and beyond. Aimee's travel philosophy prioritizes cultural immersion and adventure, from summiting mountains to exploring ancient trails. Her ability to connect clients with extraordinary experiences reflects Rothschild Safaris' commitment to personalized and adventurous travel.

Charlene Boxshall-Smith began her travel industry career in South Africa and expanded her expertise while living in Botswana. Her profound experiences, including trekking to observe Rwanda's mountain gorillas, solidified her commitment to conservation and sharing Africa’s wonders. Now a Travel Designer, Charlene takes pride in creating exceptional travel experiences that reflect Rothschild Safaris' dedication to guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship. Her passion is evident in her commitment to offering unforgettable, ethical travel adventures.

Meaghan Richards's dynamic upbringing, with roots in military family relocations, fostered her love for exploring diverse cultures. Her professional journey is intertwined with athletic adventures, from Sahara dune surfing to South African safaris. Meaghan’s enthusiasm for both adrenaline-fueled and culturally rich experiences enhances her role as a client manager, helping to craft memorable journeys for Rothschild Safaris guests. Her alignment with the company's values ensures that every adventure promotes understanding and respect for global cultures.

Amira Mustapha, our Client Manager, embodies a profound passion for travel cultivated during her childhood in the Caribbean, where she grew up in a family fueled by wanderlust. Surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Amira explored nearly all the Caribbean islands, traveling to Costa Rica, Thailand, and Hawaii along the way. This extensive travel experience provides her with firsthand knowledge that enables her to curate extraordinary journeys and uncover the hidden gems of each destination. Amira’s passion for travel is further enriched by her initial pursuit of marine biology, which deepened her connection to the natural world and ignited her commitment to conservation. Her studies of underwater marvels fostered a lifelong dedication to understanding and preserving the planet’s breathtaking biodiversity. With her unique combination of travel expertise and environmental awareness, Amira acts as a bridge between curious travelers and the enchanting world of luxury exploration, ensuring that every journey embodies both adventure and respect for our planet.

Angie Mains-Sheard, our Client Manager, grew up amidst the diverse culture of Johannesburg, igniting her passion for wildlife and adventure as she explored South Africa's natural beauty from an early age. Her love for the outdoors led her to study Travel & Tourism in Johannesburg and gain invaluable experience at a leading safari company. After relocating to Australia, Angie seamlessly integrated into the Rothschild Safaris team, where her exceptional organizational skills and calm delegation are essential to our operations. Her spirit of exploration remains vibrant as she enjoys beach outings with her boys and travels to countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, where she appreciates the cultural richness and warmth of the local people. Whether it's bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge or hot air ballooning over the scenic Eastern Cape, Angie treasures both exhilarating adventures and peaceful moments. At Rothschild Safaris, she flourishes by collaborating with passionate colleagues to craft unforgettable experiences for our travelers, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow along the journey.

Heather’s first travel experience took her to a remote part of Costa Rica, where she participated in a community-driven initiative to support local families. Immersed in the region’s vibrant culture and inspired by the warmth of its people, she discovered a deep appreciation for travel and meaningful connections. She is passionate about contributing to the creation of unforgettable journeys, knowing that each itinerary is crafted with unparalleled care and attention to detail. An avid explorer at heart, Heather embraces scenic hikes and adventurous road trips alongside her husband of 21 years.

Emily’s passion for travel and hospitality began at a young age, traveling through the Kenya countryside to visit her grandmother.  She has over a decade of experience in hotel and accommodation management. Before joining Rothschild Safaris, she held key positions in various renowned establishments across Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan. Her extensive background in hospitality operations, administration, sales, customer service, and staff development makes her a valuable asset in the luxury travel sector. Beyond her professional pursuits, Emily is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys outdoor walks in nature and swimming.

Elsabé Coetzee, our dedicated Client Liaison and Operations Administrator, has nurtured a deep-seated passion for travel since her childhood in Pretoria, South Africa. With two years of experience in the UK, she brings a unique global perspective to her client relations role. Botswana, her favorite destination, holds a special place in her heart, filled with life-changing experiences in the Kalahari, Okavango, and Linyanti, where unforgettable moments, like spending time with elephants at Abu Camp, have left her in tears of joy. Elsabé's adventurous spirit has taken her to Mtentu Lodge in the Eastern Cape, where she enjoys hiking along stunning coastlines and marveling at waterfalls. Driven by a desire to create magical travel experiences, she meticulously attends to every detail, ensuring guests can fully immerse themselves in their journeys. Her best travel advice—to slow down and embrace the unexpected—echoes her belief in savoring each moment. Outside of work, Elsabé explores new destinations and enjoys gardening and geocaching, further igniting her passion for discovery and enhancing her role in helping travelers create lasting memories.

Angela Pretorius, the Destination Experience Manager at Rothschild Safaris, brings 20 years of rich travel expertise to her role, managing the South Africa office with passion and insight. Growing up in KwaZulu Natal and later settling near Johannesburg, Angela’s extensive travels across Southern Africa—including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania—enable her to create exceptional itineraries that encourage clients to embrace unforgettable experiences, from riding ostriches in Oudtshoorn to navigating the thrilling rapids of Victoria Falls. She delights in sharing the enchanting essence of Africa through personal stories, such as fishing on the Zambezi or sipping wine while canoeing among hippos, all against the backdrop of breathtaking Namibian dunes. Angela’s dedication to crafting memorable journeys, especially for families along the beautiful Garden Route that has held a special place in her heart since childhood, elevates the travel experience beyond logistics; it embodies joy and excitement. At Rothschild Safaris, she thrives on fostering personal connections between our clients and the African landscape, transforming trip planning into a shared adventure filled with opportunities for discovery and wonder.

With an insatiable curiosity for the world, Payton has explored 47 states across the U.S. and ventured to 11 countries, gaining invaluable insights along the way. His journey in travel began at Walt Disney World, where he mastered the art of crafting seamless and unforgettable experiences. Over the past five years, he has refined his expertise in the luxury travel sector, curating bespoke itineraries for discerning clients seeking extraordinary journeys. Payton’s passion lies in sharing his deep industry knowledge and firsthand experiences, ensuring each trip is as enriching and seamless as it is unforgettable.

Elias Christian, our IT Director, brings over 28 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, fueled by a childhood passion for exploration in Chennai, India. His extensive expertise in cloud management, ERP solutions, machine learning, and artificial intelligence allows him to enhance the Rothschild Safaris experience, ensuring seamless booking processes and innovative guest interactions that make every journey smooth and exhilarating. Beyond his commitment to technological advancement, Elias is deeply dedicated to wildlife conservation, striving to preserve Africa's natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. As he embarks on this new adventure at Rothschild Safaris, Elias serves as a trusted guide, ready to harness the power of technology to foster unforgettable safari experiences while championing the importance of protecting our planet's remarkable ecosystems.