The Extraordinary Women of Rothschild Safaris

At Rothschild Safaris, our expertise extends far beyond crafting exceptional journeys. We create bespoke luxury travel experiences that immerse our clients in the beauty, culture, and adventure of some of the world’s most captivating destinations. But our passion for excellence doesn’t stop at travel - we are a team of remarkable women who lead inspiring lives beyond the itineraries we curate.

Each member of our team brings unique talents, passions, and accomplishments to the table, shaping the journeys we craft as well as the world around us. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take a moment to spotlight the dedication, creativity, and adventurous spirit that define the women of Rothschild Safaris.

Leora Rothschild - Visionary in Luxury Travel

Owner

For over 25 years, Leora Rothschild has built a reputation as a leader in luxury travel, transforming her passion for Africa into a globally recognized brand. From starting Rothschild Safaris in her living room to establishing it as an award-winning company, she has remained committed to crafting personalized and seamless travel experiences. Her early experiences in Kruger National Park shaped a lifelong connection to Africa, a connection that continues to influence every itinerary that Rothschild Safaris designs. Consistently recognized by Travel + Leisure’s A-List, Leora’s expertise and leadership have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Ruthie Detwiler – A Champion on the Water

Travel Designer

Beyond the world of travel, Ruthie is a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive slalom water skiing. With 15 years of dedication to the sport, she recently claimed first place in her division at the 2024 North Carolina State Championships. With her sights set on qualifying for the Over 35 Waterski World Championships, Ruthie embodies perseverance, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence - values that translate seamlessly into her role at Rothschild Safaris.

Elsabe Coetzee – Crafting Beauty 

Client Liaison & Operations Administrator

With a spirit of creativity and determination, Elsabe discovered a love for woodworking in 2020. Teaching herself the craft with little more than YouTube tutorials and an unshakable drive, she has since built everything from elegant coffee tables to planter boxes and even a playhouse. Her artistry extends beyond woodwork - she also creates stunning proteas and lilies from seashells, transforming nature’s treasures into unique works of art.

Kimberly Gardner – Nurturing Life on the Farm

Accuonts Officer

Kimberly’s love for animals is a lifelong passion, one she has passed down to her children. Since moving from New Jersey to Kentucky in 2016, she has built a small farm from the ground up. What started as fostering animals has grown into a thriving homestead, now home to eight Black Angus cows, five of them with calves on the way, soon to be joined by chickens and pigs. Every day brings new lessons in resilience, care, and the joys of living close to nature.

Angela Pretorius – A Vision Rooted in the Vineyards

Destination Experience Manager

An appreciation for fine wine has evolved into a dream of winemaking for Angela and her family. Three years ago, they planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage vines, embarking on a journey of patience, passion, and learning. Though the vineyard is still in its early days, the vision is clear: a boutique wine farm where every bottle tells the story of growth, dedication, and the beauty of craftsmanship.

Amira Mustapha – A Baker with a Creative Touch

Client Manager

For Amira, baking is more than a hobby, it’s a way of bringing people together. As the designated baker for every family event, she has a talent for transforming simple ingredients into edible works of art. From her custom Christmas cookie boxes to a safari-themed cake for her niece’s birthday, her creations are as delightful as they are delicious.

Storm Keen – Walking for a Cause

Travel Designer

Storm joined a group of nine other extraordinary women in walking an astounding 56 miles across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The grueling 23-hour journey was a fundraiser for Journey of Hope, an essential organization dedicated to breast cancer education, testing, and treatment across Botswana. Through perseverance and corporate sponsorship, the initiative raised USD18,000, providing crucial awareness and support for the cause.

A Collective Force of Passion and Dedication

Beyond these incredible stories, the women of Rothschild Safaris dedicate their time and energy to wellness, mindfulness, community initiatives, and the thrill of adventure. Whether exploring new destinations, engaging in sustainable practices, or supporting charitable causes, our team is united by a shared spirit of excellence and a commitment to making a difference - in travel and life.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only what we do, but who we are. Here’s to the women of Rothschild Safaris - trailblazers, adventurers, artisans, and nurturers, each shaping the world in their own remarkable way.