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Our Travel Designers

Our Travel Designers are the architects of Rothschild Safaris’ bespoke journeys

Through curated explorations across Africa, they experience lodges, landscapes, and hidden corners firsthand. Guided by Leora, who has personally mentored and nurtured this team over many years, they combine individual expertise with the collective knowledge, relationships, and standards of the company. Their rare talent for listening and understanding each guest’s desires transforms this insight into journeys that are deeply personal, elegantly crafted, and infused with the true spirit of every destination.

Ruthie Detwiler

Travel Designer

With 28 years in the industry, Ruthie Detwiler brings deep expertise across Africa, Morocco, and South America. Having lived in Africa for well over a decade, she specializes in African safaris, Morocco journeys, and South American travel, curating meaningful, conservation-minded experiences shaped by extensive first-hand exploration and a lifelong passion for travel

“I love sending our clients out with a private guide to track pumas in Patagonia- there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by that dramatic scenery, with just your guide and the thrill of searching for a puma. Another favourite experience I love to arrange is in the Masai Mara: depending on the property, I’ll set up a private picnic on the riverbank, complete with a mini bar and gourmet bites, as you watch the sun set.”

Storm Keen

Travel Designer

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Storm Keen brings deep first-hand knowledge of Eastern and Southern Africa. With a background leading overland safaris, she now designs immersive, conservation-driven journeys shaped by a passion for wildlife, culture, and sharing Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage.

“For the right traveller, I love arranging a private mobile camp on a secluded island in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. You travel there by boat, and once you arrive, it’s just you, your guide, and the wilderness all around you. It’s peaceful, immersive, and truly magical.”

Pam Langhoff

Travel Designer

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Pam has been passionate about travel since her first safari at 16. With nearly 20 years in the industry, she crafts immersive African journeys – ranging from family safaris to adventure escapes. Her deep regional knowledge, international experience, and love for wildlife ensure transformative, conservation-minded trips for Rothschild Safaris clients.

“Gorilla trekking is a truly phenomenal experience, and for small, exclusive groups, we love booking François, who worked with Dian Fossey in the 1980s. Having him lead our private clients’ trek elevates the entire experience – he is genuinely exceptional.”

Aimee Olson

Travel Designer

Aimee Olson brings a global perspective shaped by a lifetime of exploration, from France to Japan and Kenya. Guided by a passion for cultural immersion and adventure she designs personalized journeys that connect travelers with extraordinary landscapes, ancient pathways and meaningful experiences.

“In the bush, we love creating intimate, unforgettable experiences, from private breakfasts set in the wilderness to surprise sleep-outs beneath the stars in a secluded starbed. With our deep-rooted connections across South Africa, the possibilities are endless, allowing us to weave in meaningful surprises and special touches at every turn for our clients.”

Adele Van Jaarsveld

Travel Designer

Born and raised in South Africa, Adele has been crafting exceptional journeys over 25 years. With a lifelong passion for travel and extensive experience across Africa, she specializes in designing thoughtfully tailored itineraries, from family adventures to luxury escapes, creating meaningful experiences that reflect each client’s unique travel aspirations.

“One of the most remarkable wildlife experiences I recommend is the Great Migration calving season in Tanzania’s Ndutu region. Watching thousands of wildebeest calves take their first steps across the Southern Serengeti is an extraordinary sight, and timing your visit well can offer some of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife encounters.”

Susan Veldman

Travel Designer

With over 30 years of experience in African travel, Susan Veldman specializes in designing bespoke luxury safaris across Southern and East Africa. Having explored destinations throughout the continent, she combines extensive first-hand knowledge with meticulous attention to detail, creating seamless, tailor-made journeys that reflect each traveller’s interests and aspirations.

“I always encourage travellers to slow down and spend more time in each destination. Whether it’s combining Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with Kenya’s Maasai Mara or lingering in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the most memorable safaris are those that allow space to fully immerse yourself in each experience”

Elizabeth Carter

Travel Designer

Elizabeth Carter’s connection to Africa began in childhood growing up in South Africa, exploring South Africa’s Kruger National Park and its abundant birdlife alongside her father. Having lived and worked across six countries, she brings a global perspective and a thoughtful approach to travel design, creating immersive, well-paced journeys shaped by cultural understanding, meticulous planning, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

“One of my favourite safari experiences is spending time in South Africa’s Kruger region, where I first developed my love for wildlife. Whether you’re hoping to spot the Big Five or simply enjoy quiet moments in nature, I always encourage travellers to slow down, stay a little longer, and leave room for the unexpected – those are often the moments you’ll remember most.”

The Wider Team: The magic of Rothschild Safaris extends beyond the design of a journey

While our Travel Designers shape the vision, a wider team ensures it unfolds seamlessly. Our Senior Operations Team prepares each journey with care long before departure, while our Concierge Team oversees your experience on the ground in Africa.

Together, they bring continuity, precision, and quiet attention to every stage – because seamless travel is always by design.

The Senior Operations Team

Every journey is carried forward by our Senior Operations Team, who oversee Trip Preparation and attend to the details long before you depart.

Working closely with our Travel Designers, they coordinate complex logistics, refine arrangements, and maintain clear communication throughout.

Their role is meticulous and largely unseen – managing every moving part behind the scenes so you feel only anticipation in the weeks leading up to travel.

Claire Azzopardi

Operations Manager

Angie Mains-Sheard

Lead Client Manager

Meaghan Richards

Client Manager

Amira Dib

Client Manager

Tessa Estavillo

Client Manager

Charlene Boxshall-Smith

Client Manager

Payton Sims

Client Engagement Manager

The Concierge Team

Once you arrive, our Concierge Team quietly takes the lead.

Based in Africa and supported by trusted local partners, they coordinate arrivals, oversee transitions, and remain available throughout your stay. Discreet and attentive, they ensure each day flows seamlessly and are always on hand for guidance or gentle adjustments.

So you can fully embrace each moment, with the quiet assurance of care nearby.

Elsabe Coetzee

Client Liaison & Operations
Administrator

Angela Pretorius

Destination Experience Manager

Our Travel Designers