Expert Travel Guides

ROTHSCHILD SAFARIS

Travel better with the industry experts

Expert Advice From Our Travel Designers

Rothschild Safaris is proud to have the most experienced, award-winning travel consultants in the industry. Every one of our Travel Designers has travelled extensively throughout the world.

This has enabled us not only to recommend the very best camps, lodges and activities through our own personal experiences, it has also meant that we have travelled every step of the way before a single client does.

Such dedication to our clients’ satisfaction has given us insight into every aspect of the safari experience, from the guides and staff to game drives and wildlife. But there are numerous dimensions of a safari that might not at first be evident or obvious. How much should you tip your butler? Should you pack a raincoat? Which camera lens is best for safari photography?

These and others are questions we are asked frequently and have discovered the answers through our own firsthand experience.

Here, we share with you information that may allay your concerns, help you travel better or prevent you from forgetting essential items or information:

30+ Years

OF EXPERIENCE

7,000+

SUCCESSFUL TRIPS

1,200+

PROPERTY EXPERIENCES

Expert Packing Advice

Packing for your vacation can be challenging at the best of times, but knowing what to take on your African safari can be even more confusing.

Travelling from camp to camp, excessive baggage can become inconvenient and awkward, so ensuring that you have only what is truly necessary is essential. Packing your your safari is an essential part of your planning process, and done well, it can save you a great deal of time.

Presented by Leora Rothschild, here are our top tips for Safari Packing, giving you the expert’s advice on what clothing to take on your African safari.

Expert Tipping Advice

Wherever you may travel with us, we will always ensure that you get the very best of service; service that is most certainly worth a tip. We are often asked by our clients how much one should offer as a gratuity – for lodge and camp staff, for drivers, and for your expert guides.

It can be somewhat confusing, but is also something that one should plan for in advance. We have compiled this short video to help you understand, who, when and how much to tip as you journey throughout Africa. There is no right or wrong amount to tip, and it can often be a personal matter influenced by your own experiences.

However, there are recommended amounts that we like to suggest to clients as base rates for the staff you encounter on your journey. The following tip suggestions are per-person rates in US dollars, with tipping not required for children under  18.

Documents

TIPPING

There is no right or wrong amount to tip & it can greatly vary depending on the situation, but these are some of our recommendations.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography has come a long way in the last couple of decades. These are some of the best tips regarding equipment & technique.

GORILLA TREKKING

It can be a tough trek to see gorillas. Being informed in advance is important, especially when wishing to capture incredible images.

region guides

ARUSHA

The capital of Tanzania is often hastily departed for the Serengeti & other safari destinations, but Arusha has much to offer.

CAIRO

One of Africa’s largest cities, Cairo has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries, & continues to captivate travellers.

CAPE TOWN

The thriving heart of the Southern Cape is an enticing combination of adventure, scenery, wildlife & indulgence.

DINING IN CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is one of the world’s leading regions of culinary excellence, & globally-renowned chefs have established themselves here.

CAPE TOWN FOR VEGANS

Plant-based cuisine is thriving in Cape Town, widely offered in many restaurants & catered to specifically in these establishments.

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg has been a gravitational part of South Africa’s history & has much to explore during a 24-hour transfer.

KIGALI

The capital & geographical heart of Rwanda, Kigali has undergone a modern rebirth, shedding the shadow of its recent past.

MAURITIUS

With a temperate climate, Mauritius, lying 1,100 miles from Africa’s southeastern coast, is the perfect year-round tropical escape.

DINING IN MOROCCO

Morocco is one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet & this is exquisitely embodied in its mix of traditional & contemporary cuisine,

NAIROBI

Nairobi is also a melting pot of cultures, attractions demographics surrounded by miles of grassland that makes up its impressive National Park.

SEYCHELLES

The epitome of desert island paradise, Seyhelles comprises a handful of islands, each as fascinating & appealing as the next.

VICTORIA FALLS

The iconic ‘Smoke that Thunders’ is a stunning destination frequently featuring on many of our guests’ bucket lists.

What our travelers say

Amy Lundberg

Wow, wow, wow!! We are back in LA now, recovering from jet lag and still in shock and awe regarding our experience. From the moment we landed in South Africa to the moment we touched down in LA, our experience was seamless and amazing. 

Betsy Robertson

We were thrilled with the trip. It was as good as or better than described at every turn. The prep, attention to detail, willingness to make changes and ensure we were ready and prepared was outstanding. Our Travel Designer was awesome! 

Dawn Jacobs

Choosing a safari expert is never easy given the choice and lists upon lists of "top suppliers"....but we made the BEST choice for us....why....because above all, Rothschild listened ....really listened to what we wanted to experience.

George Kowalski

It was a well organized trip. It was easy to get around since we were guided through all of our itinerary. Everyone was pleasant and very helpful. This is an excellent way to travel. Rothschild Safari did very well and brought a fantastic African experience to us.

Jackie Smith

My trip was beyond AMAZING! I truly enjoyed every moment. The itinerary allowed me to experience a variety of different activities all of which I enjoyed! When I originally thought of going to Africa I was just thinking of safaris. This trip opened my eyes (and my family/friend's) to so much more Africa has to offer.

Jamie Scarlett

Trip was PERFECT!! Every single detail was planned out and the accommodations and people were wonderful. This trip exceeded all of our wildest expectations. Every place we stayed was just lovely and each each camp had a different vibe, which was really neat. Everyone we worked with was outstanding. 

Joe Moravec

On behalf of the Moravec’s and the Stone’s……thank you for arranging a trip of a lifetime. Every detail was accounted for and all the recommendations were perfect. It honestly could not have gone any better.

Kim Mather

Meggan Woody and Kim Killick were extraordinary at crafting THE PERFECT safari for our family of 8. They both listened (actually 'read' my email) to EXACTLY what we wanted, within the budget that we needed, and miraculously pulled off miracles in obtaining the properties that we wanted! 

Lisa Anderson

Every aspect of my trip went according to plan and the plan Rothschild's help me to orchestrate was magnificent! I loved every lodge that I was blessed to be in! They were all very different yet all high end and very accommodating.

Mary & Rob Johannigman (and family)

It was the most exciting, scenic, inspiring trip we've ever taken. To say it was a trip of a lifetime doesn't begin to capture our experience. Pam Langhoff and the Rothschild team did an outstanding job of helping us plan this trip.