As a boutique tour operator, connection is at the core of the business. Which means you don't have to work different consultants. You have access to the decision maker.
"As the owner of my own business, I appreciate working with women-owned businesses.”
Extensive experience means that you are guaranteed of reliable product knowledge and operational expertise. Importantly, experience means the ability to anticipate needs, ensuring every essential detail is covered.
Rou is flexible on communication, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions.
No two itineraries are the same because no two travellers are either. Every itinerary is customised for your client.
"Rouhet is so creative in her itineraries."
A strong relationship between you and your DMC can make or break a trip. Africa Roam is deeply commited to building strong relationships where there is trust and transparency.
"Relationships are important to me and I like to "have a person" as a go to for a destination."
Connection to Africa's people and her wild places is the cornerstone to a successful journey. Connection is not only rooted in Africa Roam's approach to itinerary building, but also in the relationship between you, the travel advisor, and Africa Roam.
"Africa Roam's approach isn’t just about churning out itineraries, but is about fostering long-term collaboration based on trust, transparency, and shared success."
Specialising in inbound travellers from the US assures you that there is an innate understanding of the needs of US travel advisors and your clients.
"Jumping on a 3-way call with myself and my client was such an easy and effective way to give my clients all the reassurance they were in search of and helped me to close the sale in the process."
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PARTNER WITH A BUSINESS WHERE YOUR VALUES ALIGN
Your client will experience an authentic connection to Africa.
Africa Roam is a destination management company specialising in Southern and East Africa with an un-compromising ethos on service and product excellence.
With 25+ years of proven African Travel experience we create inspired and multi-dimensional travel itineraries for the traveller who wants to immerse themselves in a journey.
Our business is built on the core values of conservation, community, culture and commerce.
Every itinerary, every activity, every property, every journey booked, looks critically at how these core values are supported.
Wildlife, art, culture and food
South African born, Rouhet has immersed herself in the African continent from a young age.
Having travelled extensively (both locally and internationally), she has worked in the industry for over 25 years, specialising in luxury travel. She delights in creating journeys, deeply routed in connection with wildlife, people and culture.
Rouhet's personal zest for life and her love of culture, food, art, wildlife and conservation can be felt and seen in her long-standing working relationships and friendships with her clients and suppliers.
She has extensive product knowledge and logistical experience and is uncompromising in her attention to detail with varied and complex itineraries.
Her true gift however, is rooted in connection. She has an uncanny ability to hear the needs of your client and translate that into unforgettable journeys that compel clients to share their experiences with the friends and loved ones.
"The privilege to explore & live the most adventure filled life is a daily gift that it is not taken for granted."
TRUSTED BY BUSINESS OWNERS
"Africa Roam has been an
absolutely invaluable partner!"
Hedy Marks
Hedy Travel, Owner & Travel Advisor
"Rouhet's approach isn’t just about churning out itineraries, but is about fostering long-term collaboration based on trust, transparency, and shared success."
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick
The Shameless Tourist, Founder
"As a Travel Advisor, I'm in the business of crafting unforgettable journeys for my clients. When I turn to Rou and Africa Roam, I do so with the utmost confidence."
Annie Jones
Telos Travel, Owner & Travel Advisor
"Rouhet's knowledge of accommodations and experiences has been spot on in pairing my clients with the ideal experiences they are looking for."
FAQs
Travel advisors with clients who want to explore Africa, can feel overwhelmed during the planning and booking of a journey.
There are over 18 easily accessible countries, each with their own highlights.
They also all have their own logistical idiosyncracies.
Bringing this all together in a coherent itinerary can get complicated.
This is why it is critical to have an experienced DMC who you trust. You need your go-to person with whom you have a stong relationship.
Someone who hears your needs and implements them.
Travel Advisor's FAQ's
Creating itineraries for clients to Africa is overwhelming
With the right partner, it doesn't have to be.
It is natural to look at Southern and East Africa and think...where do I even begin?
Together we will build an itinerary that is suited to your client. You are not left on your own. We will guide and support you.
We will assist you in reducing the choices. Honing in on the right products, properties and excursions for what your clients wants.
And... if they don't know...we will guide you and your client based on the answers to questions we will ask.
Keeping updated on the products across multiple African countries stops me from expanding my itineraries
You and your team can get product training.
We will keep you updated on new and exciting properties and excursions.
You can choose to receive email updates or set up product or country specific training.
You no longer have to feel intimidated by the volume of options. You can rely on us to assit you in your product knowledge, expanding your experience and giving you the confidence to book more.
I’m tired of the same old itineraries and properties
You are spoilt for choice
You are not restricted to using certain properties. Together we will choose properties and excursions from the plethora that are available.
We pride ourselves in bespoke itineraries that reflect the desires of the client.
You will not receive a copy and paste itinerary. Each journey is as unique as the traveller.
Waiting a long time for proposed itineraries causes anxiety and stress
Communication is key
Fast turn-around time is critical to successfully booking a client. We endevour to get proposed itineraries back to you in the shortest time possible.
If there are any obstacles in the process of building the initierary, this will be communicated cleary and quickly, giving you the power to keep your client informed.
Open, clear communication is essential to building trust between you and your DMC. This relationship is also essential to supporting your relationship with your client.
How can my team knowledge up
With training
Let's set up training for you and your team. Online masterclasses on product, general country knowledge, logistics and excursions.
Or a general Q&A session where your team gets to ask their most pertinent questions.
What does you team need?
We will upskill your team to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.
I'm nervous to use a new DMC
Better the devil you know?
We are open to chat about your specific reservations in switching or even using a DMC.
Let's discuss the obstacles you are currently experiencing and how we can support you.
We are not a one-size-fits-all DMC.
Our core belief is that we are building a long-term relationship that is mutually beneficial.
If you have questions and concerns, let's set up a video call. It is important to meet so you can put a face to a name. You need to get a feeling for who you are working with and if this is right for you.
I don't want to work with a different person every time I have an enquiry
You won't be recycled through a large team
You cannot establish a relationship of trust if you are continually working with someone new.
When you work with Africa Roam you will not work with multiple agents.
You will be working with the same person giving you the ability to build a strong relationship.
I don’t know if a new DMC will make any difference
It can be all the difference in your success
Tell us what is important to you, your business and your clients. This gives us a clear and honest understanding of what is a make or break for you.
We want you to be successful.
We want you to get referrals and more happy travellers.
Payments to Southern and East Africa are complicated
There is always a solution
You have access to two payment options. A wire transfer or credit card payment.
We endevour to keep the payment systems as simple as possible.
General FAQs
Are African safaris safe?
Planning an African Safari with Africa Roam is a great way to learn and explore and broaden your horizons!
Contact the team at Africa Roam and allow us to schedule a personal and professional consultation so that we can determine what your specific and unique interests are for a trip of a lifetime ( which will probably be repeated) – we’ll take care of every detail.
What about malaria?
The areas in Africa that are prone to Malaria are the most populated ones… Regardless, in order to ensure that you are safe, we do however recommend that you consult your GP or a travel clinic before your stay in order to decide whether to take a prophylactic.
When should I go on an African safari?
This is one of the easiest answers. Anytime is a great time to visit the many diverse areas of this massive Continent.
Cape Town has dry hot summers, while the Kruger National Park experience a summer rainfall.
The Victoria Falls usually has the highest volume of water during April and May. Enjoy Namibia during May and the blooming of the Wildflowers on the West Coast of the Cape Province during the end of August and start of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Southern Right Whales visit the Cape coast during July – November and Treks on Kilimanjaro are recommended during March and June when the rain has washed all the dust away!
Safari is at any time of the year a great and at least deserving of an once in a lifetime experience!
Therefore:
The best time of year to visit depends very much on your preferences. There is something wonderful about experiencing nature in different seasons and a magical sighting is possible at any time of year.
Is there a ‘best’ safari destination in Africa?
Like snowflakes, no two destinations in Africa are the same. Your safari experience is custom designed to suit you, so we go to great care to ensure that you are happy with the destinations we’ve selected for you. From foraging with gorillas to trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, to sipping locally crafted Gin in a fabulous Rooftop Bar in Cape Town, the Continent of Africa has a surprise waiting for you around every corner!
Important note about currency
African safari accommodation: what are the options?
Costs vary wildly, but we will do our best to lodge you at accommodation that suits your needs and pocket. Depending on how remote the African safari location is, accommodation costs could skyrocket! From 5 star resorts to Tented Safari Camps, there is an accommodation option that will suit you. We are happy to advise you with expert knowledge on the different options available and will make sure that you are safe and comfortable regardless of where you stay.
(We priotise luxury accommodation??)
What standard of food can I expect?
African cuisine is world-class, a fusion of local and international food that will have you wishing for your next meal. Lodges, hotels, guest houses, private chalets and more can all be outfitted with a private chef if desired, to ensure the very best quality of food.
What should I pack for my safari?
This list is a high-level of what you should pack.
Confirmed travellers receive a more detailed packing check-list.
- Sun cream and insect repellent are always provided on game drives but you may like to bring your own if you have a personal preference.
- Binoculars are available but your own set will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the many birds that can be seen on drives, and also enjoy close up views of the game.
- A small compact camera will be fine for taking photographs; a digital SLR with interchangeable lenses is recommended for longer range pictures, birds and close-ups.
- For game drives, neutral colours are recommended (khaki, beige, green, stone, denim blue, black). Bright colours (pink, red, purple, yellow, white) are best avoided.
- Waterproof jackets are advisable for stays from September to April ( this is for Southern Africa) and “ Short” Rains in October – December and “Long” rains during March – May. Rain ponchos and blankets are provided on game drive vehicles but you may wish to bring a little extra protection.
- Gloves, a warm hat, warm jackets or fleeces are recommended from April to August as it can get cold on game drives in the early morning and late evening (though not usually wet at this time of year in Southern Africa).
- East Africa has a more temperate climate during ‘winter’.
- For bush walks, bring comfortable walking shoes and long trousers, as grass may be wet or scratchy due to morning dew in summer.
- A hat is recommended on game drives, along with sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong African sun.
- The dress code around most lodges and camps are informal but you may like to dress up for dinner, bearing in mind that temperatures can drop at night so an extra layer might be a good idea.
What is the weather like in the Kruger National Park and other Southern Africa regions for safari?
Temperatures in summer (from October to end of February) can reach between 16°C (61°F) after a rainy cold front and climb up to a scorching 40°C (104°F) on a really hot day.
Temperatures in winter (from May through to the end of August) can be as low as 0°C (32°F) on the morning game drives and climb up to a comfortable 18°C (64°F) by lunch time.
The Kruger National Park is situated in South Africa’s lowveld which experiences summer rainfall and very occasional winter rainfall.
When to travel for an East African Safari?
January, February & March
The new year heralds a time of new life, and adorable offspring all around. Southern Serengeti hosts the wildebeest birthing season, while Kenya is abounding with young predators getting playful.
April, May & June
The emerald season in April means everything is fresh, new and full of vitality – flowers blooming, birds breeding, and lush rich life is everywhere. In Serengeti, cheetah and wild dog are feasting while they can on the glut of the wildebeest calving season before the herds move north in search of greener pastures, as May and June dry out. In the Mara, the river brings life to the plains where the game are in rut, and elephant abound. Look out for lion in trees, looking for vantage over the long grass. In short, it’s our very favourite ‘secret season’, and a magical time to bring the family for an Easter getaway.
July, August & September
The buzz is all about the wildebeest river crossings, but it’s important to make sure the gnus don’t steal the whole show: the Mara especially offers incredible big cat sightings.
The cooler, drier weather at this time of year makes getting out on foot the perfect way to get to grips with these stunning landscapes.
October, November & December
Late October and early November see the last of the wildebeest river crossings before the herds begin to move to the edge of the short-grass plains in southern Serengeti for the unparalleled spectacle that is their birthing season. As the wildebeest empty out, so do the people, and these three months in the Mara before the festive season mark a spectacular time to roam and explore without the distraction of other vehicles and the millions-strong herds.