Celebrating 16 Years of Encompass Africa

A Journey of adventure and heart

After nearly a decade living and working in London, South African Jono and Aussie Danica packed up their lives and set off to explore the world – just one backpack each, and no real plan beyond curiosity and a love of travel.

They wandered through Jordan, Syria, Morocco, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, embracing simplicity, switching off from technology, and reconnecting with nature. Somewhere along the way, a bold idea took root.

By the time they landed in Australia, that idea had become a vision: to create a travel company that guided people with purpose and heart – just like a compass.

 And not just any compass—Jono’s father, Trevor, had gifted him a special one, engraved with the words “May you always find your way home.”

It had travelled with them through all their adventures and became the quiet inspiration for the business they would build – one that helps others find their way to Africa, too.

Growth, grit and gratitude

 The early days of Encompass Africa were full of long hours and hard lessons. Every itinerary was crafted by hand, every detail checked and rechecked. But there was magic in it too – in the stories shared by returning travellers, in the relationships forged with partners on the ground, and in the belief that what they were building really mattered.

The company was born in the midst of the chaotic Global Financial Crisis. It survived and faced new challenges: Ebola outbreaks. The COVID pandemic. Closed borders. Through it all, Encompass Africa stood firm, supporting clients, adapting quickly, and staying true to the mission: to create journeys that leave travellers changed for the better, and make a meaningful difference on the ground in Africa.

Today, Encompass Africa remains boutique, family-owned, and deeply passionate about what it does. The team is bigger, the network stronger, and the impact deeper – but that original spark remains unchanged. And that same compass still sits on Jono’s desk, quietly pointing the way to Africa – and to the shared dream he and Danica have brought to life over 16 remarkable years.