Our mighty team
behind your dream safari
We’re a tight-knit team and we pack a powerful punch when it comes to creating unforgettable safari holidays. Whether full-time, part-time, casual, or consulting, every member of our team brings passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to making a difference—one safari at a time.
With creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a shared love for Africa, we work together to turn travel dreams into reality.
Allow us to introduce ourselves.
Jonathon “Jono” Wilson
Founder | MD | Adventurer
In team like ours, you do a bit of everything – one moment I’m designing safaris for guests; the next, I’m balancing the books or making tea! But at the heart of it all, I lead our efforts, drawing on my years of experience to ensure every guest gets the best journey possible. My mission is to make a difference, one safari at a time.
Describe yourself in three emojis…
👨👩👧👦🏕️🏃♂️
In 2023, I had a near-death experience that completely changed my perspective. I came out of it with a renewed drive – to push harder, live better, and run faster. A mate and I started a running club, and since then, I’ve tackled the Brisbane and Berlin marathons (2024), with Sydney and Chicago locked in for 2025.
Mali. The landscapes, the history, the music, the festivals – it all fascinates me. My dream is to spend a night under the desert stars in the Sahara with one of my favourite African bands, Tinariwen, drinking mint tea and listening to their music around the fire.
What’s your best tip when packing for a holiday?
Dental floss. You eat a lot of good meat and biltong in Africa!
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
It’s the people. Our team, our guests, and the incredible partners we work with. In this post-Covid era, where so much of the industry has gone corporate, I truly value the friendships and shared passion that still exist in African travel. To truly be a master of your craft, it takes a lifetime of experience, learning, and deep connection. That’s what we bring to Africa travel, and that’s why we surround ourselves with partners who share that same dedication.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
The lion. They represent strength, resilience, and a deep commitment to family – these are the things that got me through the tough times.
Danica Wilson
Travel Specialist | Marketing | Guest Services
Like Jono, I wear many hats! I’m proud to be an Africa specialist, working with clients to design awesome adventures. I lead the charge on marketing and guest services, ensuring Encompass Africa’s message reaches the right people in the right way and our guests are looked after every step of the way. I also create and manage systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly, and in my spare time (lol) I am a mum to two kids who love Africa as much as we do. Every day is different, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
💯📷 ✈️
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I once lost my front teeth on a waterslide—turns out, keeping your mouth open on adventure rides isn’t the best idea! Lesson learned: thrills are more fun when your smile stays intact.
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
The passion: passion for conservation, for making a difference, for sharing Africa with others, and for working with an unbelievably talented and dedicated team. It’s more than a job – it’s a purpose.
What’s your best tip when packing for a holiday?
Pack by outfit, not by item. It helps avoid overpacking and ensures you have everything you need for each day.
What’s the one place in Africa you’ve never been to, but would love to visit
Madagascar is high on my list for its natural beauty, incredible marine environments, and unique species like lemurs. But Ethiopia also fascinates me – especially the southern regions with their vibrant cultures and tribal traditions.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?A chimpanzee: social, easygoing, happiest with my crew, and always up for a good time. Like chimps, I also appreciate great food. I live life to the fullest, just like our primate cousins.
Name
Faye Hubbard
Guest Services
What do you do at Encompass Africa
I am one of the behind-the-scenes team members and we ensure every Encompass Africa journey is seamless. I build detailed itineraries, prepare travel packs… and make the coffees!
Describe yourself in three emojis…
👨👩👧👦 🐾 🌊
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I used to be a pachyderm keeper in South Africa.
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
The friendly team, and helping people to experience Africa.
Tanzania, because I’d love to see the Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Migration.
A lioness, because they are protective mothers, they do what they need to do to get dinner on the table – and they enjoy an afternoon nap!
Name
Kellie Whittam
Guest Services
What do you do at Encompass Africa?Assist with building itineraries, answer questions from our guests (no question is too stupid to ask!), and anything else thrown at me. I love a challenge!
✈️ 🤗📚
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
My great-great grandparents used to feed Ned Kelly and his gang (that’s not where my name came from lol). Oh, and I speak some Swahili!
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
Can I have two best things? 1. The team is fantastic and great to work with 2. I love helping our guests experience the continent I have such a strong affinity with.
What’s the one place in Africa you’ve never been to, but would love to visit?
Really? Just one? I can’t choose. Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Ethiopia… Africa is too big to choose just one place!
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
Wild dogs, because they symbolise strength, love, perseverance and teamwork.
Name
Nicola Morrison
Job title
Travel Administrator
All things support – from guest services to marketing, I help to keep the place running smoothly.
Describe yourself in three emojis…
🍉🎶🤿
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
In 2024, I released my own music for the first time! You can check it out here: https://linktr.ee/nicolammusic
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
I’m only new, but so far I’d have to say the super-friendly and welcoming team, and getting to learn about such an amazing continent.
There are too many places to count! But I’m particularly drawn to the history in Egypt and the diving in Mozambique.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
A chimpanzee – because they’re curious, problem-solvers, love a challenge, and thrive in lively environments (perfect for Encompass Africa!).
Name
Romi Scarcelli
Finance Officer
What do you do at Encompass Africa?
I manage the company’s cash flow by processing payments to Africa and sending invoices to clients, no matter where they’re located, ensuring they’re all sorted to head off on their amazing trips.
Describe yourself in three emojis…
🧐🙋♀️🧮
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I once swam with a whale shark – but I’m afraid of magpies!
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
The opportunity to be part of a friendly, relaxed, and professional team. Their passion and dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients is truly inspiring.
What’s the one place in Africa you’ve never been to, but would love to visit?
Africa is the only continent I haven’t visited yet. I’d be really excited to start with Kenya, and visit the Maasai Mara during the annual wildebeest migration, and Amboseli National Park to get a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania. And then, for a touch of mystery and history, I’d like to finish with a trip to Egypt.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
The elephant, because they’re independent creatures, but also work together in tight-knit family units. And they’re incredibly brave, especially when protecting their herd.
Name:
Ginny Cumming
Job title:
Freelance Writer | Editor |Content Creator
What do you do at Encompass Africa?
I write content for whatever’s needed at Encompass Africa, be it the website, ebooks, newsletters, magazine articles etc. I’m a freelancer, so I’m not in the office, but I’m on the phone with Danica all the time.
Describe yourself in three emojis…
✍️🌍🍫
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I once paraded in the Rio Carnival. It was epic.
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
Getting to travel to the most incredible places in Africa with Danica! And then writing about them when I get home. What a privilege to meet so many beautiful people and witness the extraordinary – and extraordinarily vulnerable – wildlife.
What’s the one place in Africa you’ve never been to, but would love to visit?
Oh God, the list is endless. Right now I’d say Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia (did I mention I’m really bad at maths, and can’t even count to one?!).
What’s your best tip when packing for a holiday?
Always travel with a scarf. You can use it for warmth, for shade, as a pillow, to cover your face if it’s windy or dusty, to dress up an outfit… it’s the ultimate multitasker.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
An aardvark – I work hard, operate best at odd hours, and love snacks!
HR Consultant
Provide support and advice on all things people.
🤗 🎉👂
I’ve been married twice to my husband. I didn’t even have to attend the first ceremony (it’s a long story!).
What’s the best thing about working at Encompass Africa?
Defo the people, and the passion they bring to their work and their clients.
What’s the one place in Africa you’ve never been to, but would love to visit?
Anywhere (well, almost)! I’ve never been to Africa. I would love to see the big animals one day.
What’s your African spirit animal and why?
The meerkat – it’s a pack animal that’s cute (but also a bit ugly lol), inquisitive and loyal.