Encompass Africa, one of Australia's most respected Safari specialists, is hosting a colourful event on Thursday 18 September to welcome experts on Africa, Stefano Cheli and Ton De Rooy to town.

Stefano is an Italian living in Kenya who has recently been awarded a dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia” – The Italian equivalent of a Knighthood.

Ton De Rooy is a Dutchman living in Malawi with his family running one of the most well respected safari companies in Southern Africa.

Owner of Encompass Africa, Jonathon Wilson, said that being able to show off the safari world's elite and their expert knowledge of Africa was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

“We work with Stefano and Ton to deliver our clients bespoke adventure safari experiences.

“Everyone who meets the guys are amazed by their passion and knowledge so we wanted to host a free event to showcase the sort of people we rely on for our tailored Safari holidays.

“Lots of people say they are experts, but we like to think of Stefano, Ton and us as the real deal.

“It's our job to marry up people with the right experience, and this event is perfect for someone who may be thinking of travelling to Africa.

“No matter your budget, whether its champagne or shoestring, the event will show you that the experience of Africa is first class.

MEDIA CALL

Who: 'Sir' Stefano Cheli and Ton De Rooy meet Brisbane's adventure seekers

What: Brisbanites learn about Africa from Encompass Africa and the Italian Knight and Dutchman who live and breathe the safari life

When - Thursday 18 September 6pm start

Where - Newstead Brewing Co 85 Doggett Street

ABOUT JONATHON

Jonathon (Jono) Wilson, the owner of Encompass Africa, was born and bred in the awe-inspiring surrounds of Africa. This means Africa is in his blood and in his heart.  He is intensely passionate about sharing his love of Africa with travellers from all over the world. He founded Encompass Africa when he landed on Australian soil in 2008. Since then Jono and his team have quickly become one of the fastest growing bespoke, and most loved, African holiday specialists around.

ABOUT STEFANO

Stefano Cheli is an Italian who grew up in Kenya with Africa and eco-tourism in his blood and heart.  He is a great asset to the African tourism industry and to Responsible Tourism in general. He recently summed up the wonderful effects Africa has on him by saying, “Stopping on top of one of the kopjes (at Joy's Camp) and having your morning coffee or sundowner gin & tonic, – is what in essence for me, is the real Africa. It's not about just racing around desperately trying to tick a list of animal sightings in our new world of instant gratification. 

ABOUT TON

Robin Pope Safaris, incorporated in 1986, is one of the oldest photographic safari companies operating in Zambia.  The operations of the company were originally based in the Luangwa Valley and run 6 properties both inside and outside the South Luangwa National Park. In recent years Robin Pope Safaris have extended their hospitality further afield to include a lodge based in Livingstone as well as two in Malawi where the tourism industry is still in the developing stages.

All our properties have their own feel to them and we like them all for their own reasons. What makes them special apart from the stunning locations in which they are based in is the staff that run them. We always try to have the staff feel part of our family and I am always available for a chat to any of my staff. I try to visits the camps once every three weeks to make sure everything is running smoothly

PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST: for more information, contact Jane Hammond on 0400 993 090