Encircle East Africa Travel

Encircle East Africa Travel: tailor-made safaris in East Africa

Encircle East Africa Travel is a contemporary safari company founded by Sianga Kuyan, a Maasai resident in Australia. The company presents itself as an operator that accompanies travellers from the planning stage through to the execution of the itinerary, with the aim of designing experiences tailored to each client's interests and needs. Its activity focuses on East Africa and combines local knowledge with an international customer service structure.

The agency's approach is based on direct connections with local tourism providers, without intermediaries, and on the idea that travel should have a positive impact on the communities visited. The company states that it offers competitive prices and full financial protection, and works with its own guides and contacts in the countries where it operates.

Destinations and national parks

Encircle East Africa Travel's catalogue covers four East African countries and a broad selection of national parks and reserves:

• Tanzania: Arusha, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha, Mikumi, Kilimanjaro, Mahale, Katavi, Gombe, Udzungwa and Saadani national parks, as well as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Selous Game Reserve and Zanzibar.
• Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Samburu, Mount Kenya, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Laikipia, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi and Meru national parks.
• Uganda: Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Semiliki, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Mount Elgon and Rwenzori Mountains national parks.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest and the Mukura and Gishwati forest reserves.

Destinations in Zambia and Zimbabwe are also mentioned within the agency's offering.

Safaris and experiences

The company organises scheduled, family, luxury, photographic and private guided safaris. Featured experiences include safaris focused on the wildebeest migration, birding safaris and safari-and-beach combinations with a stay in Zanzibar. A specific example from the catalogue is the 19-day African wildlife and cultural experience safari, as well as the Maasai cultural experience in Tanzania.

In addition to safaris, the agency offers trekking and climbing programmes: Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Oldoinyo Lengai, Longido, Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. In the field of primates, it organises gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, with itineraries such as the four-day Uganda gorilla trekking, the epic gorilla safari, the Uganda gorilla encounter and the Rwanda-Uganda primate adventure. Walking safaris are also listed, such as the four-day Maasai cultural experience in Tanzania and the Kenya walking safari, and a 13-day Rwanda cultural and adventure tour.

Top-selling packages

The site highlights several safari packages. The Kenya and Tanzania one lasts 12 days and 11 nights, departing from Nairobi and ending in Arusha, with a stated price of 1,600 dollars; it covers nine locations with an expert guide and meals included. The northern Tanzania safari runs for 9 days and 8 nights, starts and ends in Arusha, and its stated price is 900 dollars. The agency also announces a new tour to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Kilimanjaro and other mountain trekking

The mountain trekking section includes scheduled departures with specific dates, such as the 9-day Northern Circuit route (14-22 November 2019), the 8-day Lemosho route (23-30 November 2019), the 7-day Lemosho route (30 December 2019-5 January 2020), the 7-day Rongai route and the 6-day Machame route, all with places available and the option to sign up. Climbing trips with fly camping of 7 nights in Tanzania and Kenya are also offered for groups of 4 to 8 people, including Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Oldoinyo Lengai and Mount Kenya.

Philanthropic and cultural approach

Encircle East Africa Travel includes a line of philanthropic safaris and Maasai cultural experiences, with volunteering options in Tanzania and community projects. The company links its origins to the Maasai community and to its founder, Sianga Kuyan, who maintains family and local contacts in Tanzania and Rwanda. The site includes customer testimonials highlighting the cultural experience in the Maasai village, the work of the guides and the organisation of the trip.

Planning and traveller services

The agency offers advice on the best time to travel, accommodation, passports, visas, health and a Kilimanjaro packing list. It also has a trip customisation service: the client indicates their interests and the company takes care of recommending and organising the itinerary. The company presents itself as an operator that works with trusted tourism providers who answer directly to it, without intermediaries or intercultural misunderstandings.