Built on relationships, shaped by the landscapes and communities of Kenya.

Safarini Encounters is the passion project of Oli Raison and Boris Maguire, two long-time Kenya residents who have built their lives in this remarkable country.

Before settling in Kenya, both lived and worked in several different countries, but Kenya is where they ultimately chose to make a home. Over the years they have spent much of their time exploring the country, from the conservancies of Laikipia to the vast northern rangelands, building friendships and developing a deep connection to the landscapes and communities that make this place so special.

Safarini Encounters grew naturally from the many occasions when they found themselves introducing friends, family and colleagues to the Kenya they know so well. Today the company creates immersive journeys that go beyond the familiar safari circuit and offer a more personal connection to the country.

Director – Oli Raison

Originally from the UK, Oli first came to Kenya in 2012 as a volunteer and quickly realised he had found somewhere special. What was meant to be a short chapter became a long-term home.

Since then he has spent over a decade living and working in Laikipia and northern Kenya, developing close relationships with the communities and conservation landscapes that shape the region. Alongside this, he has founded and led businesses in Kenya, building deep experience in operations, people and organisational development. He is a fluent Swahili speaker, and many of the journeys Safarini Encounters creates are inspired by the places and relationships he has come to know over the years.

He worked in the UK logistics industry before coming to Kenya for a Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) placement. He then co-founded EcoZoom in 2013 which he ran as CEO until its acquisition by BioLite Inc, where he is Director of People and Policy. In his earlier career Oli worked in the UAE and Australia as a SCUBA diving professional. He lives for adventure and in his spare time enjoys riding motorcycles and camping in the wilds of East Africa and other parts of the world.

Director – Boris Maguire

Originally from Massachusetts in the United States, Boris first came to Kenya in 2015 and quickly developed a deep connection to the landscapes of Laikipia and northern Kenya. His children were born here, and today he lives with his family in the Lolldaiga Hills.

Alongside his time in Kenya, he has built a career leading operations across Africa, working with and scaling businesses across multiple markets. This experience has given him a strong understanding of logistics, delivery and operating in complex environments. Over the years he has developed a deep knowledge of the people, wildlife and conservation landscapes that define northern Kenya, and spends much of his time exploring the surrounding hills, conservancies and rangelands.

In his free time, Boris likes to move, by whatever means necessary. He has trekked the ranges of Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Myanmar; snowmobiled across Maine; and raced by bike down Africa’s second highest mountain. He now more often enjoys camping and hiking with his family in search of new challenges, inspiration, and fish. Heeding the call of the north, they are building their home in the Lolldaiga Hills.