Arita Baaijens is an explorer, author, photographer, and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. She has published several books on her desert journeys. Currently she focuses on Siberia. In between travels she lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Twenty years ago I gave up my job as an environmentalist and ever since I have been exploring the deserts of Egypt and the Sudan with a small camel caravan. Meanwhile I also focus on Siberia, where I travel on horseback in search for Shambala. What fascinates me is how the mind functions in extreme circumstances.
Lessons learnt: The desert taught me to turn fear into a positive power. Siberia tests my capability to travel with an open yet critical mind in a world inhabited by spirits.
Curiosity is my main drive in life.
Joseph Richter from Tycoonsventures told me to JFDI (Just F.... Do It) and I am happy I did. See Arita's pages. Thanks to his vision and persistence I rub shoulders with top achievers Roz Savage, Mikael Strandberg and Alastair Humphrey, to name only a few. We pursue seemingly impossible dreams. Joseph assists our quest. Welcome to the incredible world of Tycoonsventures and a big hurray for J.R!
Listen to radio doc Thesiger at 100! - BBC 4.
Including memories of my meetings with the grand old man of exploration.
Always wanted to travel with camels? Learn from the experts!
Guest blog: Exploration, an outdoor activity or what?
Join the discussion about Fake Explorers
Caravan leaders and Saharan Scholars - the women of Tichitt. Reportage about my recent journey to Mauritania, with historian G. Lydon
Mars & Venus in the desert - A hot topic! My column about female leadership in the desert scored thousands of hits. If you have something to say about exploration, go to the excellent and informative website of Swedish explorer Mikael Strandberg.
Follow me on my present journey, the search for Shambala in the Altai mountains in far away Siberia.
Tips, suggestions, questions or just want to say hello? Look forward to your message.
