Arita Baaijens is an explorer, biologist, author, photographer, and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club. She has published several books on her desert journeys. Currently she focuses on Siberia. In between travels she lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

This year it's 25 years ago that I gave up my job as an environmentalist. Ever since I have been exploring the deserts of Egypt and the Sudan with my small caravan of camels. Twice I joined a big trade caravan of camels, to travel the Darb el Arbain from Sudan to Egypt. Since 2007 I turned my attention to Siberia and developed an interest in the meaning of landscapes.

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.

Issue 16 of literary magazine Drunken Boat is dedicated to Exploration. Read my contribution.

Always wanted to travel with camels? Learn from the experts!

Guest blog: Female leadership in the desert and interview by Mikael Strandberg Exploration.

Join the discussion about Fake Explorers

Caravan leaders and Saharan Scholars - the women of Tichitt. Reportage about my 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 website of Swedish explorer Mikael Strandberg.

Tips, suggestions, questions or just want to say hello? Look forward to your message.