Hartebeest is the name of our collaboration. In 2020, it became clear that, alongside their own businesses, Kristel and Mirjam wanted to start something together — a partnership offering programs and trails where purpose, peace, and nature play a central role.

Kristel Beltman and Mirjam Smit  have known each other for a long time, and since 2020 a cherished friendship has developed between them and South African wilderness guide Ian Read. During their first journey together in South Africa, they repeatedly encountered the hartebeest, each time in larger numbers. This combination of ‘heart’ and ‘beast’ inspired the name for their partnership. Together, they facilitate wilderness trails, youth trails and offer (team- and leadership-)programs for companies and individuals.

Kristel began her career as a trainee in a commercial role at KPN. Through this program, she received various trainings, which further fuelled her fascination with motivating people and understanding what drives them. Kristel retrained as a coach and has now been delivering training and development programs in the corporate sector for nearly 20 years (www.quotendis.nl).

After being a lawyer, Mirjam co-founded Voordeeluitjes.nl. After 15 years the company had grown into a well-established medium-sized enterprise, and it was time for Mirjam to move into a new chapter of her life. She has since specialised in coaching and consultancy for entrepreneurs (www.jordaancoaching.nl). She loves taking groups into nature in the Netherlands or on wilderness trails in South-Africa. Mirjam is a board member of the Kenchaan Foundation, which supports Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.