Trails

The word “trail” means “path.” When you go on a trail, you walk your own path in nature. The power of a trail is that nature becomes your teacher. It authentically shows that everything is interconnected.

Participants have various motivations for embarking on a trail. Some may be focused on creating more meaning in their work, others may seek deeper connections with loved ones, or perhaps there’s an inner stirring that they’re ready to explore. The common thread we observe in participants is an (often unconscious) desire to get closer to themselves.

We deliberately avoid using models or a fixed program. Instead, we work with whatever arises, following Ian Read’s famous motto: “Trust the process.”

Wildernesstrails

Youth-trails

Wildernesstrails

Inhoud

Since Mirjam first experienced a wilderness trail in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (KwaZulu-Natal region) in 2019, she has been profoundly moved by the impact of the wilderness on the human spirit.

For this reason, Hartebeest now embarks on this journey through untouched nature every year. It’s an environment that feels like home, inviting you to be amazed and reconnect with your wilder self. We spend six days in iMfolozi, the section of the park where there are no people, roads, or accommodations—true wilderness.

To fully embrace this experience, we hand over our phones and watches. In a world that demands constant availability, a week without a phone might feel uncomfortable or even daunting at first, but after a day, it becomes relaxing. We carry everything we need ourselves in a backpack, keeping it to essentials: minimal clothing, sleeping gear, and food for six days (around 20 kilograms).

The trail is led by highly experienced wilderness guides, Ian Read and Rodney Hlatswayo. We hike a few hours each day, with ample breaks to rest, eat, and drink. By late afternoon, we set up camp, build a fire, and Ian cooks a delicious meal. At night, each of us takes a turn keeping watch by the campfire—unforgettable hours under the starlit sky.

Typically, we depart from Schiphol on a Friday for a daytime flight to Johannesburg, spend the night at an airport hotel, and catch an early domestic flight to Durban the next morning. In Durban, a minibus takes us on a 3.5-hour drive to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. The first and last nights are spent in one of the park’s most beautiful lodges. We return on a Saturday with an overnight flight, arriving back at Schiphol on Sunday morning.

Before the trail, there is an intake interview, and approximately six months after the trail, we take half a day to look back and reflect on what the trail has brought us. We aim to schedule this when Ian is visiting the Netherlands, so he can join us.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest wildlife reserve in South Africa, located in the KwaZulu-Natal region. It is home to the Big Five as well as a rich diversity of other animals and plants, including 84 mammal species, 350-400 bird species, and 1,200 plant species. Notably, the park harbors Africa’s largest population of black rhinos. The landscape is gently rolling with classic savannahs, spanning approximately 96,000 hectares and situated 3.5 hours north of Durban.

Established in 1895 for rhino conservation, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of the largest and most stunning parks in South Africa, comparable in beauty to the Kruger Park but far less crowded. We explore the iMfolozi section, a true wilderness area with no roads or lodges. Traveling on foot, we carry all our own supplies in backpacks (around 70 liters/20 kilograms). Armed and highly experienced wildlife guides, who are deeply at home in this wilderness, will lead us. It’s a wilderness where one can feel more at home than expected.

Data

Our next trail to iMfolozi is scheduled for April 24 to May 2, 2026. On the Kenchaan website (Kenchaan.com), you can find other trails to iMfolozi organized by different facilitators in collaboration with wilderness guide Ian Read.

Bekijk de volledige agenda

The price for the wilderness trail is €4,150 (excluding VAT). This includes transportation, accommodation, meals and drinks, park fees, wilderness guides, and facilitators, but excludes flights and the overnight stay at Johannesburg airport.

We donate €500 per participant to the Kenchaan Foundation.

For many participants, the trail (optionally complemented by one or more in-depth coaching sessions) is covered by employers as part of personal and professional development.

Hartebeest endeavors to ensure the trail runs as smoothly as possible. We work with highly experienced wilderness guides who are affiliated with the Wilderness Leadership School.

Hartebeest, represented by Kristel Beltman and Mirjam Smit, holds no responsibility or liability for any type of damage resulting from the trail, the pre- or post-program, or the actions or omissions of the guides and/or local organizations.

Participants must take out their own travel, health, and cancellation insurance that covers the risks associated with a trail of this nature. We will be in the wilderness, among wild animals, and at some distance from populated areas.

The following cancellation conditions apply if a participant cancels:

For cancellations made 2–4 months prior to departure, 50% of the trail cost is due.
For cancellations made less than 2 months prior to departure, the full amount is due.

Cancellations must be emailed to: info@hartebeest.nu.

For safety reasons, a minimum of 4 participants is required. Hartebeest will notify participants once the minimum number has been reached and the trail is confirmed to proceed.

Kosten en voorwaarden

Kenchaan Foundation

Ian Read, one of the wilderness guides, is a co-founder of the Kenchaan Foundation, and Mirjam serves on its board. The Kenchaan Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the iMfolozi Wilderness Area and supporting the surrounding communities. For each participant, we donate €500 to the Kenchaan Foundation, contributing directly to these efforts.

”'Understanding the way of life, our own path becomes more clear'

Mixed trails

Mixed Trails – Dutch and Zulu Participants

We all crave something deeply meaningful—whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or even within the everyday routines. Taking part in a trail experience in South Africa touches this fundamental part of us; there’s no doubt about it.

We regularly organize mixed trails, bringing together participants from the local community and from the Netherlands. These trails create an opportunity for seemingly different individuals to journey together, highlighting the shared essence of our human experience even more profoundly. We’ve seen how this enriches the trail experience, making it even more impactful.

If you’re interested in joining a mixed trail, please let us know.

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“Yes... a journey into the unknown. Did you know that without a sense of time, you’ll find yourself going to sleep as early as 7:30 pm and waking up at 5:00 am? Why? Because we’re guided solely by the rhythm of daylight. And do you know where the name "white rhino" actually comes from? Or that your senses of hearing, sight, and smell become so much sharper when you fully open up to and immerse yourself in the wilderness?
Even now, my heart races just thinking back to this indescribable experience, shared under the guidance of Ian, Mirjam, and Kristel.
An experience that will leave a lasting impact!”
Inge BoumanParticipant wilderness trail 2022

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“I am Zime from Hlabisa, a few kilometers from the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. To be honest, the feeling of being on a trail is unexplainable to someone who has not been. It is the most beautiful and therapeutic place to be, you get to be yourself and know people and communicate about different topics of life and also be your true self. Going on a trail could be a great habit for a human to be out there connecting with all the vibrations of Nature.”
Zime KhanyileParticipant wilderness trail 2024

Youth-trails

Inhoud

Hartebeest organizes mini-trails in the Netherlands and extended trails abroad specifically for young people who are studying or in the early stages of their careers.

We’ve noticed that this group often (sometimes unconsciously) wrestles with questions like: “How can I contribute to society?”, “Have I made the right choices so far, and am I truly following my own path?”, or “What does a good balance between work and leisure look like for me?” At the same time, with so many distractions and fun activities available, it can be hard to pause and reflect on these questions, and they’re often topics people prefer to avoid. Our trails provide a chance to explore these themes with the help of nature, physical activity, fun, and depth among peers. And no, it’s not boring or dull!

During a weekend in a natural area in the Netherlands, you’ll step offline for 48 hours and take a break from your busy life. You’ll go on a substantial hike, sleep outdoors if possible, cook over an open fire, and stargaze. Often, our wilderness guide, former rugby player Ian from South Africa, joins us to share insights into what nature can reveal.

Each year, we also organize a week-long trail abroad. This allows for a true hiking experience—trekking from location to location each day. A week provides the space to discover a unique destination while enhancing both physical and mental resilience. In the past, we’ve covered part of the Jordan Trail in Jordan and now we would like to venture through the mountains of northern Spain, called Picos de Europa.

The Picos de Europa form a rugged mountain range in northern Spain and are part of the Cantabrian Mountains. This range spans the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, and is known for its impressive limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys. Covering approximately 646 square kilometers, the area likely owes its name to sailors who first saw these mountains as the initial sight of the European mainland.

Check the ‘Dates’ section to see what’s on the horizon.

Data

The weekend trail on the Veluwe will begin on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM and end on Sunday, January 26, at 12:00 PM.

The international trail will take place from June 25 to July 2, 2025, in the Picos de Europa mountains in Spain. We’ll wrap up the week by spending two days exploring the vibrant student city of Salamanca, known for its rich cultural scene during the day and equally lively nightlife.

Bekijk de volledige agenda

Costs

The cost for the weekend on the Veluwe is €250 per person, which includes accommodation, food and drinks, and facilitators; transportation is not included.

The cost for the trail to the Picos de Europa in Spain is €1,595. This includes facilitators and guides, accommodation, food, drinks, and local transportation; it does not include travel to Spain and expenses related to nightlife in Salamanca.

Foto’s

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“During the 24-hour trail in the Veluwe, I had no idea what to expect. I experienced a special time with the other young people I met there. It took me a while to get used to the silences, but soon those discomforts faded away completely. I felt a special connection with the group, and that was all within just 24 hours. This was largely thanks to Mirjam, Kristel, and Ian. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend to everyone. Looking forward to the next trail with Hartebeest!”
Flo24-hours trail on the Veluwe

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“Last year, I went on a trail with Hartebeest through Jordan. Amidst the beautiful views and the completely different culture, I noticed that I was more engaged in the fun things we were doing and became more enthusiastic about the things that had previously seemed scary or uncomfortable. During our trail, I also found a sense of peace with taking big steps and doing things that were outside my comfort zone. For me, this meant traveling to a foreign country without my family, walking long distances, and seizing opportunities that didn't always feel safe. Later, I was able to let go of those fears because I realized that doing things I initially didn't dare to often leads to completely new and enjoyable experiences.”
RamsesYouth trail Jordan 2023

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“Jordan was an unforgettable experience for me. With sweat on my forehead while hiking, this trip gave me the opportunity to work on myself. Through new insights, I now have a better understanding of what I want in life.”
YkkeYouth trail Jordan 2023