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FOLLOW YOUR LEADER
For those of you who have previously traveled with ElderTreks, you may know one or even several of our tour leaders listed below. Their expertise, commitment and sensitivity to our travelers as well as the people and environments we visit are the reasons we get such great feedback on our guides from our past travelers.
The following is a tentative schedule of our tour leaders upcoming adventures. Please bear in mind that this is only a provisional schedule and while these leaders are scheduled to be on these trips, circumstances beyond our control may change these schedules.
We are proud of all of our first rate tour leaders, but if you have traveled with one and really want to travel on another trip they are leading, we extend to you a formal invitation to "Follow your Leader".
ROGER BURROWS
Roger has led innumerable ElderTreks trips, and as a veteran tour leader, he brings a wealth of experience to his job as all-round trip facilitator. Roger's travels have taken him all over the world, including Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. His keen interest in local people and cultures often offers travelers the unique opportunity to visit local homes, orphanages and schools. An avid animal lover, Roger has even been known to bring treats for local cats and dogs.
Feb 06 - Feb 26, 2025 Vietnam & Laos
Mar 05 - Apr 01, 2025 Philippines
Apr 03 - Apr 30, 2025 Philippines
May 07 - Jun 02, 2025 Stans of Central Asia
Jun 26 - Jul 16, 2025 Papua New Guinea - Mask Festival
Sep 07 - Sep 23, 2025 Mongolia
Jan 10 - Feb 10, 2026 Grand South-East Asia
Mar 6 - Apr 2, 2026 Philippines
Apr 6 - May 3, 2026 Philippines
May 6 - May 31, 2026 Stans of Central Asia
Jul 1 - Jul 17, 2026 Mongolia
GUILHERME (GAFA) STAMATO
Guilherme is a native Brazilian (nicknamed "Gafa") and graduated from Sao Paulo University with a degree in Physical Education along with a Black-belt in Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan. He lives in Sao Paulo and has two children, Raphael and Sophia. Gafa is an excellent photographer and wildlife expert who will add great local knowledge to the explorations on your tour.
Mar 04 - Mar 23, 2025 Colombia
Sep 14 - Sep 29, 2025 Brazil
LAJOS NEMETH
Lajos (pronounced Lay-osh) is a proud native Hungarian and, as a biologist, has a formidable knowledge of natural history and the underwater world. Lajos brings a wealth of experience and character to his job and will be outstanding as all-round facilitator on your trip. In addition to travelling extensively in Eastern Europe, he also feels at home around the Mediterranean, as well as having a serious travel passion for many countries in Africa. Lajos loves the great outdoors and sometimes spends several weeks in bush-camps in search of birds, butterflies and wildlife. His other passions include history, politics, photography, rare natural history books, fly-fishing, scuba diving, deep desert exploration and...oh yes, Hungarian wines.
May 12 - May 31, 2025 Transylvania
Sep 06 - Sep 27, 2025 Albania Macedonia Bulgaria
May 18 - Jun 6, 2026 Transylvania
Sep 5 - Sep 26, 2026 Albania Macedonia Bulgaria
MANUEL VELAZCO
Manuel originally from the Andes of Peru (Cusco), began in the travel business at the tender age of 14. He has a degree as a Professional Tour Guide, specializing in Inca Culture and is one of Peru's most experienced and respected tour leaders. Manuel has been sharing his wonderful sense of humor and love of the mountains with ElderTrekkers for many years and has hiked the Inca Trail over 250 times. He also speaks three different languages, English, Spanish and Qechua (the language of the Incas) and brings plenty of fun and learning to every adventure he guides.
Oct 16 - Nov 09, 2024 Peru
Nov 12 - Nov 27, 2024 Chile
Mar 17 - Apr 07, 2025 Hidden Treasures of South America
Oct 14 - Nov 07, 2025 Peru
Mar 03 - Mar 22, 2026 Colombia
Oct 07 - Oct 31, 2026 Peru
ERIC FENGLER
Eric was born in the Netherlands where he studied Environmental Engineering at Wageningen University. During his studies he trained in Tucumán, Argentina, 1,300 km northwest of Buenos Aires moving there in 1992. He has traveled extensively throughout South America and has been guiding tours in Argentina and Chile since 1996 specializing in the Patagonia region. Since 2012 Eric has also been leading trips for ElderTreks in Asia, Oceania and Europe. He speaks English, German, and Spanish as well as his native Dutch. Eric has worked with ElderTreks for many years and we welcome his local knowledge and international flair. You are in very capable hands with Eric.
Oct 21 - Nov 09, 2024 Java and Bali
Jan 07 - Jan 23, 2025 Argentina & Chile
Mar 23 - Apr 19, 2025 Philippines
Jun 08 - Jun 26, 2025 The Baltics
Aug 13 - Sep 02, 2025 Papua New Guinea
Oct 01 - Oct 20, 2025 Sumatra
Oct 21 - Nov 09, 2025 Java and Bali
Jan 08 - Jan 24, 2026 Argentina & Chile
Jan 27 - Feb 11, 2026 Patagonia Trekking
Mar 12 - Apr 02, 2026 Hidden Treasures of South America
Jul 08 - Jul 26, 2026 The Baltics
DAVID ROTH
Born in Canada and having resided in 8 countries, David has spent over 40 years travelling the world - the last 25 working in the travel industry. He has designed and led numerous tours for Eldertreks. With an attention to maximizing the group’s travel experience, David’s personable and often humorous style of tour leading offers his fellow travelers many opportunities to interact with the local people and cultures. David has an MA in International Relations, and also speaks German, a bit of Russian, French and Arabic. In his spare time he writes children’s books.
Nov 07 - Nov 26, 2024 Oman
Jan 07 - Jan 28, 2025 Persian Gulf Explorer
Feb 03 - Feb 26, 2025 Tunisia & Algeria
Mar 31 - Apr 21, 2025 Iran Highlights
Sep 10 - Oct 05, 2025 Pakistan
Oct 09 - Oct 30, 2025 Iran Highlights
Apr 23 - May 23, 2026 Pakistan
Sep 12 - Oct 07, 2026 Pakistan
Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2026 Oman
ABDUL SEBAK
Abdul Moez is a graduate of the Faculty of Archaeology and is the Director of Egyptology at the Giza Pyramids. He has worked on several important archaeological digs including Abu Rawash, Worker's Village in Giza, (pre-dynastic period at Saqqara) and currently serves as an advisor for archaelogical digs in and around the Giza area. He also holds a diploma in Tourism/Guiding from the Faculty of Tourism in Egypt and brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Tour Leader for ElderTreks. In addition to leading our ElderTreks' groups since 2005, Abdul also had the pleasure of showing the Giza pyramids to former US President Jimmy Carter.
Feb 08 - Mar 01, 2025 Egypt
Oct 11 - Nov 01, 2025 Egypt
Jan 31 - Feb 21, 2026 Egypt
DOUGLAS BRISEBOIS
Douglas Brisebois has worked as a tour leader for almost 20 years. His travels have taken him to all parts of the world from Asia to Africa to Antarctica and much more. His knowledge and experience help to make each and every tour he leads an unforgettable memory.
Douglas grew up in Northern Ontario surrounded by beautiful lakes, green forests and breathtaking scenery where he acquired a healthy respect and admiration for his natural surroundings. He spent time working for his parents at the family run resort which was his first introduction to tourism. Although home is in Ontario, Canada, Douglas enjoys escaping to his house in Costa Rica overlooking the Pacific, or visiting his small finca (ranch) in the mountains close to Arenal volcano.
If you have the pleasure of being on a trip lead by Douglas, his charm, energy, knowledge and caring attitude will ensure your trip is truly a unique experience.
Sep 25 - Oct 08, 2025 Malta & Sicily
TOMAS HAVLICEK
Tomas, a native Czech, received his University degree in English and American studies as well as philosophy. He has worked as a guide since 2000, specializing in Central Europe. Tomas has a keen interest in history, architecture, and post-communist development of the region. Since he has lived half of his life under the communist rule and the other under democracy, Tomas has a truly unique perspective which he loves to share with those he is travelling with. Tomas will do all that he can to make your travel experience with him most memorable!
May 24 - Jun 07, 2025 Medieval Treasures of Eastern Europe
May 23 - Jun 06, 2026 Medieval Treasures of Eastern Europe
OLMAN QUIROS
Olman (Ollie) Quiros is a certified tour guide with more than 20 years' experience leading diverse groups in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. General and natural history are two of his interests. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves to do white water rafting, surfing, horseback riding, and hiking among other activities. Ollie was a cultural exchange student in Finland and Sweden and has traveled extensively throughout Europe learning about different cultures.
His volunteer work includes working with the Costa Rican National Parks Foundation to preserve the Green Turtle and with the Mesoamerican Rescue Center to promote animal welfare, habitat protection and reforestation in Costa Rica. He speaks Spanish and English and understands Finnish and Swedish.
Dec 03 - Dec 17, 2024 Costa Rica
Jan 08 - Jan 22, 2025 Costa Rica
Feb 15 - Feb 28, 2025 Costa Rica
Dec 02 - Dec 16, 2025 Costa Rica
Jan 07 - Jan 21, 2026 Costa Rica
Jan 30 - Feb 13, 2026 Costa Rica
Feb 17 - Mar 3, 2026 Costa Rica
Dec 02 - Dec 16, 2026 Costa Rica
LUCAS MHINA
Lucas was born and raised in Arusha, Tanzania. Has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the UK, attended a wildlife college in Kenya where he obtained Diploma in Tourism and Tour Guiding, receiving further training in tour leading and guiding, as well as first aid in South Africa.
He has been guiding and leading tourists’ groups in Kenya and Tanzania for 20+ yrs. He has a keen interest in ecology and truly enjoys being with people, so that he can share his knowledge of the flora and fauna of East Africa as well as the vibrant culture.
Lucas is married and has three children (Sylvia, John, and Jovin) and while not leading trips, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Oct 27 - Nov 15, 2024 Kenya and Tanzania
Oct 26 - Nov 14, 2025 Kenya and Tanzania
Oct 26 - Nov 15, 2026 Kenya and Tanzania
DAMLA ARSLAN
Damla Arslan was born in Istanbul and graduated in history from Bogazici University. She also attended the program of Anatolian Civilizations and Cultural Heritage Management at Koç University. Her specialty is the ancient history of Anatolia and she has also been working as an archaeologist in various excavations around the country since 2005. Her latest excavation is in Batman, southeastern Anatolia, and she is working on an upper Mesopotamian mound by the Tigris called Gre Amer. She has her tourist guide license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and has been leading tours all around Turkey with a special interest in Eastern Turkey. Damla's extensive education and desire to share her knowledge of Turkey's history and culture, will be a delight for anyone lucky enough to travel with her.
Sep 08 - Sep 28, 2025 Classic Turkey
GUIPER ROSALES
Guillermo or 'Guiper' has been leading for twelve years and has a passion for the Mayan world - its history, its culture and of course the incredible legacy of Mayan sites. You will be impressed by Guiper's knowledge of the Mayan world as well as contemporary knowledge of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. Guiper is well certified in the art of guiding, safety and first aid but it just might be his sense of humour and energy that will leave the greatest impression on you. We hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy ElderTreks' Lost World of the Mayans with someone as capable and passionate as Guiper.
Jan 07 - Jan 26, 2025 Lost World of the Mayans
Jan 06 - Jan 25, 2026 Lost World of the Mayans
KAMEL BOUKARI
As a professional guide, Kamel graduated from the Tunisian College of Tourism with a focus on history, both modern and ancient including the second world war. He is well educated and his extensive expertise at historic sites and museums is almost taken for granted but very impressive. He is fluent in English, French and German and has enjoyed showing people from all over the world the treasures that one can find in Tunisia. However, what makes Kamel special as a tour leader is that he is immensely helpful, caring, respectful, flexible and really wants to look after his guests. Despite his wealth of knowledge, Kamel feels he learns just as much from the guest he is looking after. With his endearing sense of humility, knowledge and caring attitude, Kamel will show you a Tunisian experience you will not soon forget!
No Trips currently assigned
SAMMY TILAHUN
Sammy graduated from Hawassa University as well as the Institute of Tourism in Addis Ababa, specializing in Ethiopian History & Cultures, Agriculture and Tourism. He speaks English, Amharic and Oromifa (the national and local language of Ethiopia). He has lead tours for numerous passengers including journalists, photographers, and film crews from all over the world. Sammy has recently been acknowledged in a published novel by Manola Lizy titled "Ethiopian Highlands" and in an article by Anna Murphy titled "Holy days and Highland Rock Churches of Ethiopia". With Sammy's passion for history, archaeology, photography, anthropology and birdwatching combined with his incredible guiding experience, you will have an unforgettable adventure!
Jan 15 - Feb 06, 2025 Ethiopia
Sep 16 - Oct 08, 2025 Ethiopia
Jan 15 - Feb 06, 2026 Ethiopia
Sep 16 - Oct 8, 2026 Ethiopia
CHRISTOS LEPOURAS
Christos has been guiding tours in Greece for 10+ years. He has excellent communication skills and is very enthusiastic to show people his country. He holds an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction with Ergonomics from University College London (UCL) and has recently published two hiking books about Crete and Mount Parnitha. You are in great hands with Christos who always receives rave reviews from clients who have toured with him.
May 02 - May 18, 2025 Ancient Greece
May 06 - May 22, 2026 Ancient Greece
JEFF ZEPHYRIN
Jeff was born in Madagascar and has worked in the tourism industry for over 30 years. Jeff fluently speaks English, French; various dialects found in Southern Madagascar, and currently learning Japanese. Jeff's holistic leading approach combined with his caring personality, extensive knowledge and passion for the local culture and wildlife will be sure to make your experience as wonderfully diverse and unique as Madagascar itself.
Oct 09 - Oct 26, 2025 Madagascar
Oct 08 - Oct 25, 2026 Madagascar
DANIEL MERINO
Daniel was born in (San Luis) “Pinar del Rio” a region known for producing the best tobacco in Cuba. Daniel grew up on a farm helping his family with their crops and livestock. He obtained his degree in foreign languages from the Pedagogical University and speaks Spanish, English, French and German fluently. Daniel was an English professor for junior and senior high schools students as well as in a tourism school for many years before deciding to follow his dream. Daniel's passion for nature and the great outdoors brought him to the Biosphere reserve “Las Terrazas” where he has been a nature expert guide for over 12 years. His favourite activities include bird watching, trekking, and swimming. Daniel enjoys sharing anecdotes of his personal life as well as his experiences as a Cuban. Daniel will keep you laughing and learning during your adventure.
Jan 07 - Jan 19, 2025 Classic Cuba
Jan 19 - Feb 02, 2025 Eastern Cuba
Feb 03 - Feb 15, 2025 Classic Cuba
SAMIR HARIT EL MIR
Samir Harit el Mir has been leading ElderTreks Morocco tours for the past 10+ years. He studied in Casablanca before attending university and studying tourism in Tangier City. He has been guiding English speaking groups since 1987 and has covered every corner of his country. He specializes in the history of Morocco as well as of Islam and the Arab world. He speaks English, Arabic, French and Japanese. His Moroccan colleagues look to Samir for his knowledge and guiding expertise.
Apr 01 - Apr 17, 2025 Morocco
Oct 05 - Oct 21, 2025 Morocco
Apr 13 - Apr 29, 2026 Morocco
Oct 04 - Oct 20, 2026 Morocco
RUWAN BALASURIYA
Ruwan Balasuriya has been leading tours in his native Sri Lanka for more than 7 years highlighting its history, culture, wildlife and of course, the people. After having toured the country with Ruwan, you will leave with the lasting impression of having visited the real Sri Lanka.
Oct 22 - Nov 09, 2024 Sri Lanka
Oct 20 - Nov 07, 2025 Sri Lanka
Oct 19 - Nov 06, 2026 Sri Lanka
JOEL VERIMUJE
Joel is born and bred in Namibia. He has an outgoing personality and has been in the tourism industry for the past 9 years. He grew up in the northern part of Namibia that is also where he completed primary and secondary school and then moved to capital city. While in Windhoek he completed a diploma in tourism management from The Association of Business Executives (ABE) UK via distance study. After Joel obtained his diploma, he started tour guiding courses with NATH while working as a camp assistant for a tour operator. Joel was later promoted to senior tour guide, thereafter he started taking on various tours as a freelance guide. His interests include hiking, wildlife, birds, flora, geology, astronomy, and Namibian culture. He speaks Nama-Damara, Oshiwambo, English and Afrikaans.
Jun 08 - Jun 30, 2026 Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
KARL JOHANNSSON
Karl has a degree in Marketing and a background in diverse activity apart from being an Iceland guide. He also takes Icelanders on guided tours all over the world during winter. Among his interests are the Icelandic Sagas and the geology of Iceland.
Jun 10 - Jun 22, 2025 Iceland
Jun 09 - Jun 21, 2026 Iceland
SURYA PRATAP SINGH
Surya holds an Honours BA in English from the University of Delhi and has enjoyed working as a Tour Leader since 2015 with groups from USA, UK and Canada. His outstanding interpersonal and communication skills enables him to engage and captivate audience of varying size and backgrounds. He brings excellent knowledge and passion for his home country of India and is well versed in the history, culture, geography and local customs.
Oct 31 - Nov 20, 2024 Classic India
Mar 26 - Apr 15, 2025 Bhutan
Oct 17 - Nov 06, 2025 Classic India
Mar16 - Apr 05, 2026 Bhutan
DYLAN LEES
Born in Johannesburg, Dylan spent his childhood years traveling with family all around Southern Africa. Moving to the Wild Coast he developed a love of nature, which led to a career in tourism. Early trips included overland camping tours through Southern and East Africa which evenatually expanded to 11 countries in Africa. Dylan enjoys showing the amazing sights of Southern Africa to his clients while at the same time focusing on ways to increase the environmental and sustainability of tourism for the future of the region.
Sep 05 - Sep 29, 2025 Kingdoms of Southern Africa
Sep 11 - Oct 05, 2026 Kingdoms of Southern Africa
TAICHI IMAMURA
Though Taichi was born and brought up in Nagoya, he had always a close relationship with his grandparents in Kyoto who taught him about Japanese tradition. After visiting over 80 countries as a tour leader, he realized the beauty of Japan, which gives him a strong passion to be a professional guide so he can share his knowledge in both traditional and urban culture with international travellers.
Oct 16 - Nov 04, 2024 Japan
Sep 25 - Oct 14, 2025 Japan
Oct 01 - Oct 20, 2026 Japan
RON SPERBER
Ron Sperber has worked in tour guiding since 1993, having roved far and wide across Aotearoa, NZ in this time. His particular passion is in the ecology of NZ's wild places and Maori culture. Ron is also a practitioner and teacher of permaculture, which uses ecological design, social innovation and appropriate technology to empower resilient living. He has a BA in Psychology, PG Diploma in International Communication, and is a qualified Outdoor Instructor. Ron lives in rural Northland on a lifestyle farm raising animals, subtropical fruits and running a small AirBnB with his wife and two children.
Feb 04 - Feb 19, 2025 New Zealand
Feb 05 - Feb 20, 2026 New Zealand
SAHIL CHOWFLA
Born and raised in the Indian Western Himalayans, Sahil has experience in leading group tours and itineraries at high altitudes and over mountain passes. Highly knowledgeable in Indian geography and Himalayan mountains, he has traveled extensively throughout India, including; Northern India, Ladakh, Kashmir and Andaman island. He's certified in mountaineering and water sport courses and an experienced climber above 6000 meters. Sahil is great with people and loves the opportunity of sharing experiences that tour leading brings.
Jan 06 - Jan 24, 2025 Southern India
Oct 07 - Oct 25, 2026 Nepal
Nov 07 - Nov 27, 2026 Classic India
GANGADHAR "INDRAJIT" LATEY
Indrajit has worked in the field of adventure sports and wildlife for the past 19 years. His passion for wildlife & nature was ignited in his childhood years, since he spent most of his summers in the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Northern Maharashtra. With an intense passion for photography, he has a proficiency in ornithology, mammals and natural history. He started his outdoor career with Nature Trails – an environmental education campsite and went onto work with WWF Pune as a Naturalist. Having spent over 5 years working in Kanha national park (Madhya Pradesh), he has gained insights and expertise in central Indian forests. He has travelled extensively around the country and whether he is guiding wildlife groups, diving in coral reefs or skiing in the Himalayas, Indrajit is at home in all terrains. He believes that the urban man has lost touch with nature and strongly feels that educating and helping people – especially locals – reconnect with nature will go a longway in invoking the spirit of awareness and conservation. According to Indrajit, conservation of wildlife and natural landscapes is essential for the long time survival of the human race.
No Trips currently assigned
NIKOLOZ "NICK/NIKA" MAZANISHVILI
Nikoloz (Nick/Nika) Mazanishvili has been working in the travel industry since 2007 and has extensive knowledge of all the tourist sites in Georgia, as well as a deep knowledge of Azerbaijan and Armenian tourist sites.
He is from the Kakheti region (Georgia) which is the main wine producing of the country and is well acquainted with the wine industry. He has a detailed knowledge of Georgian Christian art, frescoes and iconography, plus more than a passing acquaintance with Georgia’s pagan, pre-Christian roots.
Outside of work he loves French history and culture, and detective series from all over the world. He is a fluent English and Russian speaker.
May 06 - May 25, 2025 The Caucasus
HAM JUUKO
Ham was born in Western Uganda and grew up on his family's cattle farm. He graduated school with a diploma in Accounting and Customer Care. Ham has put his passionate interest in wildlife and his experience caring for clients together to become a senior tour guide in his homeland. He is also an accredited guide for birdwatching. His hobbies and interests include watching football, reading and spending time with his family when not on the road.
Jan 17 - Feb 03, 2025 Uganda & Rwanda
Jan 10 - Jan 27, 2026 Uganda & Rwanda
ANA SLADIC
Ana was born and raised in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. She has always loved exploring the outdoors and studied Forestry and Environmental Sciences in college. Before working as a tour guide, Ana was an educator teaching people how to interact with nature sustainably.
Ana’s adventurous spirit and curiosity led her to start a career in the outdoor industry as a river guide on Croatia’s Mreznica River. Currently, she guides outdoor-focused tours throughout Croatia, Slovenia, and the Balkan region. Cycling and hiking are some of Ana’s favorite outdoor activities. Through her role as a guide, Ana enjoys sharing her knowledge of Europe’s natural and manmade wonders and her love of outdoor activities with others.
When she’s not spending time outside, Ana brings various rock concerts and music festivals to life in Croatia through her work with a local production company.
Oct 22 - Nov 10, 2024 Adriatic Adventure
Sep 30 - Oct 19, 2025 Adriatic Adventure
Oct 01 - Oct 19, 2026 Adriatic Adventure
RIA (RHIRIE) LISNAWATI
Rhirie grew up in the lush, mountainous region of Flower City, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, affectionately known as the “Paris van Java.” With a Bachelor of Applied Tourism and a wealth of experience gained from living and working in several countries, she brings a broad and informed perspective to her work.
Her adventures, from trekking mountains to exploring the ocean depths, have profoundly influenced her philosophy of harmony and peace. Rhirie cherishes the deep connections she forms with people and nature, always striving to grow and improve.
She is dedicated to offering guests authentic local experiences, supporting community initiatives, and promoting animal conservation. She hopes each guest departs with unforgettable memories, enriched by fun, insights, and local wisdom.
Oct 07 - Oct 26, 2026 Sumatra
Oct 26 - Nov 14, 2026 Java & Bali
