Jan Kelchtermans

Jan Kelchtermans is one of the most enthusiastic tour leaders in the Benelux. For more than 15 years he has been guiding trips to all corners of the world. His experience is worth its weight in gold.

Jan’s passion lies in species and experiences that appeal to the imagination. Mammals, birds, but also special natural phenomena are the reason for Jan to go out today. Memories for life that you will never forget, that’s what Jan guarantees!

From a young age

Just like many leaders in our team, Jan was first gripped by his passion for nature from a young age onwards. He explored the region of Mechelen by bike, looking for birds. He soon expanded his horizons to all corners of Belgium. When he started traveling, his future interests started to take shape. First in Europe, then he went out into the wide world.

From birds to mammals

Jan had more than 5000 bird species on his counter in no time. Birds have always been an important part of Jan’s travels, but slowly his focus changed completely. Jan left the fanatic ticking off of the bird list behind and traded it for a different experience. After all, how often does it not happen that ‘the bird of the trip’ is a cracking mammal? By experiencing this emotion, Jan shifted his focus to special mammals and phenomena instead. Seeing wild panda was maybe one of his absolute highlights so far.

Inspirer of mammal tours

Jan is one of the inspirers of mammal tours; tours with the ultimate goal of seeing a spectacular mammal. He has organized more than 20 successful trips for Iberian lynx, wolf trips all over Europe, bear trips around the world, … You name it and there is a good chance that Jan has already guided a tour there. Venezuela, Uganda, China, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, India, Thailand, Australia, Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, … The list of destinations where Jan has experience is impressive.

In addition to crazy mammal species, Jan takes you along like no other in the complete picture of a tour. The most pristine locations, contact with local people, the most beautiful, special and colorful bird species, … Jan resolutely draws the card of diversity and variety. Millions of wintering monarch butterflies or an eruption of a volcano are still high on his wish list. Will you travel with him?