THE GUIDES:
Want to know who we are?...With whom you book this trip?...Who are the travel guides?... Below a brief introduction to our “Entre Orejas” guide.
Paul Coudenys
If anyone can say "been there, done that" then it’s Paul Coudenys!
Paul, born in Flanders Belgium, was once in his previous life a farrier. At age 21, he travelled backpacking around the globe, 3 years later and with a luggage full of travel and riding experiences he returned to Belgium. During his "long journey", he worked as a blacksmith shoeing horses at the polo club in Singapore, as a blacksmith and cowboy at a cattle station in Australia, as a gaucho in South America and as a rider in too many places and countries to mention.
In 1996 he founded “Hippo-Trek” and became one of the pioneers of worldwide riding holidays in Europe. Paul rode horses in 53 different countries and is perhaps one of the most experienced trail riders in the world. Loving the great horse culture and hospitality in Latin America Paul decided to move to Brazil in 2010. He lives in the southern state of Santa Catarina, home of the South American gaucho (cowboy). After years of experience in organizing and guiding equestrian holidays and riding expeditions around the world, he now only concentrates on trail rides and equestrian tourism in Latin America. He is guiding all the riding trips himself and assures you participating at the best horse treks in Latin America.
Paul is also co-founder and president of ALATCE; Asociación Latinoamericana de Turismo y Cultura Ecuestre. (Latin American Association of Equestrian Tourism and Culture)
He speaks 6 languages, loves humor and life, is a very social person and knows like no other how to take you on a ride on the wild side!
Felipe Mazabel Ortega
A true son of the Colombian plains, Felipe lives and breathes horses, wide-open landscapes, and music. He is not only a skilled horseman but also a natural showman. From long days in the saddle to training and taming young or wild horses, Felipe embodies the spirit of the llanero, the traditional cowboy of Los Llanos.
As a singer and songwriter, he never misses a chance to lift the mood with a song—around the campfire, in the saddle, or during long rides across new horizons.
Coming from Hato Santana, one of Colombia’s most iconic cattle and horse farms, Felipe grew up surrounded by authentic cowboy culture. His greatest passion is staying close to local cowboys and horsemen/women wherever he rides in the world. Defending, sharing, and promoting their traditions is what drives him.
Colombian by birth but a citizen of the world by heart, Felipe has guided riding groups across different continents. He speaks Spanish, English, and a charming Portuñol.
One thing is certain: you’ll have a hard time finding a better person to guide your riding adventure!
Daisy Soames - Riding Guide
Daisy began her career in riding safaris with Offbeat in 2012. After graduating university, she came to Kenya to work full time on safari. She has guiding qualifications in both South Africa and Kenya, and has worked extensively throughout the country, as well as having worked on riding safaris in Botswana and Argentina.
She spends half of the year in Kenya and the other half guiding riding trips in Patagonia. She is passionate about wildlife and wild places, and adores introducing people to both. Daisy is a highly knowledgeable horse woman and safari guide, as well as being a wonderfully entertaining host.
Simon Kenyon - Riding Guide
Simon was born in Kenya and grew up on a farm in Laikipia near Mount Kenya. Simon was schooled in the UK and graduated with a degree in Zoology from the University of Leeds. Simon has been guiding safaris all over Kenya for the last 10 years. Simon started as a back up guide to Tristan Voorspuy and soon started to lead the Offbeat Safaris. For the last 5 years Simon has been the head guide and lodge manager at Sosian Lodge in Laikipia and has been leading rides in the Mara and throughout Laikipia for Offbeat.
Simon has also worked for Jakob Von Plessen of Jakotango Safaris in Argentina, and Robin Hurt Safaris in Kenya and has ridden with Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana so knows what it takes to give his guests the best riding safari experience. Simon’s sense of fun and passion for the bush is infectious and his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Kenya provides a uniquely special experience for his guests.
Netty – Spotter
A Mara safari would not be complete without its Maasai spotter/guide. Netty epitomises a young man brought up in the bush. His eyesight and spotting ability is second to none and he is an inspiration whilst walking in the bush. He has an uncanny perception for danger in thick bush and can always tell where the buffalo or elephant have passed or may be lurking.
Maasai with their tradition of hunting lion are not particularly frightened when encountering them on foot. However, he has a very healthy respect for the larger mammals, especially buffalo, elephant and hippo. He also acts as a vital liaison between our guests and our Masai hosts and landlords in the Mara.
