Philosophy

LEF Expeditions has its own LEF philosophy. We call this the LEF Factor in our expeditions. That means that each expedition is based upon the same inspiring ingredients. The LEF Factor consists of the following three ingredients.

Challenging Routes Only
Each expedition is a route travelling from one place to another. We venture out into the world making the journey itself central to the experience. It is to be like wild deer, symbolised in the LEF logo, roaming vast territories of land making their own trails and being connected to nature. The routes of LEF will bring you to the far ends of the world, into the depths of local culture and close to the elements of nature.

The routes are challenging. To challenge oneself is to experience new things, learn to act upon and grow as a person. Each expedition will challenge you physically and/or mentally. Sometimes you may wonder why you joined this expedition at first but reaching your final destination will give you a great sense of achievement. You will return home deeply inspired and full of energy taking with you an unforgettable experience.

LEF stands for being brave in the Dutch language. Therefore to appreciate and join the challenging routes of LEF you will need to be brave.

One Way of Getting There
Mankind has always travelled and been fascinated by exploring the unknown. We have used different modes of transport to get to our next destination such as using our own feet to hike over mountain ranges, riding a motorbike over the roads built by civilisation or sailing yachts across oceans. Walking, sailing, motorbiking and horse riding are modes of transport central to our expeditions.

Each LEF expedition involves one type of travelling only. You will exclusively ride a motorbike when on a motorbike expedition and only walk on a hiking expedition. By not switching every few days to different means of transport, you will get into the rhythm of travel more quickly. Instead, you will enjoy your status as motor biker, not just riding a few hours as a visitor but becoming a local rider travelling for many days or weeks in a row. One way of travelling means spending more time on the motorbike for example, allowing you to improve your skills and challenge yourself further. You will be amazed by what you have achieved when reaching the end destination.

The Ultimate Blend
The ultimate blend is where the route is integrally connected to the way of travelling. You will experience the route as if it was made for that mode of travelling. This could mean that nature is showing itself from it best side or that local culture simply breathes, allowing you to become a part of the culture instead of a mere spectator. This is the most important part of the LEF Factor. Each LEF expedition offers the best route in the world for that specific way of travelling. On top of that the expeditions are challenging. This is big. Think about it.

Examples! The best route to sail a yacht or catamaran in the world could never be the English Channel between France and England. However sailing the South Pacific Ocean is a dream. Sailing this ocean is how local people once travelled from one coral island to another. This is the route where all elements of nature enhance sailing- trade winds from the right direction, warmth of the sun, humpback whales migrating from the deep south, swimming by and tranquil lagoons for harbouring boats protected from heavy seas. This is ultimate. This is LEF. On top of that it is challenging as blue water sailing means sailing for large distances on open ocean with no land in sight.

Let's look at motorbike riding. You can ride a motorbike anywhere in the world but unique routes on special motorbikes provide the maximum experience. Riding a classic Royal Enfield motorbike through the Indian Himalayas is one such combination. This specific motorbike is the number one bike in India. The Indians love Royal Enfields and they will love you for riding one. This means your free passport to experience local culture from within. Besides being part of the culture, the roads appear to be made for motorbike riding. You are close to the elements riding at high altitude surrounded by impressive landscapes and exposed to both heat and cold. On top of that it is challenging to ride in chaotic India, over bumpy roads and over the highest motorable passes in the world. This is ultimate and this is LEF.

How about dirt bike riding, also called trailbike or off-road motorbike riding? True, you can ride off-road at many places in the world but one of the best routes is located in New Zealand. Riding in New Zealand is blending with local culture. New Zealand farmers use motor bikes to get cattle in and many kiwis (New Zealanders) living in the city love exploring their uncrowded back country. Trailbike riding is big in New Zealand as riding a trailbike is almost standard in rural education of kids by their parents. Riding a trailbike in New Zealand exploring the Southern Alps with Kiwis and being surrounded by amazing landscapes is being part of the local back country culture. On top of that it is a pure challenge, an exciting route designed for experts. This is ultimate and this is LEF.

Let's look at walking. People have always walked from village to village and into remote areas that could not be reached by other means of transport. There are many special hikes in the world but one of the ultimate combinations in alpine hiking is the Huayhuash circuit in Peru. This remote hike combines unique elements such as ancient trails of the former Inca culture, natural hot pools, hiking above 4000 meter high allowing for non-stop panoramic views and going past very remote mountain villages. It is an amazing blend of culture, alpine landscapes and challenge. This is ultimate, this is LEF.

More expeditions to come! LEF is always travelling, meeting people, listening, exploring and being inspired by all ways of travelling in all directions of the world. We will let you know about new expeditions with the LEF Factor- challenging routes, only one way of getting to there and the ultimate blend.

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Customer Profile

LEF Expeditions are special and unfortunately not every person can join. You will not find the word ‘tour bus' on this website. It is important for both you and your fellow expedition travellers that you meet the LEF criteria to join an expedition.

A LEF customer is a traveller, not a tourist. Big difference. We organise the expeditions but expect from you a large part of the input. Together we create the expedition to make it extraordinary. This requires our LEF travellers to have the following characteristics:

Be brave
You need to be brave to join our expeditions. If you are brave you will see a challenge as something that is both scary and exciting at the same time. You believe in yourself that you are up for the challenge and that you can make it through. This can-do mentality is what will get you from A to B and much further. During the expedition you will encounter difficult moments that will test your abilities to the full. This could be the moment in which you have to ride your motorbike through a river or hike over a steep ridge in the mountains. It is important that you can pull your act together for both you to enjoy the expedition to the max and to inspire the other LEF travellers positively at the same time.

Be easy
Expedition travel is organised as well as possible but unforeseen things can always interrupt original plans. Therefore it is important to be flexible when the expedition leader determines to change from plan A to plan B. Expedition travel often takes place in remote areas and/or undeveloped countries. A change of plan in remote areas could be due to unforeseen bad weather. Let's say you are riding off-road motorbike in the mountainous terrain during a heavy downpour. In that case the expedition leader may change route to avoid river crossings. A change of plan in less developed countries could be due to problems with authorities such as corruption, bureaucracy or unreliable transport. Unforeseen events can happen while on expedition travel and the expedition leader will make these choices to safeguard the group at all times and requires a relaxed attitude at all times. Improvisation is part of the challenge.

Be a traveller
Travellers of LEF Expeditions are curious people who enjoy experiencing culture by living local daily life. They enjoy interacting with the people they meet on the streets and are curious to understand their way of living. The expeditions are led by local people; you will stay at locally owned accommodation and eat in local food establishments as much as possible. Moreover we cover large distances where you have many opportunities to have a chat with the people on the road. Get involved, take that opportunity and make most of our time together.

Travellers are independent people that can book and organise their own transport and accommodation around the world. This is important as you have to be comfortable getting to the start of the expedition. Of course you may want to make use of the opportunity to travel further into other parts of the country or region the expedition has taken you.

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