Meet the inspiring women leading our tours around the world

Our female leaders are blazing a trail for women the world over.

We know women lead great adventures – whether they’re driving groups overland through East Africa, taking travellers into the Sahara to camp overnight or keeping spirits high on a hike in the Himalayas.

We’re committed to increasing employment opportunities for women globally. In parts of the world where societal norms mean tourism is mostly male-dominated, like Morocco and India, we’re supporting local women who want a career in the travel industry and have doubled the number of women leading our trips in recent years.

Want to see the world from a female perspective? Our Women’s Expeditions in Nepal, Pakistan, Jordan and beyond celebrate the unique encounters and experiences travellers can access on a woman-led, women-only adventure.

Our action on gender equality

Female leader and traveller take a rest on the trail in Nepal

Empowering women across our business

We are committed to increasing employment opportunities for women in the travel industry.

As of 2023, we have 275 female tour leaders and crew, which is 30% of our tour leaders.

Learn more about gender equality at Intrepid

Hear from female local leaders

With Intrepid's support, local leaders like Nadia, Sana and Pilar hope to inspire and empower other women to follow in their footsteps and chase their dreams. We’re committed to providing a working environment that encourages people of all ages, physical abilities, cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations and genders to have the same opportunities.

“Women don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to earning an income [in Pakistan]. But we visit local businesses where women make handicrafts from their homes, weave carpets, run cafes. And we’ll always go to the places that are run by locals. I want to make sure that all the money that is spent on these tours goes to the people who need it.” – Aneeqa, Pakistan

"There are less opportunities for women in Nepal, especially in jobs like this. People say women can’t do it, because they’re too weak or have too many problems. But when they see us out on the trail, carrying the bags and working hard, their minds change. That makes me feel so proud of what we’re doing." – Robina, Nepal

Nadia is one of Intrepid's local leaders in India.

‘Travellers on my tours are very positive about my gender, they give me the motivation to work harder. I give travellers lots of cultural experiences. I show them where young people hang out in cafes, where old people hang out in parks. I encourage them to chat with the locals.’ – Nadia, Iran

Sana is one of Intrepid's local leaders in India

‘One thing I love about my job is that I meet so many people. There are so many stories to share. I am still in India but exploring so many things. Of course we go to the famous places, but I also take travellers to the authentic places that don’t have tourists. In Goa we go to specific local shacks run by families. In Mumbai I take food trips and say “just follow me”. If time permits, I take them home to my mum’s house.’ – Sana, India

Pilar is one of Intrepid's local leaders in Mexico.

'I love to tell travellers everything about the local life here, social and political issues as well food. For me, that's the one and only way to understand the country better. That's what a real experience means, right? I'm more than a guide. I am the friend hanging out with them, showing them my culture, my people and my daily life.' – Pilar, Mexico

How women are changing travel in Nepal

"All women need is opportunity"

Meet the adventurous women – including Intrepid trekking leader Srishti, and porters Robina and Manisha – who are blazing the trail for gender equality in Nepal.

How women are changing travel in East Africa

"They call her Mama Overland"

Meet Becky: East Africa's first female truck driver. As a woman in a traditionally male profession, Becky is breaking gender stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of Kenyan and Tanzanian girls to follow their passion into their dream careers.