Tamar Valkenier
Explorer, adventure addict, lover of animals, ancient cultures and remote wilderness
Fulltime Avonturier
Tamar’s first book, Fulltime Avonturier (Dutch), Fulltime Adventurer (English), and Die Vollzeit-Abenteurerin (German), became a bestseller, selling over 50,000 copies and receiving recognition from National Geographic. Send her a message to order your signed copy today!
‘Full-Time Adventurer’ is a riveting tale of leaving everything behind in pursuit of ultimate freedom.
At 28, Tamar Valkenier, an investigative psychologist with the Dutch National Police, stands at a crossroads. Despite a successful career, she deeply yearns for more. She makes the daring decision to leave everything behind and embrace a nomadic existence.
Tamar embarks on a transformative cycling journey from her hometown in the Netherlands to Istanbul, where she pushes her physical and emotional limits. Along the way, she gains confidence and discovers a fulfillment that exceeds her wildest dreams.
From a journey of 1,600 kilometers on horseback in Mongolia to hiking the Jordan Trail with her trusted donkey, and traversing New Zealand’s Southern Alps with fellow nomad Miriam Lancewood relying solely on hunting and fishing for survival – Tamar’s myriad adventures serve as evidence to the power of personal growth, and the rewards it brings.
More than a mere chronicle of Tamar’s experiences, ‘Full-Time Adventurer’ is a powerful testament to her transformation from a conventional life to an extraordinary one. It’s a captivating narrative of personal growth and courage that continues to inspire many others.
Verder dan Vrijheid
Haar tweede boek, Verder dan Vrijheid, verschijnt in september 2026. Stuur Tamar een bericht met je adres om alvast een gesigneerd exemplaar te reserveren!
In Verder dan vrijheid deelt Tamar Valkenier niet alleen nieuwe avonturen, maar reflecteert ze ook op haar nomadische bestaan. Ze loopt de Tokai Nature Trail in Japan, brengt winters door met skiën en schaatsen in Scandinavië, doorkruist de ruige binnenlanden van IJsland te voet, wandelt met haar kameel Einstein door Nederland, fietst door Turkije en bezoekt rendierherders, Maasai en opnieuw de adelaarjagers van Mongolië.
Jarenlang jaagt Tamar Valkenier de ultieme vrijheid na: alleen op pad, los van verwachtingen en titels. Maar na duizenden kilometers begint haar perspectief te verschuiven. Verder dan vrijheid is Tamars persoonlijke verhaal over het vinden van de balans tussen vrijheid en verbondenheid, en over de zoektocht naar haar plek in de wereld.
Verder dan vrijheid is een inspirerend en confronterend verhaal voor iedereen die droomt van een vrij leven – en zich afvraagt wat vrijheid uiteindelijk écht betekent.
‘De passie van Tamar Valkenier voor de wereld om ons heen brengt haar tot ver voorbij de horizon en is zowel aanstekelijk als inspirerend.’
— Floortje Dessing
Next on stage
Tamar is an experienced speaker, equally comfortable sharing her stories in Dutch, German, or English, in both intimate settings and in front of large audiences.
16-17.10.26 El Mundo festival, Judenburg, AT
25.10.2026 BILDER DER ERDE, Dresden, DE
31.10.2026 WEITSICHT festival, Darmstadt, DE
02.11.2026 TRAUM und ABENTEUER, Stuttgart, DE
07.11.2026 WUNDERWELTEN festival, Friedrichshafen, DE
11.11.2026 Boektopia, Antwerpen, BE
15.11.2026 FERNWEH festival, Erlangen, DE
05.12.2026 ANDERSWO festival, Graz, AT
11.12.2026 G10 van de economie, Amsterdam, NL
Heart for Mongolia
Tamar runs a small NGO called Heart for Mongolia. All donations go directly to nomadic communities in Western Mongolia, supporting projects such as building animal shelters, setting up greenhouses and delivering essential supplies to remote hospitals and schools. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference to the people living in the harsh conditions of these mountains.
Heart for Mongolia supports nomadic communities in meeting basic needs in areas such as:
- Education
- Health care
- Agriculture
- Economy
Sponsors
Tamar collaborates with outdoor brand VAUDE, who provide durable, high-quality gear for serious wilderness adventures. Vaude shares her commitment to repairing, reusing, and recycling.
She also wears barefoot shoes generously sponsored by Trek Amsterdam, supporting natural movement and comfort in the field.
Visit their websites to learn more.
Contact Tamar to:
- Help you prepare your own expedition
- Get involved with her NGO-work
- Organize a tailor-made adventure
- Hire her as a guide
- Book a presentation
- INVITE HER ON AN EPIC EXPEDITION!