Reviews

This review isn't about our trip (spoiler, it was AWESOME, go if you haven't been or go again if you have), but specifically about booking with Timbuktu. This was our first trip to Africa so we were ignorant to the different regions and what they had to offer outside of what Google could tell us. We gave our wish list to our travel agent, Katie, and ****!, she created an awesome itinerary. Then we had to change our dates, and with another ****! she updated our itinerary to fit the new dates. She was in communication with us in the weeks leading up to the trip to make sure everything was in order so we arrived/exited without any issues. We really appreciated the communication and she was always available for questions. We are typically independent travelers who like to put together our own trips but we could not have done this without Katie's help - she had the knowledge of the camps and places we should go to best enjoy our bucket list trip, while giving consideration to our trip duration and budget. The local partner that Timbuktu interfaces with in Kenya was awesome... they were professional, friendly, and SO knowledgeable - our guide really made the trip. We'll be back to book with Timbuktu for our next adventure. I enjoyed building itineraries on the website. This feature made it easy to share or review an itinerary with family members, and then send it to an agent for refining. With regards to pricing, package pricing is comparable to other agencies but can be better tailored to your budget when you build your own itinerary. The representation of camps on the site was accurate. Thanks so much to Katie and the Timbuktu team!

I used Timbuktu for a recent trip with my daughter to Botswana and Zimbabwe. Katie was fantastic in helping me plan and answering questions about specifics on locations to select and camps to stay in. All flights between camps were problem free and arrangements for COVID testing was seamless. I have already planned a trip for next year with them to Kenya. I can recommend them any higher to anyone considering a safari.

I can not say enough great things about this company and our advisor Tessa. I was blown away by the incredible customer service. I thought it would be challenging rescheduling our trip due to Covid and Tessa made it a breeze. She made amazing recommendations and was always available. She helped until the end planning the best trip we have ever taken. Everything was so seamless and easy. They literally did everything perfect and we had the most easiest, flawless travel experience. We met another couple at one of our lodges that used Timbuktu and had the same experience. We have used other travel agents in the past, but Tessa at Timbuktu is by far the best. We will use her again for all of our Africa travels. The grounds team that they use in Africa is also the best! We were not only greeted us at every stop, but had the best guides we have ever had, and we saw more animals than we could have imagined. They even planned all of our Covid test which I was worried about since we went to 2 different countries, but we had no issues. They even had someone meet us at the airport on the airstrip to give us an envelope that contained our confirmation of a negative test. They seriously thought of everything! All of the lodges were top notch and even better than expected. They got us upgraded at 2 of our lodges and it was such a nice surprise. The grounds team even did everything for us like checking us into our flights, handling our luggage, and taking care of the paperwork at the small landing strips and we just sat back and relaxed and enjoyed our amazing trip. It was the least stressful traveling I have ever done. This was a trip of a lifetime and we couldn't be happier with the entire experience.

Above and beyond what we expected. a week before our trip was planned we had to postpone due to flight issues and could not easily be rebook flights. Katie was amazing despite the last minute notice and helped us navigate replanning and booking which for a few months later, she offered great add ons and upgrade options and was there to help with every question we had as novice international travelers. Once we were able to go on the trip everything was seamless on the ground. Our guide, Abdallah, was with us the entire trip and he did an amazing job finding us the animals we hoped to see as well as sharing details of the culture of the areas we were in. He made sure that we made the most of each day and did not disappoint. The accommodations were stunning, the food was wonderful, and staff at the lodges were incredibly welcoming. I was referred by a friend who used Timbuktu and had rave reviews from her experience. I see why and cannot wait to plan our next trip with them!

Katie at Timbuktu helped create the dream trip of my life! From the very start, Katie listened to my needs and answered all my questions to curate the trip that is tailored specifically to me. With Covid and its uncertainties, Katie was able to handle all the necessary changes and steps for the postponement. This September, we were finally able execute and go on this trip to South Africa for 13 nights. Everything was so smooth and well-planned. From car rental, to special celebration amenities, flight connections etc. There was NO hiccup in the entire trip. My husband and I were able to enjoy South Africa without having to worry any logistical questions at all. I really have no words for how successfully this trip was and the tremendous efforts Katie put in. My husband and I are already talking about going back and also exploring other places Africa has to offer. We will definitely be using Timkutu's service and Katie's help in planning our future trips now that we know how easy things are as travelers. Really, Katie is fantastic!

All aspects of the trip planning and the actual trip went off flawlessly from start to finish, especially remarkable given the challenges of covid 19. Katie was fantastic at putting a great trip together and our guide Geodence in Tanzania was extremely knowledgeable about local history , culture, and all the animals and birds we encountered. Oh yes, don't miss the Serengeti balloon trip!

Katie at Timbuktu was fantastic to work with. She went above and beyond our expectations and I would trust her completely with planning a future trip. In addition to Katie, I had contact with several other team members and everyone was helpful and friendly. Timbuktu has partnered with some good local companies and we were very happy with the service they provided as well.

Good planning, responsive to all emails during the planning process, nice value, though Africa is still crazy expensive, would use them again for sure. Best part of the trip were the animals and Ilkeliani Tent Camp

Katie Fahrland from Timbuktu provided a great service for us, tailoring a personal itinerary on a fairly tight budget. We met lots of lovely people and stayed in a range of memorable accommodations on our safari trip toKenya, from modern 4* hotels to cosy lake-side lodges overlooking the wildlife. Would definitely recommend Timbuktu for those who do not know where to start when planning a trip.

Timbuktu customer service was superb and Katie an absolute pleasure to deal with from our first enquiry and throughout the decision and booking process.