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Reviews

Find out why our guests love us so much

4.9/5

Based on 836 reviews

Feefo
Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure
At Timbuktu our mission is to delight our guests every step of the way, from planning to traveling. We're really proud to share all of our guests' feedback.
All reviews are captured by Feefo, an external company to ensure transparency and authenticity. Feefo
Garden Route - South Africa

Garden Route - South Africa

February 2020

14 nights in South Africa

We were planning a holiday at very short notice (2 weeks) and over the Christmas holiday shut down. Timbuktu took up the challenge where a number of other companies declined. Katie, our travel specialist, had an intimate knowledge of the area we were wanting to visit and was able to draw up a well thought out itinerary which we were then able to discuss and modify on Katie's advice. We would not hesitate in recommending Timbuktu.
January 2020

5 nights in Rwanda and Uganda

Kristin listened carefully to our priorities and built an itinerary. She was very patient and responsive as we made adjustments.
January 2020

4 nights in Botswana

They were helpful and friendly in every aspect. Responded to concerns promptly
Go to the Timbuktu experts  - they care about your trip.

Go to the Timbuktu experts - they care about your trip.

January 2020

2 nights in South Africa

Fast, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Thank you!
Absolutely Life-Changing Trip to Africa

Absolutely Life-Changing Trip to Africa

January 2020

13 nights in Madagascar and Kenya

Kristin Jessup at Timbuktu has provided me with the best trip-planning expertise I could ask for. I am taking a trip to Africa this year for my 50th Birthday, and, as such, I'm not only extremely excited, but, traveling to Africa has been a lifelong dream of mine. I knew next to nothing about the details of where I should go, or which accommodations, tours, etc... I should take, but had a general idea of the type of trip I'd like to take, and described this to Kristin. She took the small level of detail I provided to her, and has crafted the most brilliant trip I could imagine. I cannot wait to go, and can't thank Kristin enough for her friendly, helpful and knowledgeable planning of this wonderful birthday celebration trip.
Could not have been better

Could not have been better

January 2020

7 nights in Kenya

Easy and responsive planning, perfect itinerary, incredible guides, unbelievable responsiveness at every level despite our traveling during the holiday season! I have nothing but good to say about Joanna and our hosts in Kenya. If you are traveling with young children (our youngest are 4 and 6), Joanna gets it. She picked the perfect accommodations and activities for our family! Our safari guide as well (who has children of the same age) knew exactly how to engage the kids, keep them enthusiastic on long drives, and work with the (high) energy levels and (short) attention spans of small kids.
Great customer service

Great customer service

January 2020

2 nights in Zimbabwe

I was very happy with the customer service and recommendations provided by Jonty.
January 2020

7 nights in Kenya

Tessa is simply brilliant - Knowledgeable, helpful and accommodation - Thank you
January 2020

11 nights in Ethiopia

Great service, great trip, everything was easy!
January 2020

10 nights in Tanzania

Excellent guide.
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As Seen in

11 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists 2025

Condé Nast Traveler

No. 1 & No. 2 Tour Operator in Travel + Leisure's Best Awards 2024 & 2025

Travel + Leisure

Best Booking Platform in Women's Health Travel Awards 2025

Women's Health

Travel Specialist voted as Latin America A-List Travel Advisor 2025

Latin America A-List Travel Advisor

"Timbuktu can take relatively complex and slightly amorphous travel plans and transform them into a well-organized, perfectly tailored trip."

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