We have some very big news to share with you…For the very first time, our travel experts put their names forward for Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted top travel specialists nod — and all 11 of them were recognised among the world’s best. Needless to say, we’re proud as punch of our team and wanted to shout about them (more of that later).
Every year, Condé Nast Traveler recognises the crème de la crème of the travel industry by naming their Top Travel Specialists. These are the experts who don’t just book trips – they create unforgettable adventures. To be selected, they must complete a comprehensive application outlining their inner workings, clientele, and what makes them stand out from the pack. Then the CNT editorial team gets to work, sifting through the applications to handpick just 420 of the very best from around the globe. The chosen few are those blessed with the ultimate combination of insider knowledge, exclusive access, and an instinctive knack for crafting the most extraordinary experiences.
A little about Timbuktu
Our pioneering ‘trip planner’ technology transforms the entire planning and booking process, allowing travellers to mix and match itineraries, destinations and hotels on the website in a completely transparent and flexible way. But we also have an incredible team of global travel experts on hand to give advice, refine the details and add the finishing touches that make a trip truly WOW.
Meet our specialists below and reach out for expert advice on your next trip with Timbuktu!
Jonty Medcalf
“My biggest piece of advice would be to travel with an open mind and heart. In an ideal world, I would travel slowly with limited pre-planning and simply let the experiences unfold.”
From sailing down the Nile to sipping coffee in the shadow of the Andes, Jonty’s passport reads like a love letter to the world. With 45+ countries under his belt (and counting), there’s nowhere he wouldn’t go – especially if it means sharing the adventure with his wife and daughters.
Whether tracking forest elephants in the Congo or dreaming of Chad’s wild frontiers, Jonty’s happiest when uncovering off-the-beaten-track destinations and creating unforgettable journeys for others. Ask him about Antarctica, Madagascar, or the best spot for a beach proposal – he’s got a story (and probably a packing tip) for everything.
Joanna Rigby-Jones
“I love helping people bring their dream trips to life. So often, we’re planning ‘once in a lifetime’ trips and it’s exciting to be a part of that with my guests. I also love hearing from my travelers when they return, and learning about all of the things they saw and did!”
Joanna’s first foray into Africa involved hiking across northern Tanzania for weeks—no running water, no electricity, and definitely no five-star comforts. Did it put her off? Not a chance. Instead, she retrained as an Africa Travel Specialist and has been crafting extraordinary trips ever since. She’s swum in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls, tracked lions in the Serengeti, and planned riding safaris in Kenya—all in a day’s work.
Now based in Maine, she’s got a serious soft spot for Colombia (just try stopping her from going back) and dreams of galloping across Mongolia’s wild landscapes. Whether it’s a gorilla trek, a private stargazing proposal, or a secret foodie haunt in Cartagena, Joanna’s here to make your adventure happen—ideally with a bit of spontaneity and a very well-planned dinner reservation.
Catherine Soares de Melo
“The best part of being a travel specialist is having the ability to merge personal experience with exceptional places, and deliver an exciting plan that you know is going to tick every box and long-held wish for the guest, based on what they are most looking forward to! It is deeply satisfying and rewarding.”
Born and raised in Cape Town, Catherine has Africa in her blood—and a soft spot for a sunset and an alfresco shower. Though she’s now settled in Lisbon, her heart (and passport) are always set on adventure. From the Serengeti to Sri Lanka, she’s explored far and wide, constantly seeking out the most extraordinary experiences.
With 17 years of crafting journeys under her belt, Catherine is the go-to for seamless, stylish, and deeply personal trips. Whether it’s a bush breakfast with elephants, a private wine-tasting in the Cape, or a surprise birthday celebration under the Serengeti stars, she thrives on making travel dreams a reality. No detail is too small, no request too big—just don’t ask her to say no to another trip to Africa. It’s simply not possible.
Carola Fresno
“I studied art and used to paint. Creativity is in my blood. What I like the most about being a travel specialist is how you can create amazing experiences. And if you add a bit of creativity to each itinerary, they all turn out to be very unique.”
Born and raised in Chile, and now living in Northern Patagonia, Carola has spent over 15 years turning wild dreams into extraordinary journeys. She started her career as a guide in Torres del Paine (aka her favourite place on earth) and has since explored Latin America’s most remote corners—from Ecuadorian beaches to the depths of the Bolivian salt flats.
With a background in Fine Arts and Travel Journalism, Carola approaches trip-planning like an artist, curating adventures that are as unique as her travellers. Whether it’s a multi-day trek across the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields, a 45-day odyssey through South America, or a last-minute heli-drop on a glacier, she makes the impossible happen. Her secret? A deep love for adventure and a knack for finding the best local partners — plus always, always packing her trail running shoes.
Tessa Dancer
“I love helping to create a trip of a lifetime filled with special memories! My advice to guests is to always travel with an open heart and mind to new experiences they’ll have along the way.”
After dabbling in interior design, Tessa finally gave in to her first love—travel—and hasn’t looked back since. With years spent living in South Africa and a passport packed with African adventures, she’s swum with dolphins in Mozambique, trekked with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, and somehow found herself skydiving over Cape Town.
Now based in the Czech Republic, Tessa spends her time crafting once-in-a-lifetime journeys across Africa, blending adventure with deeper connections—like arranging for a family to ship desks to a Kenyan school they visited whilst on safari. Whether it’s a beach escape in the Seychelles or a last-minute trip to the Masai Mara (because who could say no?), she’s here to make travel magic happen.
Kristin Jessup
“It is incredibly fun sharing my passion for Africa with our guests as they design their ideal safari trip, one they have often dreamed of for years. The excitement builds before their journey begins, but hearing on their return how Africa has captured their hearts between the wildlife and the warm hospitality they meet along the way, is why I have continued planning trips for over a decade.”
Kristin’s first taste of Africa? Working in the US Embassy in Ethiopia—closely followed by swimming with whale sharks in Djibouti and tracking lions in Kenya. Needless to say, she was hooked. Since then, she’s explored over 10 countries across East and Southern Africa, from the wilds of Botswana to the beaches of the Seychelles, always on the lookout for incredible wildlife encounters (and the best local cuisine).
Now living in Florida, Kristin spends her days crafting safaris that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s arranging a private big cat bush walk in Hwange, fine-tuning the perfect balance of scenery, wildlife, and food, or simply sharing her own love for Africa, she makes sure every trip is nothing short of extraordinary. Oh, and if you ever need a recommendation for the best tacos in the USA? She’s got you covered.
Meg Yash
“I love it when a traveler is open to ideas and suggestions, a blank slate where we can be creative and go off-the-beaten-path. That always makes my job so enjoyable and fun!”
Meg caught the travel bug early—and hasn’t stopped since. From hiking the trails of Bhutan to backpacking through South America and tracking chimps in the Mahale Mountains, she’s explored some of the most remote and spectacular corners of the globe. But if you ask her, nothing quite compares to the untamed magic of Africa (with a handy kikoi always in her bag, of course).
With over 15 years of experience crafting unforgettable journeys, Meg has a knack for turning wild dreams into seamless adventures. Whether it’s a slow, immersive safari in Zambia’s Kafue, a hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes, or a last-minute visa miracle to save a gorilla trekking trip (yes, she’s done that), she’s always up for the challenge. Based in Encinitas, California, she’s ready to put her insider knowledge—and a little bit of travel magic—to work for you.
Jenna Coiley
“I’m not sure what’s more special…Departure calls when the excitement is practically beaming through the phone or the emails on a guest’s return saying, ‘there are no words to describe how incredible that was!’. These are once in a lifetime journeys and hearing the pure anticipation before they depart is inspiring.”
Jenna’s love for travel runs deep, from studying in Budapest to fly camping in Botswana. She’s explored the souks of Morocco, the fjords of Iceland, and the latest luxury lodges in Tanzania, but nothing makes her happier than planning unforgettable journeys for others. With eight years in the travel industry, she knows exactly what it takes to craft the perfect safari—whether it’s a surprise birthday party in the Moroccan desert or the ultimate adventure in Kenya.
Now living in New Hampshire, Jenna balances life between planning dream trips, perfecting her latest recipe, and daydreaming about taking her daughter on her first safari. She believes the best journeys are the ones you savour, and if you call her to plan your next trip, expect a virtual glass of wine and plenty of safari talk—because nothing beats the magic of Africa.
Kevin Zimmerman
“I love taking people’s visions of trips and making them a reality. Some of the most special memories of people’s lives will happen on these trips. I love working hard to make sure the trip is everything they dreamed it to be.”
Ever since Kevin’s first safari in Tanzania when he was 13, he was hooked. Since then, he’s walked with rhinos, trekked with gorillas, swum with sharks, and even earned the Maasai nickname Mganga (summoner) because wildlife seemed magnetically drawn to him. Now, as a seasoned travel specialist (and part-time digital nomad), he spends his time crafting epic adventures for others, from private conservation safaris in Zambia to remote Okavango Delta getaways at his very own camp.
Whether you’re dreaming of tracking lions with anti-poaching teams, bungee jumping in the mist of Victoria Falls, or simply enjoying world-class food in the middle of the wilderness, Kevin’s got you covered. His mission? To take your wildest travel ideas and turn them into reality—minus the stress, plus a whole lot of adventure.
Jessica Klauzenberg
“It is a dream to pursue my love of travel, but by far, the best part of my job is creating unique and special trips for guests and seeing their pictures once they’re actually on the trip.”
Based in the mountains of Vermont but always dreaming of her next adventure, Jessica has explored 49 countries (and counting!). After earning a Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language, she set off to immerse herself in Asia, from skiing in Japan to cruising the Mekong and scouting out the best street food in Vietnam. Now, she’s an expert in crafting trips that blend adventure, culture, and those once-in-a-lifetime moments—like a helicopter proposal over Tokyo Bay or a hot air balloon engagement at Angkor Wat (both successful, by the way!).
Jess believes the key to a perfect trip is listening—really listening—to what travellers want (and what they don’t). Whether it’s a fast-paced itinerary packed with temple-hopping and food tours, or a leisurely escape with just the right amount of beach time, she’ll make sure every detail is unforgettable. And with her little girl already obsessed with sushi and pho, it’s safe to say the next generation of explorers is in good hands!
Annie Irankunda
“There’s nothing more inspiring than hearing my guests rave about their trips and knowing that every detail we planned contributed to their perfect experience.”
Born in Burundi and raised in Kenya, Annie grew up immersed in different cultures—and with a serious case of wanderlust. Inspired by her father’s globetrotting ways, she set herself the ambitious goal of visiting every continent (she’s working on it!). With 13 countries under her belt and East Africa holding a special place in her heart, Annie has crafted dream trips for more than 6,000 guests, making safari magic happen one itinerary at a time.
Her personal travel highlights? Spotting a rare blue-eyed leopard in Botswana, climbing off-the-beaten-path mountain trails, and catching golden-hour sunsets in the Masai Mara. Whether it’s planning a mother-and-son adventure years in the making or perfecting the balance between thrill and relaxation, Annie loves nothing more than turning travel dreams into reality. Just don’t be surprised if she nudges you toward Botswana—she’s already plotting her next trip back.
We hope you’ve enjoyed ‘meeting’ our travel specialists—and agree that they’re pretty top-notch. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more of their expert guidance and a good dollop of inspiration for planning your next trip!
