Tell us about you and your company.
Timbuktu Travel specializes in designing highly curated itineraries, turning your unique travel ideas into a seamless and personalized experience. With our expertise and your vision, we collaborate to craft a journey that is authentically yours and exceeds all expectations. My deep engagement with the travel industry spans nearly 20 years and I specialize in Africa, Asia and Latin America. My exposure to exotic and adventure travel all started with a unique opportunity to visit Bhutan in 2022 with my father for an extended period. This was before Bhutan was really on the tourist map and well before the luxury market moved it. Life has thrown its share of curveballs, but wanderlust remains my most reliable constant.
What’s the entry level to talk to you?
Given that we arrange trips throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America, we don’t necessarily have a minimum spend, since you’ll see pricing vary quite significantly between destinations. If a traveler doesn’t have an appropriate budget for an African safari, which usually starts around $1000 per person per day, then I might advise pivoting to Southeast Asia, which is a much better value destination.
What is the sweet spot of your expertise?
My ideal collaborations fall into two categories: guiding the wide-eyed newcomer and inspiring the long-trusted client. I love working with travelers who are a blank slate, open to expert ideas and eager to explore the unbeaten path. Equally rewarding are my relationships with repeat guests; after years of shared journeys, they trust my knowledge of their travel DNA and empower my team and I to design imaginative, one-of-a-kind adventures. This work is deeply informed by my background in International Development Economics, which makes sustainable tourism a personal and professional imperative. My goal is always to weave in experiences and accommodations that prioritize ethical practices, blending memorable travel with meaningful responsibility.
A couple of favorite experiences/itineraries you’ve planned that best represent your philosophy…
1/ My collaboration with a first-time visitor to Africa began with a standard request for Tanzania. But as I listened to her vision—one filled with the excitement of Victoria Falls, the quiet contemplation of an armchair safari, and truly intimate wildlife encounters—it became clear that her perfect itinerary lay elsewhere. Her desires for a variety of activities and profound, not merely visual, experiences guided us toward the diverse landscapes of Zimbabwe. The bespoke journey we created wove together the best of the region, featuring three nights at Nehimba Lodge in Northern Hwange, an exploration of Southern Hwange from Bomani Camp, a stay at Little Vundu Camp in Mana Pools National Park, and a fitting finale at The Royal Livingstone in Zambia. This journey was particularly rewarding, as our client provided some direction yet also welcomed our insights, valuing the depth of our expertise. This collaborative process allowed us to get creative and ultimately surpass all expectations.
2/ When a couple approached me about planning their honeymoon, I knew that I had my work cut out for me, as we were literally all over the map. This was a second marriage—a beautiful testament to love found later in life, and I wanted to nail it. They weren’t just looking for a getaway; they wanted a true celebration of this precious connection. Their dream was an extended journey, completely carefree, allowing them to truly focus on each other without the worries of planning or navigating a new and foreign place.
Africa was our initial thought, but after gaining a better understanding of their core motivations, I suggested a pivot: Southeast Asia. I knew this region could deliver the unparalleled service and comfort they needed, at a price point that felt manageable for a multi-week odyssey. What unfolded was a spectacular 3+ week journey through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, a tapestry of vibrant cultures and landscapes new to them both.
My team and I eagerly awaited their updates, each report and photo filled with an unmistakable joy. The sheer love radiating from their faces was the most beautiful thing. They fully embraced every new experience, forging connections with their guides and immersing themselves entirely in the adventure. And not only were they happy but they were sincerely grateful and took every opportunity to acknowledge their guides and the service that they received throughout the entire experience. It was an absolute privilege to be a small part of their magnificent new beginning.
Favorite hotels/lodges/houses you love and go back to again and again…
There are many, but the Al Moudira in Luxor stands out! Al Moudira is an experience in itself, appealing to travelers who appreciate meticulous design, tranquility, and a personal touch over the standard amenities of large chain hotels. Egypt can feel frenetic, but Al Moudira is a tranquil oasis where you’ll want to relax and stay awhile.
And most recently I had the great pleasure of visiting Estancia Cerro Guido in Chile’s Patagonia. Estancia Cerro Guido is special, because it offers an authentic immersion into Patagonian heritage combined with unparalleled access to the dramatic, rugged landscapes surrounding Torres del Paine National Park, far from the main tourist trail. In addition, their commitment to puma conservation will resonate with any nature and wildlife enthusiast.
The most memorable meal(s) you’ve had while traveling…
It’s challenging to single out just one meal, but a trip to Vietnam is an absolute pilgrimage for any true foodie. While the country boasts a growing number of Michelin-recognized restaurants, the true heart of Vietnamese cuisine lies in the bustling, local food stalls that line its vibrant streets. The most authentic culinary adventures often begin with a local guide leading you through these hidden gems.
Whether it be a comforting bowl of pho on a drizzly day in Hanoi, a perfectly crisp banh mi in the charming town of Hoi An, or a savory banh xeo pancake in the ancient city of Hue. The diverse flavors are unforgettable… not to mention very affordable!
A not-to-be-missed favorite experience in your region(s) of expertise…
For the discerning traveler, certain experiences transcend the ordinary, exceeding any expectations. I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to have had many of these memorable moments in my life and high on that list is the privilege of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
It is, without question, one of the most special encounters the natural world has to offer. For any wildlife enthusiast or nature lover, coming face-to-face with these magnificent, gentle giants in their dense, misty mountain habitat is a moment of pure, raw connection—a humbling encounter with our closest living relatives.
Underrated location, overrated location, personal favorite, recent discovery?
Recent Discovery: I cannot wait to check out Kutandala Camp in North Luangwa! The Park is home to Zambia’s only black rhino population and it is a predator stronghold, as well as home to Zambia’s largest and most stable elephant population. This pristine park is known to only an intrepid few as there are only a handful of properties here, which is why having boots on the ground is so crucial to the wildlife here. By staying at properties such as Kutandala Camp, you are directly contributing to and supporting wildlife conservation in this area.
Underrated Location: Hwange National Park, which is a personal favorite of mine. While Hwange is nearly the same size as the Serengeti, it receives only a fraction of the visitor numbers as the more well known Serengeti (approximately 30,000 a year compared to Serengeti’s 500,000!). Hwange offers a raw and wild safari experience at an exceptional value. It’s a true gem!
Overrated Location: A Great Migration river crossing. Yes, I know that is not necessarily a “location” and more of an “experience;” however, it is a very popular request from clients. The Great Migration is frequently touted as the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, and a river crossing remains a premier “bucket-list” request. Yet for the discerning traveler, the reality can feel less like a nature documentary and more like a traffic jam, with dozens of vehicles lining the Mara River bank, waiting for the action to start. An authentic safari, however, is about a deep immersion in nature. It’s about experiencing the African bush on its own terms, away from the crowds.
Personal Favorite: Scotland! It’s a destination that I find myself returning to again and again. From the windswept coastlines to the scenic Highlands, Scotland’s diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for adventures and exploration. This history is palpable, while the open-hearted nature of its gregarious people immediately makes you feel at home. I’ve done the West Highland Way multi-day trek, which I cannot recommend enough…. it allows you to get off the main roads and really experience the beauty (and unpredictable weather) of the Scottish Highlands. If you don’t want to do a multi-day trek, the Kingshouse Hotel provides a great base to explore the Highlands. I love visiting the town of St. Andrews which is the holy grail for any golfer… The historical Rusacks Hotel here is steeped in history and overlooks the Old Course. Every journey is complete with unforgettable culinary experiences, as traditional pubs and modern bistros serve up truly great food that rivals any international cuisine.
The hardest-working item you always pack…
I never travel without my kikoi, which I bought in Kenya many years ago. It comes in handy as a scarf for dusty game drives, a blanket or shawl on cold airplanes, or a sarong at the beach. If I’m going on safari, you better believe that I’ll have my binoculars nearby and on my most recent trip to Torres del Paine in Chile, my Patagonia Houdini jacket was a lifesaver… the wind there is no joke!
What is something you wished we all knew or were better at as travelers?
To truly savor your adventure, resist the urge to be overly ambitious with your itinerary. Travel isn’t a checklist to be completed; it’s an experience to be absorbed. Instead of rushing through an entire country, narrow your sights to perhaps just one or two specific regions. This allows you the luxury of time, providing the space to truly immerse yourself in the destination. You’ll be able to wander off the beaten path, discover local secrets, and connect with the rhythm of the place.
Also, be sure to consider carefully where you spend your tourism dollars. Prioritize local businesses and properties that actively support their local communities and contribute to conservation efforts. Beyond simply leaving a light footprint, this mindful approach guarantees a richer, more authentic travel experience.
How do you want people to reach out to you?
Email: meagan.yash@timbuktutravel.com
Instagram: @megyash
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