Timbuktu Travel, the award‑winning luxury travel innovator renowned for curating transformative, bespoke journeys around the world, proudly announces that three of its distinguished travel specialists have been named to Travel + Leisure’s A‑List of the World’s Best Travel Advisors 2026 - the travel industry’s definitive benchmark for excellence, now in its 24th edition.

This highly selective recognition celebrates only the world’s most visionary advisors: those whose insider expertise, creative ingenuity, and relentless pursuit of extraordinary experiences turn dream trips into lifelong memories. Timbuktu Travel’s triple distinction highlights its unparalleled destination mastery and bolsters its position at the forefront of luxury travel.

Timbuktu Travel honorees include:

Carola Fresno - South America & Indian Subcontinent Travel Specialist (pictured left)

A repeat A-List honoree, Carola Fresno brings nearly two decades of experience designing culturally rich, artistically inspired journeys. Based in Northern Patagonia, the Chilean-born specialist blends her background in Fine Arts and Travel Journalism with an intimate understanding of South America’s diverse landscape. From guiding in the dramatic wilderness of Torres del Paine to curating multi-week explorations of Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Ecuador’s beaches, and Bolivia’s ethereal salt flats, Carola curates immersive itineraries that resonate deeply and leave lasting impressions. 

“Over 18 years, I’ve gone from guide to travel specialist, designing multi-country trips that connect travelers to deeply enriching cultural experiences while ensuring every journey feels personal and effortless,” shared Carola Fresno.

Annie Irankunda - Africa Specialist (pictured center)

Named among the world’s most sought-after African safari experts, Annie Irankunda offers unmatched authenticity and cultural depth. Born in Burundi and raised in Kenya, Annie leverages lifelong regional knowledge of East and Southern Africa to craft safaris and adventure experiences that go far beyond the conventional circuits. Cultivating extensive expertise across Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and more than a dozen destinations throughout the continent, she designs off-the-beaten-path journeys that foster genuine connections between travelers and Africa’s vibrant communities and untamed landscapes.“I was born in Burundi, grew up in Kenya, and have travelled across Africa’s vast landscapes. I specialise in crafting journeys that reveal a place’s true character, moving far beyond the postcard view,” said Annie Irankunda.

Jonty Medcalf - Africa and Antarctica Travel Specialist (pictured right)

Also recognised as a global authority on African safari, Jonty Medcalf, Head of Sales at Timbuktu Travel, infuses every journey with boundless energy, encyclopedic knowledge, and a fearless spirit of exploration. Having traversed all seven continents and more than 40 countries, Jonty curates high-adrenaline adventures, from walking safaris in the Republic of the Congo’s Lango Baï to private yacht expeditions along Madagascar’s hidden shores - Jonty’s work always combines authentic cultural immersion with meticulous personalisation.“Having traveled to all seven continents and dozens of countries, my focus is now delivering incredible experiences in lesser-visited destinations across Africa,” says Jonty Medcalf.

With three A-List luminaries guiding its clients, Timbuktu Travel invites discerning travelers to elevate their 2026 plans with advisors who transform aspiration into extraordinary reality.

Image courtesy of Timbuktu Travel