Iceland touched me like no other place has before. It's vast sweeping vistas, its powerful, evocative elements, and its sheer beauty - at times desolate, at others, luxurious - has for me made it the premier travel destination bar none.
Having been born and brought up in South Africa with an innate passion for nature and the outdoors, I have always been drawn to explore the diverse landscapes and inhabitants - human and otherwise - of this wondrous and curious world. It's also a means to really getting to know oneself, which I've found is a life-long endeavor, and it's taken me to places as distinct and dissimilar as the Namib desert and Zanzibar, Patagonia and the Utah slickrock country, the Italian Apennines and Delhi's Chandni Chowk, and now, the mother of them all, Iceland.
As an avid traveller, maps are my bedrock, and while poring over them is a delightful pastime in and of itself, they also fuel the excitement that builds through that most essential aspect of the trip: planning. My experiences have helped hone my approach to travel preparation so that efficiency and openness to spontaneous opportunity are harmonious bedfellows. Thus far, it's a mantra that has served me well.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Tailor-made trips to explore the untrodden paths and untouched beauty of Iceland: help travelers discover lesser-visited parts of Iceland and add flavor to the more frequently traveled routes; provide personalized service to make sure your holiday is all about you; offer local expertise to provide an authentic experience."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Having lived for almost 20 years in the US, I moved to Italy in 2006, launching myself into travel-related initiatives such as self-publishing an online magazine focused on monthly events, local personalities, seasonal food recipes, and "hidden havens"; making presentations on the appeal of my adopted home in Le Marche; and conducting tours to local attractions, all with an off-the-beaten-track bent. When my new-found passion for Iceland guided me to Iceland Offbeat, I realized I'd found the ideal environment to channel my energies through a shared philosophy towards travel."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"On a moody, overcast morning in northern Iceland, along with my wife and son I walked up to the rim of the Hverfjall crater. Upon getting to the top, I was immediately filled with a raw emotion that brought me almost to tears - the black earth sweeping away in every direction, the sense of a living earth beneath my feet, a feeling that I was in the presence of the gods."
Duncan's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Duncan
Duncan did a fantastic job laying out our vac...
Iceland
|
Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2024
Brett K.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
Duncan did a fantastic job laying out our vacation! Gave him some hints of what we wanted & didn't want to see and accomplish and a taste of places that would be fun to stay to help him understand our family goals. Nicely done! We spent most of our time in the country areas, which we couldn't have been happier -- got us out of most of the tourist areas. Our itinerary had interest places marked to stop which was really nice. The first place we stayed, Hótel Varmaland, the restaurant's...
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Duncan did a fantastic job laying out our vacation! Gave him some hints of what we wanted & didn't want to see and accomplish and a taste of places that would be fun to stay to help him understand our family goals. Nicely done! We spent most of our time in the country areas, which we couldn't have been happier -- got us out of most of the tourist areas. Our itinerary had interest places marked to stop which was really nice. The first place we stayed, Hótel Varmaland, the restaurant's food was amazing! Our daughter had the Ribeye and said it was the best steak she has ever had. Our son got the lamb - out of this world -- nothing like the lamb in the States; we ate a lot of lamb during the trip. We had the pork chops -- some of the best we have had - food all came from local farms and it showed -- just fantastic! Iceland is an amazing place and highly recommend a visit -- Duncan made the trip very easy with way-points to stop and things to explore. Highly recommend the ice cave & glacial tours too.
Hotel Reviews
Hótel Varmaland
Borgarnes
Hotel is freshly refurbished so everything was new and clean. The food at this Hotel is fantastic!
Staff
The waiter for our evening was actually the Chef -- he was great to talk to and had excellent recommendations
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Reykjavík
Nice hotel and good location a few blocks away from Rainbow street and the shops. Very clean and helpful staff.
Fosshotel Nupar
Kálfafell
This was the least updated of hotel stays; however, very nice for ease of food and nice staff.
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Bláskógabyggd
Interesting self check in and out -- really liked it. Rooms were nice and two good restaurants near by. Very quite. Had hot tubs to relax in after the long day too.
Arnarstapi Hotel
Snæfellsbær
Very quiet location. Noting majorly remarkable -- just a nice pleasant stay.
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Jul 21, 2024
Thanks so much for the great review, Brett, and most importantly, I'm thrilled that you had an amazing trip. I appreciate the detailed feedback on the hotels, and glad to see that Varmaland is maintaining its high standards.
Duncan
Going to Iceland- use Duncan
Iceland
|
May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Jean E.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Jun 04, 2024
Duncan was phenomenal from beginning to end. He listened to what I wanted, what our budget was and answered all my questions promptly. He was super supportive when I voiced concerns about the active volcanoes. Our itinerary was laid out beautifully and made our trip extremely seamless and enjoyable.
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Duncan was phenomenal from beginning to end. He listened to what I wanted, what our budget was and answered all my questions promptly. He was super supportive when I voiced concerns about the active volcanoes. Our itinerary was laid out beautifully and made our trip extremely seamless and enjoyable.
Hotel Reviews
Stracta Apartments
KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR
This hotel is pretty basic. Comfortable but small for family of 5. The kitchenette is very small- no oven, just 2 burner stove and very minimal pots and pans for cooking.
Location
The road leading to this hotel is long, unpaved and seriously rough.
Staff
Staff came right away when called about missing linen.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, just not very spacious.
Miðhraun Lava Resort
Stykkishólmur
This resort is beautiful. Our cabin was awesome-spacious and comfortable. Nice appliances, hosts were very hospitable and friendly. The geothermal bath and cold plunge were a definite bonus and the breakfast delicious.
Kerbyggd luxury houses
Selfoss
This was plush!! Super convenient location and easy access to many sites. The cabin was actually stunning- coming with laundry, grill and hot tub. We loved this place!
Staff
Answered the phone and was helpful when we had any questions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean-appears almost brand new
Sudurgata - Authentic Reykjavik Style Apartment
Reykjavik
This house was amazing! We loved staying here. It is a true, older, authentic Reykjavik home. Very spacious, great appliances, nice large kitchen table. The beds are comfortable and nice decor throughout.
Location
GREAT location. We were able to walk all over the city.
Staff
Never had any dealings with staff- self check-in.
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Jul 22, 2024
Thanks so much for your glowing review, Jean, I'm so glad you had a good trip. Noted on your accommodation comments, too, it's very helpful. I wish you further great travels in the future.
Regards
Duncan
This was the first time I have used KimKim fo...
Iceland
|
May 10 - May 21, 2024
Kristin M.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on May 29, 2024
This was the first time I have used KimKim for travel and it was great. All hotels were good other than the last night in Reykjavik (the hotel was under construction, self check in only, did not have 3 separate beds as requested). All of the suggestions on our itineraries were most helpful. My favorite activities were the glacier hike and ice cave, the lava cave, and especially the PUFFINS! I expected to see them on a cliff via binoculars but they were just feet away from us and it was fabulous!
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on May 30, 2024
I really appreciate your positive review, Kris, and am so glad you enjoyed your trip, especially the bonus of seeing puffins up close. Noted on the hotel in Reykjavik, unfortunately we weren't ware that it's under construction. It seems also that more and more hotels are moving to self check-in only, without a reception, it's a new reality that we're all getting used to.
Duncan
Saw Most of Iceland thanks to Duncan & team!
Iceland
|
May 10 - May 21, 2024
Kay D.
New Brighton, MN
| Reviewed on May 28, 2024
Duncan arranged a very comprehensive/detailed wonderful plan for us to complete Iceland’s ring road! We loved the route, sites, and unique lodging/breakfasts. The car rental process was very efficient and loved the onboard wifi capability. This was our 3rd KimKim trip and we are going to use again!
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Duncan arranged a very comprehensive/detailed wonderful plan for us to complete Iceland’s ring road! We loved the route, sites, and unique lodging/breakfasts. The car rental process was very efficient and loved the onboard wifi capability. This was our 3rd KimKim trip and we are going to use again!
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík
Very comfortable lodging with access to lovely dining facility/hot tub/sauna.
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Egilsstadir
Very lovely and large space ‘in the forest’! The hotel had just opened for the season so not many people there yet or lots of staff. But breakfast was grand and staff were very pleasant & helpful!
Location
Abit out of the main town but lovely setting. We loved having access to out doors to sit in the evening!
Litli Geysir Hotel
Haukadalur
We were early in their season and at their non-connected hotel. It met our needs for 3 people well.
Authenticity & Character
The main hotel/restaurant were very top notch! Right across from the geysers…
Staff
I had misplaced my phone and called after leaving to have them check space. Given lower staffing this took abit of time & a few call backs. But I appreciated their efforts!
Árnanes Country Hotel
Höfn
Really liked the cabin like lodging! Could get a glacier brewed beer when checked in (price reasonable)! Staff lovely and breakfast was tasty/adequate.
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Myvatn
Very sweet farm setting and decor of ‘cabin’/dining area. Dinner and breakfast were fabulous! Vista of sheep grazing plus seeing their dairy cows get milked/tended to—while overlooking the acreage was very cool (for this ‘farm girl’)!
Authenticity & Character
Lodging was across the road from the dining/reception area. But very pleasant stroll to access or to walk in the eve on paved off road trails.
Hotel Laugarbakki
Hvammstangi
The hotel is very remotely located and was just getting started with this season. Staff were fine. Breakfast was great—(dinner was OK just not the caliber have been having). We had them move us to a room with 3 separate beds which they did accommodate. It was in a building that did not seem to have others in—so felt abit more isolated.
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar
Very pleasant place to rest/refuel! Restaurant and staff were great!
Fosshótel Reykholt
Reykholt
Modern lodging with great restaurant/breakfast and staff! Our room was very spacious and included a small table with comfy chairs to enjoy.
This was very proximal to walking to sites downtown but we came early and without central reception on site—it was more challenging to call ‘home’. This was one hotel we also were not able to get our 3 ‘separate beds’ but all was very feasible. They were doing major renovations so lots of construction activity in the ‘lobby’. This will be nicer when all renovations are done!
Activity Reviews
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland
This was a great educational and physical experience! Guide did a great job preparing us and leading us through activity.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland
Great job by seasonal staff! Lovely space to wait in (by geothermal spa)…
Guides, Drivers and Staff
i’m
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland
Loved the non-sulfur hot bath! Also enjoyed being able to dip in cold lake water from one of the hot baths. Very cool building/shower rooms etc. Only comment for possible improvement—is that some of the equipment getting in/out of baths were kind of green/slimy/slippery. It may be tough for them to impact this—but seems like they could have been cleaned.
Very fun activity! It was fun to get into the ‘back country’ with big vehicle and then to explore on glacier trails that staff keep having to affirm are safe for walking on (with crampons). The caves and sites were glorious to take in!
Quality of Experience
Note to anyone who may have challenges with balance or endurance—this could be abit much for some. We really enjoyed but are used to walking with crampons on ice & in good shape!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide/driver was very well versed on the area and entertaining/informative.
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on May 29, 2024
Thanks so much for the great review, Kay, and that your trip was a success. Your detailed comments, even on the small things, is particularly useful. I wish you wonderful travels in the future.
Duncan
Superior itinerary
Iceland
|
May 10 - May 21, 2024
Martha G.
Grand Marais, MN
| Reviewed on May 22, 2024
It was very easy to follow the itinerary and choose sites and options that were of interest to us. Great directions. A wonderful adventure.
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It was very easy to follow the itinerary and choose sites and options that were of interest to us. Great directions. A wonderful adventure.
Hotel Reviews
Litli Geysir Hotel
Haukadalur
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Egilsstadir
Árnanes Country Hotel
Höfn
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Myvatn
Hotel Laugarbakki
Hvammstangi
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar
Fosshótel Reykholt
Reykholt
Staff
All self check-in, no staff but available by phone
Cleanliness & Comfort
Under renovation so lobby all torn up
Activity Reviews
Absolutely gorgeous scenery. The walk was slippery, but crampons helped.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was very knowledgeable and experienced with this environment. Good summary and explanation of what we were seeing and driving through.
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland
Very interesting to see the process, but a very short tour.
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland
Water is fresh and the highlight is being able to move from the hot bath into the cold lake and back with ease.
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland
Fascinating environment; excellent tour guide. Early in the spring so path was very icy in parts.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on May 23, 2024
Thanks so much for your great review, Martha, it was a pleasure to work with you all, and I'm really pleased you had a good trip. I've made a note regarding the Hill Hotel in Reykjavik, and will be mindful of its shortcomings in the future, so thanks for the feedback.
Duncan
Amazing Surprise Birthday Trip to Iceland!!!!
Iceland
|
Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024
Mike R.
San Jose, CA
| Reviewed on May 17, 2024
I had the idea to plan a surprise Iceland trip for my wife’s 50th birthday, and Duncan was phenomenal in every way to turn the idea into an amazing trip!! From the planning phase to answering any questions while we were there, Duncan was always extremely responsive, organized, and knowledgeable! We loved every aspect of our trip from going to the blue lagoon after we landed to the hotels (Hotel Budir was our favorite) to the ice cave and glacier tours to the waterfalls and hikes and...
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I had the idea to plan a surprise Iceland trip for my wife’s 50th birthday, and Duncan was phenomenal in every way to turn the idea into an amazing trip!! From the planning phase to answering any questions while we were there, Duncan was always extremely responsive, organized, and knowledgeable! We loved every aspect of our trip from going to the blue lagoon after we landed to the hotels (Hotel Budir was our favorite) to the ice cave and glacier tours to the waterfalls and hikes and restaurant recommendations (must go to Fridheimar - the tomato farm for an outstanding lunch) and our last couple days in the city. My wife had a wonderful birthday, and we loved our time there. Thank you, Duncan!!!
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on May 20, 2024
Thanks for the great review, Mike. It was a pleasure to plan it with you, and more importantly, I'm thrilled that it worked out well and Darcy had a great birthday trip!
Duncan
It’s been a year since we embarked on our fir...
Iceland
|
Mar 17 - Mar 24, 2023
Lily M.
Singapore
| Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024
It’s been a year since we embarked on our first ever Iceland trip as a family. Duncan was incredibly patient, detailed and attentive as we planned the trip months ahead. All the experiences and accommodation arrangements were spot on and suited our budget and adventure appetite. Duncan stayed in touch almost daily while we were in Iceland.
When there were hiccups due to weather, Duncan (and Michele when Duncan could not) were always a text away to rearrange our itinerary.
Definitely recommend their services especially if you are visiting Iceland for the first time.
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Mar 12, 2024
Thanks so much for your great review, Lily, it was a pleasure to help, and glad your trip went smoothly.
Duncan
Duncan did an amazing job planning my family'...
Iceland
|
Dec 18 - Dec 27, 2023
finley B.
Richardson, TX
| Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023
Duncan did an amazing job planning my family's trip to Iceland. He always responded promptly and was patient with me as we figured out a plan that would work best for our 9 day trip. It was a Christmas trip to remember!
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Duncan did an amazing job planning my family's trip to Iceland. He always responded promptly and was patient with me as we figured out a plan that would work best for our 9 day trip. It was a Christmas trip to remember!
Hotel Reviews
Hótel Keflavík by Keflavík Airport
Keflavík
Wonderful spot to stay since we arrived late and needed to hit the road early.
Hótel Húsafell
Húsafell, Borgarbyggð
Such a beautiful spot in West Iceland, with little around to take away from the beauty.
Hótel Egilsen
Stykkishólmur
Absolutely loved the character of this place. So intimate and fun with its unique flair.
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
The staff was amazing and made sure that our stay, over Christmas Eve, was very enjoyable. The food was so good!
Great location near the geyser and waterfall. We loved the staff and this location.
What a great location in Reykjavík! We could walk to everything we wanted to see and everyone was so kind.
Activity Reviews
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland
This cave tour was such a fun experience. Our guide was knowledgable and entertaining. He led a wonderful tour!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Iceland
The snowmobiling was a thrilling experience. It was the coldest day of our trip so definitely recommend packing plenty of layers. The staff was great and the view from on top of the glacier cannot be matched.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Iceland
This was by far my family's favorite tour. I would do this over and over again. It was an unreal experience to walk on and in the largest glacier in Europe.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Dec 30, 2023
What a great review, Finley, thank you so much. It was a real pleasure working with you, and I'm so glad your trip was a success.
What an easy/breezy way to set up a trip!
Iceland
|
Sep 11 - Sep 22, 2023
Kim J.
Moab, UT
| Reviewed on Dec 08, 2023
What an easy/breezy way to set up a new trip to literally anywhere. We spent 12 days exploring Iceland and I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to set this trip up on my own. Our specialist, Duncan, helped us with every step of the way from hotels to vehicles to fun activities. I will be using KimKim again for sure for other countries and cannot recommend working with Duncan enough!
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What an easy/breezy way to set up a new trip to literally anywhere. We spent 12 days exploring Iceland and I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to set this trip up on my own. Our specialist, Duncan, helped us with every step of the way from hotels to vehicles to fun activities. I will be using KimKim again for sure for other countries and cannot recommend working with Duncan enough!
Activity Review
Expensive but worth it. Very well set up and a great way to start (or end) an Iceland trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Dec 08, 2023
Thanks for the great review, Kim, I'm so glad you had a rewarding trip, with (mostly) good weather. It was a real pleasure working with you!
Awesome trip. Saw so much in 10 days and real...
Iceland
|
Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2023
Jennifer R.
Hanover, PA
| Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Awesome trip. Saw so much in 10 days and really appreciated having to plan so little!! Totally worth the cost and wil use kimkim in the future.
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Awesome trip. Saw so much in 10 days and really appreciated having to plan so little!! Totally worth the cost and wil use kimkim in the future.
Hotel Reviews
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar
Lovely location. Rooms basic and small but clean. Restaurant was excellent.
Locks on room doors were REALLY hard to open with the keys. They really need to modernize the locks.
Location
Great hike along the coast from the hotel. Views of the glacier.
Fosshótel Reykholt
Reykholt
Much more modern than the first Fosshotel.
We enjoyed the hot tub and spa here. The restaurant was also very good.
The Greenhouse Hotel
Hveragerdi
Cool place in a great area. Rooms were small but nice. Food hall downstairs was great for late meals when everything else was closed.
Staff
Very helpful thank Ben we had a problem with a room lock.
Volcano Huts Þórsmörk
Thorsmork
We stayed in the Glamping tents. They were beautiful. My only complaint is that the tiny heater in tent number two did a pretty poor job of keeping us warm at night. Thank goodness for the heavy down comforters!
Staff
Great at recommending hikes.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Better beat for tents. Showers were also cold unless you waited for the first one. Bathrooms were pretty nasty and need to be cleaned better.
Pretty dated but very nice rooms. Their new hot tub was beautiful. The restaurant was excellent.
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Lovely, modern hotel in a tiny town in South Iceland. The rooms were beautiful. The common spaces at the hotel are also beautiful. The breakfast was excellent.
Apótek Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík
Great location right in the heart of historic area. Rooms were small, but well appointed. The bathrooms are beautiful. I was a bit disappointed that the bar was so crazy but we happen to be there on the day of the pride parade so I’m guessing it’s not normally that crowded.
Staff
Efficient bit not terribly friendly.
Activity Reviews
Magical first stop. It was not very crowded because we were there early. The kids loved it.
Quality of Experience
The dressing rooms need to be warmer, especially because they don’t give you robes unless you pay extra. Bigger towels would also be nice.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff not very friendly.
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland
Did this with her two teenage boys. It was very cool. It was a bit cold, but not intolerable. The staff was awesome.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland
I loved this experience. It was very informative and beautiful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Iceland
Our boat captain, Adam, was fantastic. He clearly loves his job and his country. This was my favorite experience of the whole trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy
| Replied on Aug 20, 2023
Thanks so much for your great and informative review, Jennifer. It was a pleasure to work with you and I'm really glad you had such a wonderful time with your family. Thanks for the pics as well, I always enjoy seeing travelers in situ. Wishing you exciting adventures in the future.
Duncan
