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Duncan Campbell

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."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Duncan

We are so glad that we took the leap to use our first travel agent!
Iceland | Sep 21 - Sep 28, 2024

Katie
Katie B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024
We are so glad that we took the leap to use our very first travel agent! Duncan was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions even when we were in the midst of our trip. He took our initial itinerary and made it something that was both fun AND intentional. I had done months of research and was met with a busy season of life where I knew I needed someone with experience in Iceland to really nail things down for us. We truly felt like we got the best of both worlds: seeing as many... Read more

We are so glad that we took the leap to use our very first travel agent! Duncan was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions even when we were in the midst of our trip. He took our initial itinerary and made it something that was both fun AND intentional. I had done months of research and was met with a busy season of life where I knew I needed someone with experience in Iceland to really nail things down for us. We truly felt like we got the best of both worlds: seeing as many amazing sights as possible with out wearing our selves out or spending too much time in the car. The peace of mind knowing that all of our lodging was to our standard and already fully booked added another layer of ease to our travels. If you are on the fence about weather or not this will be worth it I can almost guarantee it will be.

Activity Reviews
Krauma
Iceland

At first I was on the fence about a 6 pm booking but it lined up perfectly with that days drive & check in. We were the most relaxed we had ever been. Getting to watch the sun set while soaking in a geothermal pool was the cherry on top. We spent two hours there and left with dinner to go!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Iceland

A once in a life time truly breath taking experience! Amazing to be so close to such a unique force of nature. We had a very knowledgeable guide and beautiful weather the day of our hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whale Watching Tour
Whale Watching Tour
Reykjavík

It was incredible to be so close to such wild and beautiful animals. Even if we hadnt gotten to see any whales- being out on the open water and getting to see the city from a different point of view would have been worth it. The crew were very knowledgeable and had a lot of resources on board. I really appreciated the variety of seating options and look out points both indoor and outdoor.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Oct 05, 2024

Thanks so much for the great review, Katie, I'm so glad your trip was a success and ran smoothly. And congratulations on your engagement, what better place than the Diamond Beach for your and Evan's special moment.
Duncan

Duncan did a fantastic job laying out our vac...
Iceland | Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2024

Brett
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... Read more

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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The waiter for our evening was actually the Chef -- he was great to talk to and had excellent recommendations
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Nupar
Kálfafell

This was the least updated of hotel stays; however, very nice for ease of food and nice staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arnarstapi Hotel
Snæfellsbær

Very quiet location. Noting majorly remarkable -- just a nice pleasant stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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
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. Read more

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.

Authenticity & Character
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
GREAT location. We were able to walk all over the city.
Staff
Never had any dealings with staff- self check-in.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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

K
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
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
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! Read more

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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Abit out of the main town but lovely setting. We loved having access to out doors to sit in the evening!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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…
Location
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!
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar

Very pleasant place to rest/refuel! Restaurant and staff were great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
22 Hill Hotel
Reykjavík

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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

Great job by seasonal staff! Lovely space to wait in (by geothermal spa)…

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
i’m
The Geothermal Vok Baths
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.

Quality of Experience
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland

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.
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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
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. Read more

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
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Egilsstadir
Litli Geysir Hotel
Haukadalur
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík
Árnanes Country Hotel
Höfn
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Myvatn
Hotel Laugarbakki
Hvammstangi
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar
Fosshótel Reykholt
Reykholt
22 Hill Hotel
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
All self check-in, no staff but available by phone
Cleanliness & Comfort
Under renovation so lobby all torn up
Activity Reviews
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland

Absolutely gorgeous scenery. The walk was slippery, but crampons helped.

Quality of Experience
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.
Transport
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

Very interesting to see the process, but a very short tour.

The Geothermal Vok Baths
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
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland

Fascinating environment; excellent tour guide. Early in the spring so path was very icy in parts.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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

M
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... Read more

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
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
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
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

F
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! Read more

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Húsafell
Húsafell, Borgarbyggð

Such a beautiful spot in West Iceland, with little around to take away from the beauty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Egilsen
Stykkishólmur

Absolutely loved the character of this place. So intimate and fun with its unique flair.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

The staff was amazing and made sure that our stay, over Christmas Eve, was very enjoyable. The food was so good!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Gullfoss
Tungufell

Great location near the geyser and waterfall. We loved the staff and this location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sandhotel
Reykjavík

What a great location in Reykjavík! We could walk to everything we wanted to see and everyone was so kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland

This cave tour was such a fun experience. Our guide was knowledgable and entertaining. He led a wonderful tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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
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! Read more

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
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Expensive but worth it. Very well set up and a great way to start (or end) an Iceland trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
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!