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Wine, wilderness and an unforgettable African safari

Africa

South Africa is home to all the bona-fide cool stuff. Formidable landscapes, fascinating history and of course incredible wildlife. Elephants, leopards, lions, you name it, South Africa claims it. Zebra! Yes, plenty of zebra. Giraffe! Oh yes, lots of them. And then another trillion forms of animal life to marvel at.

Showcasing everything from The Big Five, to The Little Five, birds, bushveld and enough critters to make you go cuckoo (and yes they have them too). There is nothing more spectacular than experiencing a private game reserve and spectacular Table Mountain at its helm, Cape Town is one of the world’s most visually impressive cities. Along with its beauty, it also offers incredible wining and dining experiences – check out the V&A Waterfront!

Explore up the coast and you’ll be treated to an abundance of vineyards, we highly recommend stopping at Nederburg Wines for a tasting – their merlot is divine. South Africa takes first prize for WOW!

Connect with an Africa specialist

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Tracie Thome

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

My travel career started in South Africa in the early 1990s and I have been involved in many different aspects of the travel industry since then. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity travel offers, especially learning about new and exciting destinations. I am very people focused and thrive on planning the perfect holiday experiences for my clients.

Tracie

Charlotte Chalman

House of Travel Invercargill

Travel -it broadens our views, creates lasting memories and allows you to take a break from the ordinary.

In recent years, I have taken to much more adventurous travel, heading to Central Asia and exploring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, exploring much of Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Shanghai and looking forward to our next adventures in Africa.

I love travelling with my family and seeing my teenage girls minds blown by the experiences they have in different countries - different ways of living, different foods, different cultures, amazing sites (and sights!) and really seeing what is important to other people outside of NZ.

I love hearing about the epic adventures people have planned and love helping pull things together to give you your Best Holiday Ever. Give me a call or send me an email to get started on your next journey.

Charlotte

Megan McCall

House of Travel Christchurch City

Megan brings to the team a fantastic sense of humour and positive attitude along with a wealth of international knowledge from her own travels throughout the world.

Whether it be a business meeting in Singapore, or coordinating a sports team travelling to international competitions; Megan's extensive expertise with airlines and airfares is first class.

"I understand what is important to you and your organisation for all your business travel needs."

Megan's wealth of travel knowledge with 30 years travel industry experience is an asset to our team. See for yourself how Megan's easy, welcoming, and professional approach provides confidence for any travel requirement.

Favourite place to visit: Thailand
Next place on the list to visit: USA

Megan

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

My love for travel began early - at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I've never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and knew I'd found my dream career. Even know, I still smile every day coming to work - I truly LOVE what I do.

I did step away from the travel industry for a few years to raise my family, but the pull of travel was simply too strong. Coming back confirmed what I already knew: there is nothing else I would rather be doing. No two days are ever the same, and helping to create someone's dream holiday is a true privilege.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialize in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I'm especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, a tailor-made Europe itinerary or a cruising holiday, I'll work with you to create a trip that fits within your budget and needs.

I pride myself on attention to detail and prompt turnaround times with my work. I believe I also go above and beyond for my clients - many now see me more as a friend, because we've built such strong relationships. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, I'm here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I'm known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I'll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

I live on our dairy farm in Reporoa with my Husband Mathew and our three young children, who go to school in Rotorua. We are a busy sporting family, so I understand the #mumlife juggle and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday, either as a family or for a lush couples' getaway!

Some of our favourite family trips have been around Vietnam and to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and next on our list with the kids in Japan. For my husband and I, a favourite recent trip was to Bali - the beachfront cocktails were amazing! Our next couples' getaway is to Langkawi in Malaysia!

Don't just dream about it - lets start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn your travel dreams into your next boarding pass.

Sarah