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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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Angelique Anderson

House of Travel Rotorua

As the saying goes, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I feel incredibly fortunate to turn that truth into a career, helping others explore the world and enrich their lives through unforgettable journeys.

I have been privileged to travel extensively, immersing myself in diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that continue to inspire and energize me.
Growing up in South Africa gave me the unique opportunity to experience my own “backyard” for nearly 40 years. The breathtaking nature of Africa will always hold a special place in my heart.
My travels across the UK, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other European cities have deepened my appreciation for history and culture.
The perfect holiday for me is anywhere spent with my husband and our amazing daughters. As a family, we tend to gravitate towards island destinations because they offer something for everyone. I have been fortunate to visit many beautiful islands, with my top four being the Cayman Islands, Madagascar, Fiji, and the Seychelles.

With 20 years of professional experience in the travel industry in South Africa where I specialized in Corporate, Group, and Incentive Travel. One of the proudest moment of my career was being named the ASATA (Association of Southern African Travel Agents) Corporate Consultant of the Year for 2013.

Now, I’m thrilled to bring my skills and knowledge to the New Zealand travel industry—especially here at House of Travel Rotorua. My rapid response time, attention to detail, and systematic approach will save you stress and time. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a multi-generational family trip, business travel, or a school tour group, I am here to personalise any itinerary to fit your needs.

So don’t delay—get in touch today and let me make YOUR travel dreams a reality!
Yours in travel,
Ang

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Lovely to meet you! 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 I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially passionate about tours and cruising. 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.

Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.

Sarah

Laura Cook

House of Travel Whanganui

Hey there!

I’m Laura, the smiley face you’ll spot as soon as you walk through our office door. With a serious case of wanderlust, I’ve done it all —lived abroad, cruised the seas, island-hopped, and even cruised around South Africa on the back of a motorbike. But let me tell you about my ultimate love affair Africa!

For three incredible years, I bounced between Australia and South Africa, exploring every corner of the country, often on the back of a motorbike. I’ve sat with elephants for hours, watched big cats hunting, and slept under the stars in the middle of a game reserve. My heart belongs to the wild, and if you’re an animal lover like me, trust me, Africa will capture yours too.

Nothing lights me up more than helping people experience this magic. The more I learn, the more excited I get about sharing these adventures with you! Whether it’s a dream safari, a relaxing cruise, or an off-the-beaten-path escape, I’m here to bring your travel dreams to life.

Let’s make your adventure happen!

Laura