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Africa

A continent of breathtaking landscapes and epic wildlife

Zebras at Serengeti National Park

Africa, home to an amazing 54 nations, absolutely deserves a place on every traveller's bucket list. Think towering dunes, rolling savannah, a riveting past, and a tapestry of cultures so vibrant you’ll feel energised at every turn. Then there’s the wildlife. Elephants, leopards, lions… you name it, Africa proudly boasts it. Zebras by the herd. Giraffes galore. And that’s only the beginning. From the legendary Big Five to the cheeky Little Five, plus more birds, bushveld, and curious critters than you ever imagined, Africa teems with life that’ll leave you awe-struck.

You won’t leave Africa with a half-hearted shrug. You’ll take home a brand-new appreciation for the continent that sets the benchmark for wow.

Ready to plan that dream African safari? Connect with an Africa holiday travel specialist to turn that dream into reality.

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Flight time

Flying from Auckland to major destinations in Africa, such as Johannesburg typically takes around 20-24 hours, including at least one stopover.

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Best time to go

For South Africa, the dry winter months from May to October are ideal for wildlife safaris. For East Africa, the dry seasons from June to October and December to March are perfect to witness the Great Migration. North Africa is best visited from October to April.

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Time difference

Africa spans several time zones, but most countries are around 10 to 12 hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, GMT +12).

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"I struggled to get the flights i wanted online. Nicki at HOT could see how tricky this was but was able to get the bookings I wanted with 30 minutes, She was also able to offer good advice on seating and hotel accommodations."

Helen

"Kelly-Ann had excellent prompt communication and made our booking experience amazing. She is always happy to look at several options and gives us helpful, informed, up-to-date advice to help us make the most of our travel."

Saeran

"Kim, was very responsive, always answering our queries and adjusting our itinerary as required."

Carl

Your Africa adventure starts here - Download our Africa Brochure

Packed with expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next unforgettable Africa Small Group Wildlife Tour

Meet our Africa consultants

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Chloe McKellar

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026  :)

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Sarah Martelli

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

Fiona Muir

Fiona Muir

House of Travel Whanganui

You know how some people collect handbags or shoes, well I have a love of collecting passport stamps! I developed a bit of a passion for adventure travel since working in the States at a summer camp in my early 20’s. I have travelled to over 40 countries, doing everything from eating scorpions in China, snorkelling the Silfra fissure in Iceland, to skydiving in Namibia.

Fiona


Melanie Hubber

Melanie Hubber

House of Travel Ferrymead

I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future. 

My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.

I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years. 

I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday. 

Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination. 

I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone. 

Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for. 

Mel

Our fave customer holiday pics in Africa

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