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South Africa

Wild beauty, bold cities and once-in-a-lifetime moments


Wildlife, wine and wonder

South Africa is a country that dazzles with diversity – from wild savannahs to edgy cityscapes to the turquoise coastline and white sands of your dreams.

Watch elephants, giraffes and rhinos roam at sunrise in Kruger National Park, feel the sea breeze on your face at Cape Point, or hike Table Mountain for panoramic views that will leave you utterly speechless.

In Cape Town, colourful neighbourhoods, harbourside precincts and buzzing food markets are brimming with life, while Johannesburg hums with creativity and a bold, artistic spirit.

Food and wine lovers are in for a treat – sip award-winning vintages in the Cape Winelands, feast on fiery Durban curries, discover Cape Malay flavours in Bo-Kaap, and tuck into sizzling braai (barbecue) wherever you go.

Up for adventure? South Africa has it in spades – cage-diving with great whites, hiking, kayaking with penguins, river rafting, cycling and so much more.

Get chatting with our South African specialists – your adventure of a lifetime is calling!

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to South Africa takes roughly 20 hours with a stopover. It's a bit of a haul but that will immediately be forgotten when you see your first baby elephant or herd of zebra.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit South Africa depends on where you're headed: May to September is ideal for safaris, spring and autumn shine in Cape Town, and Durban’s coast offers warm, beach-perfect weather year-round.

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Time difference

South Africa is 10-11 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving here so there's a bit of an adjustment to be made.

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 South Africa specialists

Erica Banks

Erica Banks

House of Travel Milford

Originally from the UK and with over 30 years in the Travel Industry I have been lucky enough to travel to many wonderful places in the world - my favourite trips have usually included seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

I love planning trips off the beaten track as well your dream holiday or cruise.  I have been looking after many of my clients for several years and enjoy getting to know them personally to ensure I can find what will suit them best

I am a CLIA Cruise Master and have received the HOT Customer Champion award a couple of times – I appreciate feedback received that clients find me to be “professional and friendly.

Erica

Vanessa Allan

Vanessa Allan

House of Travel Christchurch City

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa; Vanessa has been in the travel industry for 24 years and has proudly called herself a kiwi for the past 5 years. Starting her career in planning holidays for clients, Vanessa quickly found her passion is with business travel - working in this fast past division of travel drives her every day. 

"I love building strong relationships with my clients. I thrive on a good challenge and love to sink my teeth into a big group. Attention to detail and customer satisfaction is paramount to me. I like to think outside the box providing my clients with the best possible solutions to their travel needs." 

When away from the desk, family time is important for Vanessa. Along with her husband she loves to watch and support their teenage son in his sporting endeavors. When off the side-lines she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially outdoors and finding new and interesting places to dine. 

When Vanessa travels, she loves to experience new cultures, food and wine throughout the world. 

Favourite place to visit: London
Next place on the list to visit: Italy

Vanessa 

Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

Lisa Cooper

Lisa Cooper

House of Travel Rangiora

My passions are travel & people which is why I love what I do! I love to share in the excitement of your travel planning and help create your dream holiday! I also understand there is not a one size fits all for travel and will ensure your holiday is individualised to you!

I've been lucky enough to visit so many amazing countries of the world and I would love to help you do the same whether it is a family trip to Aussie, a river cruise in Europe, relaxing Island getaway or an adventurous safari in Africa. 

My office hours are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am -3pm

Lisa

Our fave customer holiday pics in Africa

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