Navigation
Back

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!

Plane Stabiliser Icon

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.

Calendar Icon

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.

Watch Icon

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

Charlotte Coles

Charlotte Coles

House of Travel Riccarton

I absolutely love organising travel and turning every trip into a seamless adventure that’s perfectly tailored to you. My passion for travel is all about the details—whether it’s finding the best local spots, securing that perfect beachfront hotel or ensuring you have unforgettable experiences at every turn.

I’m all about creating stress-free, personalised journeys that suit your style, making sure every part of your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable. With me on your team, you’re in for a trip that’s as unique as you are!


Charlotte

Kelly-Ann Patterson

Kelly-Ann Patterson

House of Travel Lower Hutt

With over 20 years in the industry, I’m lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences. I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime. Whether I’m working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I’m always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life. Outside of work, I’m a proud Mum to two teenage boys, and if I could, I’d be carting around my beloved golden labrador on every trip! Passionate about what I do, I’m always ready for the next adventure—both for my clients and my own family. I’m always up for a chat, or even better, pop into the store and say hi!

Kelly-Ann 

Belinda Fifield

Belinda Fifield

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is a reason why Belinda was crowned the Top Travel Consultant in New Zealand by the Travel Agents Association of NZ... and it is her commitment to her clients. Belinda's friendly approach puts everyone at ease when planning their trip of a lifetime. She loves finding the perfect cruise for her clients and her knowledge of luxury travel throughout the world is second to none. 

"Travel has the power to enrich your life and with over 25 years travel industry experience, I will provide you with the confidence and support to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether it be time out to reconnect with your family or an engaging cultural experience, my first-hand knowledge and expertise will help you along your journey."

Away from the office Belinda loves getting outdoors for a long walk with the family dog, before sitting down and enjoying a Chardonnay with a fine meal. 

Years in the industry: 28
No. of countries visited: 28 
Favourite place to visit: Europe
Next place on the list to visit: Bali 

"Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport" - Anonymous


Why I love travel?

I absolutely love the joy and excitement of discovering new countries and cultures that travel brings. The two years of "no travel" during the pandemic has also taught me that revisiting places I've loved in the past gives me just as much joy! Connecting with people and places is very special and I am reminded of this every day in the job I do. 

I love to share my travel and industry experience with my clients so that we can build the best of holidays together! 


My travel tips: 

  • Make a bucket list and I can help make those dreams become a reality. Be sure to leave some space for those spur of the moment activities! 
  • Always get to the airport early. Much better to be checked in early, relaxing and waiting for your flight than stuck at the back of a queue wondering if you will make it. 
  • Download your travelling airlines app for flight notifications. Also download the House of Travel app before you depart so that you can access your whole travel itinerary and other useful travel information while you are on the go. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Europe - I never tire of visiting Europe. The people, history, food, wine and culture are extraordinary. The best way to see as much as possible if you are short on time is by cruise. You wake up in a different country every day. What's not to love about that. 
  • USA - this is a country that needs more than one visit to do it justice. Favourite cities in the states for me are New York, Washington, San Francisco, and Portland (Oregon). Then there are all those incredible national parks. 
  • Hawaii - deserves a mention of its own. Incredible beaches, a lovely climate year-round, fantastic outdoor activities and fabulous shopping. I recommend taking a short plane ride of one of the many magical islands that make up Hawaii. 
  • Bali - fantastic for a great value getaway whether it be with a group of friends or someone special. The accommodation options are amazing value.... be sure to ask about our villa options. 
  • Vietnam - has something for everyone even for first time visitors to Asia. Incredibly moving history, beautiful people, fabulous shopping and food, and wonderful outdoor activities. 

What's in my suitcase?

  • Kindle
  • Little black dress
  • Shoes I can walk miles in

Belinda

Charlotte Chalman

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

Our fave customer holiday pics in Africa

Follow us!
Subscribe

Want the insider word on all things travel?

Sign up below and be the first to hear about out hottest holiday deals, flights steals, and essential travel hints and tips from out team of travel specialists.

Consultant Consultant Consultant

Experience all things South Africa