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Africa

A continent of beauty and wildlife

Africa, with all its many diverse nations (54 in total!) has a well-deserved place on many traveller’s bucket lists. Formidable landscapes? Check. Fascinating history? Check. An incredible mixed-bag of cultures? Check Check! Oh and then there’s the small matter of wildlife. Lots and lots of wildlife. And it’s not your run-of-the-mill selection of fauna either. Oh no, Africa is home to all the bona-fide cool stuff. Elephants, leopards, lions, you name it, Africa claims it. Zebra! Yes, plenty of zebra. Giraffe! 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).

You definitely don’t go to Africa and walk away with a simple shrug and a “Hmm not bad.” No way. You walk away with a newfound appreciation for the continent that takes first prize for WOW!

Planning an African Safari holiday? Connect with an Africa holiday travel specialist to create your dream holiday, today.

Flight time.

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

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.

Time difference.

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

Our Africa travel blogs

Our favourite River Cruises

River cruising is for everyone! Whether you've done it before, or it's your first time. Here's a list of our favourite river cruises to inspire your next holiday.

On a Solo'ish adventure

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? One big misconception is that you must be single if you’re travelling alone.

Wine, wilderness and an unforgettable African safari

Africa

Quick guide & tips for first-time travellers to Africa

So, if you’re deciding on your next travel destination and haven't made up your mind yet, think about taking a trip to The Mother Continent, especially if it’s your first time.

Witness the wildebeest migration in Tanzania

Tanzania

Lets go somewhere different

Here are five destinations we think everyone should experience in their lifetime.

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Meet our Africa consultants

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Jo McLaughlin

House of Travel Papamoa

Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since! No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment. I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak. I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair. Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights! I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members. Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team.

I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable. I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients. I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.

I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK. As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays. I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America. I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour. I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!

My partner Duncan and I have two children, a son 10 and daughter 8 whom we took on holiday to Plantation Island in Fiji for a week. We have also spent 2 weeks in Bali as a family in 2023. Duncan and I also experienced a Viking cruise earlier this year which we absolutely loved! Our latest holiday was spending 5 nights in Fiji at the All Inclusive Naviti Resort.

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block with cows, sheep, chickens, cats, and our gorgeous dog Millie. We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.

I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.

Toni Rendell

House of Travel Rotorua

As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.

Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you to create the perfect holiday.

Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.

There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.

So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.

Toni

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

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

Nigel Bennett

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

I love and get joy from creating amazing holidays and experiences for people.

I have travelled extensively all around the world so wherever you want to go or whatever you want to do I can assist you with reaching your dream holiday.

Nigel