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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.

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

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"Katie understood what I required and was very efficient in completing my booking."

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"Monica was amazing to deal with. She listened to what I wanted and found me a great price. She was also very professional and friendly. Highly recommend using Monica"

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Meet our Africa consultants

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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

Monica Sawant

House of Travel Auckland City

I love to help plan my clients travel to suit their needs. I love to use some of my personal experiences to enhance my clients travel as well.

I enjoy listening to their trip highlights so I can understand them better and enhance their next travel too.

Monica

Janine Taylor

House of Travel New Plymouth

I have a passion for travel and have visited a range countries.

I would love to share my experiences with you and help you plan your trip of a lifetime.

Janine

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