Louis Trichardt (officially Makhado, but commonly still called Louis Trichardt) sits in northern Limpopo at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountains, 100 km south of the Beit Bridge border post with Zimbabwe. The town is a major agricultural centre — citrus, avocado, macadamia nuts, tea, and tropical fruit farming dominate the local economy. The Soutpansberg is one of the country's most biodiverse mountain ranges and the area is the gateway to Mapungubwe and the far north of the Kruger.

Where conferences happen

Bergwater Hotel, Schoemansdal Conference Centre, Hartebeesfontein Country Lodge, plus a cluster of small country hotels and farm-stay venues handle local conferencing. Larger events split with Polokwane.

When to pick Louis Trichardt

Agricultural-sector conferences (citrus, macadamia, tea industry events), far-north Limpopo provincial events, and partner programmes paired with Mapungubwe World Heritage Site or northern Kruger.

Getting there

Polokwane International Airport is 1 hour 30 minutes south. OR Tambo International is 5 hours via the N1.

Climate and seasonality

Subtropical Bushveld — hot wet summers, warm dry winters with cool nights. Soutpansberg microclimate is noticeably wetter than the surrounding plains.