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South Africa

Season Guide

Summer (November to February): Warm, sunny weather perfect for beach holidays along the coast. Expect lively energy in cities like Cape Town, with peak tourist activity and festive celebrations.

Autumn (March to May): Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make this a fantastic time to explore Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Winelands, with harvest season in full swing.

Winter (June to August): Cool, dry weather brings prime safari conditions in game reserves like Kruger and Madikwe, with excellent wildlife viewing and fewer mosquitoes.

Spring (September to October): A beautiful season for wildflower displays in the Western Cape and pleasant sightseeing in Cape Town and beyond. Also a great time for shoulder-season travel with fewer tourists.

Top Regions To Visit

Cape Town & the Western Cape

Home to Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route, this region offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and coastal charm. Highlights include Table Mountain, Robben Island and world-class wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Kruger National Park & Greater Kruger

This is South Africa’s most well-known safari destination, offering the chance to see the Big Five in both public and private game reserves. The area suits a range of travellers, from self-drivers to those looking for guided, luxury experiences.

KwaZulu-Natal

Located on the east coast, KwaZulu-Natal is known for its subtropical beaches, mountain ranges and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Drakensberg Mountains, coastal cities like Durban and wildlife reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.

North West & Madikwe Game Reserve

This region is ideal for safari-goers looking for a malaria-free alternative to Kruger, offering a good range of family-friendly lodges. The Madikwe Game Reserve is known for excellent wildlife sightings, including wild dogs.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape combines coastal landscapes with private game reserves and a strong sense of local history. It’s a good option for those wanting to self-drive from the Garden Route or explore parks like Addo Elephant National Park.

Unforgettable Experiences

Take the cable car up Table Mountain at sunset to witness the panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and distant mountain ranges - a truly breathtaking way to see the city from above. On clear evenings, you can watch the landscape change colour as the sun dips below the horizon.

Sleep under the stars in an open-air safari sleepout deck and experience the bush in a whole new way -safely elevated with only the sounds of nature around you. It's a peaceful and immersive way to end a day of wildlife viewing.

Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains with sweeping views, waterfalls and the chance to see ancient San rock art - some of the best-preserved in the world.

Join a private guided night drive in Madikwe to be in with the chance of spotting nocturnal wildlife like aardvark, bush babies and owls; animals rarely seen during the day. The experience adds a whole new dimension to your understanding of the bush.

Track elephants on foot in Addo Elephant National Park ; a guided experience that offers a deeper understanding of these giants and their behaviour. It is a peaceful but powerful way to connect with the wildlife and landscape.

LaTrove’s Top Travel Tips For South Africa

LaTrove’s Top Travel Tips For

South Africa

Dine with the locals: Instead of tourist-heavy spots, ask for chef’s tables or home-cooked meals in small towns: a seafood braai in Hermanus, farm-to-table lamb in the Karoo, or artisanal chocolate tasting in Franschhoek.

Our Favourite Places To Stay

Jaci's Lodges

Family Travel, Honeymoon, Safaris, Journeys of A Lifetime
Madikwe

Set in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, Jaci’s Lodges offer two distinct yet equally unforgettable safari experiences. Jaci’s Tree Lodge features luxurious, elevated treehouse-style suites designed for couples seeking romance and seclusion among the treetops, while Jaci’s Safari Lodge is ideal for families and groups, with spacious suites and vibrant communal spaces. Both lodges blend bold design with warm hospitality, offering immersive game drives, outdoor dining and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Marataba Safari Lodge

Family Travel, Honeymoon, Safaris, Journeys of A Lifetime
Marakele National Park

Marataba Safari Lodge is a stylish and intimate retreat set within a private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park, where dramatic mountains meet vast plains. The lodge’s luxury tented suites offer breathtaking views, elegant interiors, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. With twice-daily game drives, boat safaris and warm, attentive service, Marataba delivers an exclusive safari experience in one of South Africa’s most striking landscapes.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Family Travel, Safaris, Honeymoons, Food & Wine
Grootbos

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-reserve nestled between mountain and sea in South Africa’s fynbos-rich Western Cape. Offering elegant suites, world-class cuisine and immersive nature-based experiences, it’s a haven for travellers seeking sustainability without compromise. From marine safaris and horse riding to botanical tours and wine tastings, Grootbos invites guests to connect deeply with nature in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Babylonstoren

Honeymoon, Food & Wine, Family Travel
Franschhoek

Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm turned luxury retreat, set in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Surrounded by lush, formal gardens, vineyards and orchards, it offers beautifully styled farm stays, a serene spa and award-winning dining rooted in seasonal produce. With activities ranging from wine tasting to garden tours and cycling, Babylonstoren is a perfect blend of rustic charm, sustainability and refined luxury.

The Silo

Culture, Art & History, Food & Wine, Honeymoon
Cape Town

The Silo Hotel is an architectural masterpiece rising above Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, built in the historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). This striking, art-filled hotel features bold, eclectic interiors, panoramic views of Table Mountain, and a rooftop pool that’s become iconic in its own right. With world-class service, fine dining and an unmatched sense of style, The Silo offers an extraordinary urban escape in the heart of the city.

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LaTrove Travel Journal

Cordelia’s Wild South African Adventure at Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Safari

Cordelia, one of LaTrove’s seasoned leisure travel specialists, recently ventured to the breathtaking Jaci’s Tree Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve, tucked away in the northwestern corner of South Africa. Known for its pristine landscapes and Big Five game sightings, Madikwe holds an undeniable charm, and Jaci's blends perfectly into its untamed beauty. From rare wildlife sightings to candlelit dinners under the stars, her experience was nothing short of magical.