Rebecca Manzi South Africa as you've never seen it (or almost): covered by a heavy snowfall which gave rise to unusual and breathtaking scenarios posted on the web
@yvettecarmen101/Instagram
In recent days, South Africa has experienced a rare weather phenomenon: a significant cold snap that brought heavy snowfall to various regions of the country. This unusual event transformed typically warm and dry landscapes into snow-covered scenes, creating a unique and unexpected spectacle.
The snow primarily blanketed the highest peaks of the Western Cape, the elevated areas of the Eastern Cape, and the southern parts of Lesotho. However, it was particularly surprising to see snowflakes reach Johannesburg, an occurrence that had only happened sporadically in recent years, most recently in 2023, 2012, and 1996.
In these regions, the snowfall turned landscapes known for extreme temperatures into scenes of rare winter beauty. The weather forecasts indicate that the snowfall will continue to intensify over the weekend, with accumulations ranging from light to significant across four South African provinces.
Challenges amidst the beauty
This phenomenon not only surprised residents but also offered tourists a rare opportunity to observe wildlife like lions, giraffes, and zebras under a blanket of snow. Images shared on social media show how safaris have transformed into truly unusual experiences.
Tourists have documented breathtaking scenes of wildlife in the snow, with elephants and rhinoceroses moving cautiously in an environment unusual for them. This spectacle has attracted attention and enthusiasm from many, making the South African winter a unique tourist attraction.
South Africa experiences its winter from June to August, but snow is a rare event, typically confined to the inland mountainous areas. Despite causing significant disruptions for residents, including the displacement of around 15,000 people, this snowfall has offered a fascinating and unique glimpse into the beauty of the African winter.
