FRANSCHHOEK

Tiaan van Zyl from Cape Town writes: I regularly hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve near Franschhoek. The mountains are often snow-capped in winter. It’s only an hour’s hike up to Uitkyk (1 093 m), the first viewpoint, which is usually high enough if there’s been a decent dusting.

I took this photo in late August 2021. My fiancée’s father and I went for a hike – he’d never seen snow up close before. The “easy” trail to Uitkyk was more challenging than usual because the streams were frozen over. We had to walk next to the trail in places because it was so slippery.

You can easily twist your ankle if you can’t see how deep the snow is. I wore high-cut hiking boots, which helped a lot. They protect your ankles and offer extra support, especially when you’re also carrying a heavy backpack. Also make sure to wear warm clothing, like a beanie, thick socks, a thermal long-sleeve top, a thick jacket and something like a K-Way fleece top.

Follow Tiaan on Instagram: @tiaanvanzyl_za

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Entry R70 per adult; free for kids under 12. There are several trails.

Where? Follow the R45 south from Franschhoek and up the pass – the reserve entrance is on the left as you reach the top of the pass.

Contact: montrochellehiking.co.za

SNOW REPORT SA

The snow-loving people at Snow Report SA collate weather forecasts and put out the best possible snow prediction. Follow them on Instagram (@snowreportsa) or Facebook (search “Snow Report SA”) or check out their website snowreport.co.za – they even have webcams at various locations so you can be sure the white stuff is really on the ground before you pack the car.