Snow patrol
If you’re looking for a proper winter escape, here are five snowy spots that might deliver the goods. But even if the snow is absent, fireside snuggling is guaranteed!
SUTHERLAND
Sutherland is on a high plateau in the Northern Cape and routinely records the coldest temperatures in South Africa.
Pack your warmest clothes (and socks!) and make a weekend of it. If the snow stays away and the skies are clear, at least you’ll have incredible stars to console yourself with. It’s no accident that the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is nearby. salt.ac.za; discoversutherland.co.za visitsutherland.co.za
NOTTINGHAM ROAD
This village in the KZN Midlands has been known to experience its fair share of snowfall. The Nottingham Road Hotel ( nottieshotel.co.za) and the Bierfassl restaurant and pub ( bierfassl.co.za) serve mulled wine when it gets extra chilly – the perfect accompaniment to a snow day.
DULLSTROOM
Often likened to the Scottish Highlands, Dullstroom on the Mpumalanga highveld is a magical winter escape. Check out our jam-packed feature on p 96. If you do nothing else, pop into Wild About Whisky ( wildaboutwhisky.com) and ward off the cold with a dram of Scotland’s – or South Africa’s – finest.
CERES
When it snows in Matroosberg Nature Reserve and surrounds, as it often does in late winter, hordes of Capetonians descend upon Ceres to experience the wonder of building wonky snowmen and flopping downtomakesnowangels.
Pro tip: It’s worth taking a day’s leave in the week if the forecast is good, to avoid the weekend crowds.
ceres.org.za; matroosberg.com
HOGSBACK
High in the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, Hogsback is a snow hunter’s dream destination. Find a cosy cabin to escape to, and pack extra hot chocolate and firewood to keep the chill at bay.
hogsback.com
Visit snowreport.co.za or search for “Snow Report SA” on Facebook for updates.