Here’ s a whistle-stop tour of snowy SA winter stays...
Western Cape Here, Matroosberg in the Hex River Valley is the classic choice. Just two hours from Cape Town, its peaks are often dusted in white, drawing 4x4 adventurers for sledging, snowball fights and sweeping views. Nearby, Ceres and the Bo-Kloof area provide cosy farm stays, roaring fireplaces and luxe wine estates perfect for warming up after a cold day outdoors.
Eastern Cape Further afield, the Eastern Cape Highlands offer a quieter kind of winter magic. Villages like Rhodes, Lady Grey and Barkly East feel frozen in time, with their sandstone cottages, trout streams and star-filled skies. For a more elevated stay, Tenahead Mountain Lodge sits high on Naudésnek Pass beneath the snow-capped Ben Macdhui.
Lesotho & SA border Across the border, Afriski in Lesotho boasts the most reliable snowfall in the region. Reached via the dramatic Sani Pass, it offers winter sports as well as hiking and biking once the thaw begins. Many travellers base themselves in Underberg or Himeville on the South African side.
KwaZulu-Natal In KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensberg delivers misty peaks and occasional snowfall. Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle and Giant’ s Castle offer dramatic scenery, hiking, San rock art and comfortable lodges. Scenic Witsieshoek in nearby Free State sits high beneath the Sentinel Peak and often catches a light dusting of snow.
Free State & The Golden Gate Highlands The Free State’ s Clarens and Golden Gate Highlands also transform in winter, their sandstone cliffs sometimes turning white. The village itself is perfect for a relaxed weekend of galleries, craft beer and fireside stays.
Northern Cape For something different, head to Sutherland in the Northern Cape, South Africa’ s coldest town, where you’ ll find snowfalls between June and August. Karoo guest farms offer cosy fireplaces and exceptional stargazing once the skies clear.
Mpumalanga & more In Mpumalanga, Dullstroom’ s frosty mornings and occasional snowfall make it a favourite, while Long Tom Pass and Wakkerstroom can also surprise visitors. Meanwhile, the Cederberg( Western Cape) and Hogsback( Eastern Cape) add a different touch of winter magic, with( admittedly rare) snowfalls, indigenous forests and misty mountain charm.
58 | WINTER 2026 • rovesa. co. za