SOUTH AFRICA - August 2011: A snowman next to the road leading to Matroosberg peak, near Ceres. Feature text available. (Photo by Gallo Images / GO! / Jon Minster)

SOUTH AFRICA – August 2011: A snowman next to the road leading to Matroosberg peak, near Ceres.

Ten places in South Africa you’ll probably get to see snow in winter [pictures]

Here are some ideas for places to visit if you’d like to go snow chasing in South Africa’s winter.

SOUTH AFRICA - August 2011: A snowman next to the road leading to Matroosberg peak, near Ceres. Feature text available. (Photo by Gallo Images / GO! / Jon Minster)

SOUTH AFRICA – August 2011: A snowman next to the road leading to Matroosberg peak, near Ceres.

If you live in one of South Africa’s major cities, snow might be something quite alien to you. In fact, some of us might even be guilty of having uttered: it doesn’t snow here!

But if you keep a beady eye on the news, you’ll know that large parts of the country does get snow every year – and it’s absolutely gorgeous. As anyone who lives in snowy areas will tell you, though, it’s not always so nice for the people who live there, but if it’s a winter wonderland you’re after, we’ve got you covered.

This list is by no means definitive, there are many other places across the country where you are likely to see snow. It might also not snow at the places listed below this year.

Use it as guide and map your own way to better explore this beautiful country of ours.

1. Matroosberg

mallix / flickr

Located 35km outside of Ceres, and about two hours outside of Cape Town, Matroosberg is one of the places where it snows the most and most frequently in the Western Cape.

Where to stay

Matroosberg Reserve has affordable accommodation, starting at R55 per person for campsites.

2. Sutherland

Jean Bruning / flickr

Sutherland is gorgeous any time of the year, but even more so when the snow falls. Don’t expect anything fancy, but do expect plenty of good hospitality.

Where to stay

Cosy guesthouses in this small Karoo town start from R210 per person on RoomsForAfrica.

3. Hogsback

Kings Lodge / RoomsforAfrica

Hogsback is one of the most breathtaking spots in South Africa and possibly the world. It doesn’t snow here every year, but when it does, you are in for a treat. Even if it doesn’t snow, it’s worth visiting.

Where to stay

The Kings Lodge is located in the heart of the Hogsback and it offers comfortable, self-catering options starting from R325 per person. Think old-school cabin in the woods, away from civilization.

4. Sani Pass

Andrew Roos /flickr

Sani Pass is nestled in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, on the road between Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong, Lesotho.

Where to stay

About 20km from the Sani Pass, on the foothills of the Drakensberg, you’ll find Khotso Guest Farm which offers accommodation starting at just R240 per night.

5. Malealea

Di.Malealea /flickr

We’re cheating a bit with this one. These mountains are located in Lesotho and so is the lodge, but come on… landlocked country and all of that, right?

Where to stay

Accommodation in the rondavels at Malealea Lodge start at R400 per person sharing.

6. Sterkspruit

EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 15: Heavy snow hits Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape, South Africa on July 15, 2012. ((Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Felix Dlangamandla)

We’re back in the Eastern Cape with its rolling hills and vast valleys. Sterkspruit is a rural town with many smaller villages, surrounded by the Drakensberg.

Where to stay

Sterkspruit tourism has a number of recommendations on their website, with prices ranging between R600 to R1200 per person.

7. Ceres

WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA – 12 August 2009: Snow on the Theron Mountains 30km outside Ceres in the Western Cape. (Photo by Gallo Images/Foto24/Yunus Mohamed)

The Theron Mountains and Ceres is an old favourite for seeing snow and escaping the noise of the real world. It’s the ideal getaway from citybods from Cape Town.

Where to stay

Kaleo Guest Farm has self-catering accommodation starting from R300 per person. Gorgeous in summer or winter.

8. Beaufort West

WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 14: Heavy snow covers roads outside Beaufort West in the Western Cape, South Africa on July 14, 2012. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Esa Alexander)

The Karoo is an absolutely magical place and Beaufort West is a favourite spot with those who visit the area.

Where to stay

Garden Corner Guest House will hook you up for R295 per person per night.

9. Fraserburg

NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 14: The road leading to Fraserburg covered in snow in the Northern Cape on July 14, 2012. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Esa Alexander)

The Northern Cape doesn’t get the love it deserves. For those looking to switch off from the noise of everyday life, this province has so much to offer.

Where to stay

The Lapa, an ironstone rondavel, offers self-catering accommodation in rustic, rural style starting from R450 per person.

10. Lootsberg

GRAAFF REINET, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 26: Snow covers the Lootsberg Mountains on July 26, 2011 in Graaff Reinet, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Carlie Norval)

Graaff-Reinet is a hidden gem and, as with other locations on this list, it doesn’t always snow here, but look at that view, hey?

Where to stay

Ideally located on the main street of Graaff-Reinet, Karoopark Guest House has self-catering units starting from R450.

Bonus: This cobblestone cottage

SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 2013: A corbelled cottage under snow.  (Photo by Gallo Images / Home)

While putting pictures together for this feature, we stumbled across this one. There was no indication of where it was, but it’s dreamy, don’t you think?

Also read:

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