“Snow, skiing, snowboarding… Africa?” 🏂🎿❄️🌍 Something seems off in that sentence, right? I bet you thought the mistake was Africa—but guess what? It’s not! 🤯 Today, our team is bringing you a story about a snow resort in Africa! 🏔️ Still can’t believe it? Well, that’s the perfect reason to check out our article below! 📖👇 Don’t worry, the article isn’t as cold as the resort itself, so you can leave your warm clothes at home while reading! 😆🧥🔥
When you think of a vacation in Africa, do you imagine endless deserts, wild jungles, or the scorching sun by the sea? Well, get ready for a surprise—because Africa also has a ski resort!
Yes, you read that right. There’s a ski resort in Africa with a one-kilometer-long slope called Afriski. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other winter activities while staying in a cozy hotel designed for chilly tourists. This unexpected destination is located in the kingdom of Lesotho, a country that is fascinating in itself.
Lesotho holds the title of the “highest” country in the world since its entire territory is at least 1.4 kilometers above sea level. Interestingly, despite being in Africa, the country has no access to the ocean—it is one of the world’s three enclave nations, completely surrounded by South Africa.
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Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” Lesotho’s mountainous landscape creates a unique climate. From June to September, temperatures can drop as low as -18°C, covering the mountain slopes in snow. However, since natural snowfall isn’t always enough, Afriski maintains its slopes with the help of snow cannons.
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When winter ends and African summer arrives from October to April, temperatures rise to around +30°C. But that doesn’t stop visitors from enjoying outdoor activities—skiers and snowboarders trade in their gear for mountain bikes, quad bikes, and horseback riding tours through the breathtaking foothills. Some also try paintball or simply take in the scenic alpine-like views.
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Interestingly, the nearby Drakensberg Mountains are home to diamond mines, where some of the world’s largest and highest-quality gems have been discovered.
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Although Afriski is still a relatively new resort, it has already become a popular getaway. Located just 4–4.5 hours by car from Pretoria and Johannesburg, it attracts many tourists, especially those eager to share their unusual African snow experience on social media!
