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South Africa's Ice Wars: A Look at the Country's Coldest Spots

Chilling in Africa: A Tale of Two Cold Spots, let's explore unexpected cold areas in South Africa, and the competition between Sutherland and Buffelsfontein for the title of coldest place in Africa.

Cold snow in Africa

South Africa's Ice Wars: A Tale of Two Towns

South Africa, widely celebrated for its warm and sunny climate, holds some surprising secrets within its geographical diversity. Nestled amid its varied landscapes are unexpected areas that experience extreme cold, challenging the common perceptions of the region's weather. This phenomenon has given rise to a lighthearted yet competitive rivalry between two specific locales: Sutherland, known as the coldest permanently inhabited town in the country, and Buffelsfontein, a private farm that proudly boasts the national record for the lowest temperature ever recorded.

Sutherland is a town in the Northern Cape that is famous for its chilly winter nights and occasional snowfall. The town's high altitude and geographical features contribute to its cold climate, attracting visitors who are curious about its winter landscapes.

On the other hand, Buffelsfontein is a private farm close to Sutherland and holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in South Africa. This location often experiences extremely cold winters, making it a notable example of the country’s climatic extremes.

Experiencing Snow in Africa

Snow in Africa is a rare occurrence, primarily confined to high-altitude regions like the Drakensberg Mountains and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. When snow does fall, it can disrupt daily life, impacting transportation, agriculture, and even access to essential services.


Communities in areas that get a lot of snow have built special structures and systems to deal with harsh winter weather. For example, they have roofs designed to keep snow from piling up too much, which can be a real safety concern. They also set up drainage systems to prevent flooding when the snow melts. Snow fences are placed in certain spots to stop snow from drifting into roads and pathways.

South African buildings in snow areas usually have features like thicker windows and better insulation to keep the cold out and save on heating costs. All of these efforts show how African communities winter throughout the season.

South Africa's Ice Coldest Spots

The Battle for South Africa's Chill Crown

Buffelsfontein holds the record for the lowest temperature in South Africa, a frigid 0°F recorded on June 18, 1996. However, Sutherland consistently experiences cold winters, with an average yearly temperature of 52°F. This ongoing debate highlights the diverse climate within South Africa and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by extreme weather conditions.


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