When individuals consider Africa, snow is never a part of the picture. Tropical coastlines, sun-drenched savannahs, and expansive deserts normally come to thoughts. Nevertheless, a number of locations throughout the continent recurrently expertise snow , and never simply on its tallest peaks.
Some of the iconic snow-capped websites is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa’s highest mountain. Its summit stays frozen year-round, because of its towering elevation, equatorial commerce winds, and high-altitude anti-trades. Temperatures on the peak can plunge between -15°C and -29°C, particularly in the course of the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months (June to September).
READ MORE: King Paluta drops diss track instead of apologising for stage insult
Farther south, Lesotho gives one other shocking glimpse of snow in Africa. The mountainous kingdom is the one nation on the planet located fully above 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) in elevation. Nestled inside South Africa, it’s also one in every of solely three enclave international locations globally, alongside San Marino and Vatican Metropolis.
In Lesotho’s winter, snow is widespread , particularly within the Maloti and Drakensberg Mountains. Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, sits at 1,600 metres, with temperatures starting from simply above freezing at evening to 16°C in the course of the day. The mountainous terrain recurrently data sub-zero temperatures and snowfall.
READ MORE: King Paluta lashes out at fan during London show for not enjoying his performance
Sure, Lesotho is dwelling to a ski resort , the Afriski Mountain Resort. Its high-altitude location makes it appropriate for snowboarding in the course of the winter months. On common, Lesotho sees about eight snowfalls a yr, based on scientists. This yr, unseasonal snowfall was even recorded in spring.
NASA’s satellite tv for pc pictures captured heavy snow over the Maloti-Drakensberg vary in late September, confirming an unusually late snowfall pushed by a cut-off low-pressure system , air plenty that turn into separated from the primary jet stream and convey unpredictable climate.
READ MORE: ‘Please forgive her’ – Agradaa’s husband goes on his knees to beg Ghanaians
Maseru, the capital, has a temperate local weather. Summers (December–February) are heat with occasional thunderstorms, whereas winters (June–August) are dry however chilly, with temperatures dropping near freezing. Larger elevations, resembling Oxbow Lodge at 2,500 metres, are colder nonetheless , with icy nights and better snowfall.
When to Go to Lesotho
READ MORE: Your Weekly Pulse: Top 5 entertainment stories in Ghana you may have missed( 7- 11 July)
The very best time to go to Lesotho is in the course of the summer time months (December to February), regardless of the rains. It’s hotter and extra accessible than the chilly, dry winters. Nevertheless, spring and autumn , particularly April and September , additionally provide delicate climate and fewer downpours.
What to Pack
Winter (June–August): Heat clothes, down jackets, gloves, and mountain climbing boots are important.
Summer season (December–February): Mild clothes for the day, a heat layer for evenings, waterproofs, and a solar hat.
READ MORE: 7 reasons people still love Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré even though he’s a military leader
Quick information about Lesotho’s chilly local weather
1. Excessive Elevation
Lesotho is the one nation on the planet fully above 1,000 meters in elevation.
2. Mountainous Terrain
The Drakensberg and Maloti Mountains dominate the panorama of the nation. These mountains lure chilly air and obtain seasonal snowfall in winter (Could to August).
3. Winter Local weather
Winter temperatures can drop beneath -10°C in highland areas.
READ MORE: 10 reasons Ghana and Nigeria are the real twins of West Africa ; you can’t separate them
Africa’s local weather is way extra numerous than many assume. From the glaciers of Kilimanjaro to the ski slopes of Lesotho, the continent gives gorgeous , and infrequently shocking , winter experiences. Whether or not you are a snow chaser or just interested in local weather oddities, these African locations show that the continent is filled with surprises , together with snow.
