Heavy snow has blanketed the Sani Pass and parts of Lesotho, with authorities closing the mountain border route to travellers due to hazardous conditions.
Images shared by Southern Drakensberg on Thursday showed the iconic pass covered in snow, while tourism operators described it as the first major snowfall of the year.
Sani Mountain Escape said snowfall began on Thursday morning.
Snow in Drakensberg. Photo: Keryn Rowley
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“Today was the first major snowfall of the year,” the establishment said.
While snowfall typically attracts visitors to the area, operators warned that severe weather can also disrupt tourism.
“It does pick up a bit since people want the snow experience,
“But it is also challenging because with heavy snow, the Sani Pass does get closed and visitors cannot visit. For example, today the border has closed travel up the pass, for good safety reasons, of course.”
Underberg resident Keryn Rowley said snow had not yet fallen in the town itself, but was clearly visible on the surrounding mountains and along the Sani Pass.
Heavy snow has blanketed the Sani Pass and parts of Lesotho, with authorities closing the mountain border route to travellers due to hazardous conditions. Photo: Sani Mountain Escape
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“We love the snow. It is exciting and refreshing. We have a big rush of tourists when it snows, and we love to share our beautiful surroundings,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho border post at the top of Sani Pass has been closed until further notice.
Authorities in Lesotho have advised that the port of entry is closed to travellers and requested that no visitors be allowed to travel to the top of the pass.
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The snowfall comes as severe weather continues to affect parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service said daytime temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with light snowfall possible over high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, southern Northern Cape and north-eastern parts of the Western Cape.
They also issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms from 10 am on Thursday until 11:59 pm.
Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning are expected across large parts of the province.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution, avoid low-lying roads and bridges, and remain indoors where possible during severe weather conditions.
The weather service warned that vulnerable livestock and crops may be affected by the cold weather, while strong winds and snowfall could make travel difficult on mountain passes.
SAWS has urged residents to monitor official forecasts and warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, refrain from crossing flooded roads and rivers, and take precautions to protect livestock and pets.
