Snowfall in the Eastern Cape highlands this week closed sections of the R58, forced motorists to exercise extreme caution on mountain passes and drew a steady stream of visitors to Rhodes, Barkly East and the slopes above Ben Macdhui.
Roads, warnings and disrupted travel
Provincial traffic authorities and emergency services issued warnings after a cold front delivered measurable snow to higher-lying areas. The R58 — a key route linking parts of the highlands — was reported as closed in places while authorities cleared hazards and assisted stranded travellers.
Naude’s Nek Pass and Joubert’s Pass were among the mountainous routes where snow settled on the roadway, creating slick conditions and reducing visibility. Motorists were urged to delay unnecessary travel until roads were declared safe and to carry warm clothing, food and water if travel was unavoidable.
Tourism trade-off: disruption and delight
While the storm caused travel disruptions, it also produced what local tourism operators describe as a predictable seasonal surge. Rhodes — often promoted as one of South Africa’s most reliable snow-chasing destinations — saw increased visitor numbers seeking snow-covered mornings and wood-fired fireplaces. Higher up the slopes, Tiffindell ski resort reported conditions favourable for winter activities.
Barkly East and the wider Eastern Cape Highlands experienced similar interest, with Joubert’s Pass holding onto snow longer than surrounding lowlands. The week’s weather converted routine travel warnings into a short, concentrated tourism opportunity for businesses offering accommodation, hospitality and outdoor activities.
What visitors and drivers should know
- Expect slow, potentially hazardous driving conditions on high-altitude passes; fit vehicles with appropriate tyres and carry emergency supplies.
- Check with local authorities or traffic centres for up-to-date road status before departing. Roads may reopen gradually as crews clear snow and ice.
- Bookings in Rhodes and at Tiffindell can fill quickly during snow events; confirm reservations and local weather conditions before travel.
Tourism operators in the region have long prepared for occasional winter storms. Tiffindell, situated on the slopes of Ben Macdhui and described as South Africa’s only ski resort, is specifically geared for snowfall and associated visitor demand.
“There’s something genuinely lekker about a country with as little snow as ours turning a single cold front into its own small tourism season,” the regional commentary noted.
Local context and safety
The Eastern Cape highlands are accustomed to periodic snow during winter cold fronts. Naude’s Nek, Joubert’s Pass and the road network around Rhodes can be particularly susceptible to closures. The mixed impact of snow events — economic benefit for mountain tourism and operational strain on roads and emergency services — is a recurring feature that municipalities and tourism stakeholders try to manage through preparedness and communications.
Residents and visitors are advised to follow instructions from traffic authorities, municipal emergency services and weather updates from SAWS. Simple precautions such as fitting a full tank of fuel, carrying warm blankets, packing food and water, and having charged mobile phones can reduce risk if stranded.
As the front moves through, authorities will continue to assess road safety and issue clearances. For now, the storm has underlined the Eastern Cape highlands’ dual character in winter: at once an operational challenge for transport and an attraction for those seeking rare South African snow.
Reporting from the Eastern Cape highlands.
