Do you want to build a snowman? The Karoo town of Sutherland is best known for two things, starry skies and snow. Situated in the heart of the Roggeveld region and less than 5 hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is the perfect place to experience a ‘real winter’ in sunny South Africa.

Sutherland’s open and clear starry skies have led to it being home to the Southern Africa Large Telescope, the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The telescope is used for analysing the size and age of the universe and studying star systems a billion times too far away to be seen with the naked eye.

Sutherland is South Africa’s coldest town. It is freezing cold in winter, sometimes reaching temperatures as low as -17 degrees. These extreme winters have actually become an attraction for the town with tourists from other parts of the country who want to experience snow and ‘real winter’ flock to Sutherland during the winter months.

Outdoor activities are in abundance in Sutherland. Some of the most popular activities you can get up to include hunting, bird watching, hiking and golf. The Karoo is considered prime hunting ground because it offers a variety of good game while being free of diseases like cholera and malaria. Some of the game that can be found here include Eland, Zebra, Bushbuck, Kudu, Elephant, Hippo and Cape Buffalo.

Enjoy your winter wonderland stay in Sutherland!