Does it snow in Africa? Yes, it does snow in Africa! Although the continent is often thought of as having warm climates, snowfall occurs in some high-altitude regions, indicating that the temperatures are sufficiently cold for snow to form. Imagine that while one person is lounging on a Senegalese beach in the warm sunshine, another is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and dealing with the cold, snowy weather!
Let's take a closer look at where snow can be found and what makes these places unique.
1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Its summit is always covered with snow, making it an interesting subject for children studying Africa's geography. The glaciers at the top are remnants of a larger ice mass that has been shrinking due to global warming. Kids can learn how altitude affects climate and why some places are colder than others.
Mount Kilimanjaro landscape. Source: Tanzania tourism
2. Mount Kenya, Kenya
Just like Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya also has permanent snow and ice near its summit at 17,057 feet (5,199 meters). This mountain, which is situated just south of the equator, showcases how elevation can significantly alter climates, even in tropical areas.
Mount Kenya. Source: Canva
3. The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
In South Africa, the Drakensberg Mountains are known for their winter snowfall. This region transforms into a winter wonderland from June to August, attracting tourists for skiing and snow photography. Teaching children about this region can help them understand how different climates exist within a single nation and how landscapes change with the seasons.
The Drakensberg Mountain, South Africa. Photo credit: Canva
4. Lesotho
Lesotho is a high-altitude kingdom surrounded by South Africa. It experiences regular snowfall during the winter months (May to September), making it one of the few African countries where snow is common. The country's elevation means that children can learn about how geography influences weather patterns.
Lesotho. Photo credit: Canva
5. Snow in Northern Africa
While most of Northern Africa is known for its desert climate, areas like the Atlas Mountains in Morocco can receive snowfall during the winter months. Because of their beautiful winter scenery, towns like Ifrane are often compared to Switzerland. This is a great chance for children to learn about the various climates on the same continent.
Learning About Africa’s Climates
Children can better appreciate Africa's geographical diversity when they know that the continent has a range of climates, including areas that experience snowfall. Here are some engaging ways to teach kids about African geography:
Interactive Maps: Use maps to show where snow falls in Africa compared to other regions. Highlight mountains and high-altitude areas to illustrate how elevation affects climate.
Weather Experiments: Conduct simple experiments demonstrating how temperature changes with altitude. Kids can create their own "mountains" using materials like clay or paper and observe temperature differences.
Cultural Connections: Explore how different cultures in snowy regions celebrate winter. For example, discuss traditional activities in Lesotho or South Africa during snowy months.
Storytelling Adventures: Use storytelling to explain how people live in different climates. For example, Maasai herders thrive in East Africa’s grasslands, while Berber communities call the Atlas Mountains home.
Climate Matching Game: Create a game where kids match regions (like the Sahara or Mount Kenya) to their climates. It’s a great way to reinforce learning.
Fun Facts to Spark Curiosity
Snowy Surprises: Did you know Johannesburg experienced snowfall in July 2023 after a decade-long wait? This rare event excited many residents and sparked interest in learning more about weather patterns.
Skiing in Africa: Lesotho is home to Afriski, one of the few ski resorts on the continent! Kids can learn about winter sports and how they’re enjoyed even in warmer countries.
Global Warming Impact: Discuss how global warming affects glaciers on mountains like Kilimanjaro and why it's important to protect these environments.
Many may be surprised to learn that snow exists in Africa, but it offers an engaging opportunity to teach kids about geography and climate diversity. Children can interact and have fun while learning about African geography by visiting snowy places like the Drakensberg Mountains or Mount Kilimanjaro. So bundle up, grab your maps, and let’s discover the unexpected winter wonders of Africa together—because even snow in Africa has a story to tell!
