I had been to Rwanda before. Few years ago I spent most of my time in Kigali, and honestly, it was one of the most beautiful cities I had visited anywhere in Africa. The people were so kind. You will not find people like that in just any country. But after I left, I kept thinking about something. What does Rwanda actually look like outside Kigali? Because Rwanda is much bigger than its capital, and I knew I had only seen a small part of the story.
So I went back. This time I wanted to go deeper into the country, past the parts everyone already shows you, and see what I missed the first time.
Rwanda Is Made Of Hills
The first thing you notice, even before you leave Kigali, is that this country is not flat anywhere. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, and once you are driving through it, you understand why. Hills stacked on top of hills, valleys folding into more valleys, all the way to the horizon. It is one of the reasons a six hour drive can feel a lot longer than it sounds. The roads curve constantly because the land itself never sits still.
And Rwanda’s roads deserve a mention on their own. Some of the smoothest, cleanest roads I have driven on anywhere in Africa. No potholes, no chaos, just a steady, comfortable ride the whole way.
For decades, Rwanda’s story was shaped by tragedy, especially what happened in 1994. But when you look at the country’s journey from then to now, the transformation is honestly hard to put into words. Rebuilding itself into a nation known for cleanliness, order, safety, and fast development. That is not something you fully understand until you see it up close.
Nyungwe Forest
I did not expect to find one of Africa’s oldest rainforests in Rwanda, but that is exactly what Nyungwe is. A forest that has survived for thousands of years, covering more than a thousand square kilometers. Standing at the edge of it and looking down at mountain after mountain stacked on top of each other, it genuinely does not feel real.
Nyungwe has a suspension bridge that stretches 170 meters across the canopy, suspended more than 70 meters above the ground. Walking across it, you learn quickly that the trick is to walk straight through the middle. If you shift left and right, the whole thing starts swinging, and that is not a feeling you want up there.
I also tried one of the longest ziplines in Africa while I was there. I have done ziplines before, but never over a forest this massive. Jumping off and flying straight above the rainforest canopy is one of those experiences I think everyone should have at least once, no matter where you are from or what you do for a living. My mother was not thrilled to hear about it afterward, but I regret nothing.
The King’s Palace In Nyanza
One of the parts of this trip that stayed with me the most was visiting the original royal palace in Nyanza, built starting in 1932. It is said that the design of Kigali’s convention center was actually inspired by the traditional way Rwandans used to build their homes, and once you see the palace, that connection makes complete sense. Every hut, every woven detail, everything about how it was built is something else.
But the thing that surprised me most inside that palace was not the architecture. It was the cows.
These are called Inyambo, the royal cattle of Rwanda, and their horns are so massive you have to stay several meters away from the fully grown ones. They used to perform ceremonial parades for the king, who apparently loved watching them, which is exactly why they are still called the loyal cows today. These cows are so respected in Rwandan culture that they are never killed or eaten. There are people whose entire job is caring for them, training them, and even singing to them while giving them massages. I have traveled to a lot of places, and I had genuinely never seen anything like it.
Lake Kivu
If the palace surprised me, Lake Kivu completely disarmed me. One of Africa’s great lakes, sitting right on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, surrounded by green hills and small islands scattered across the water. We got on a boat just to take in the view properly, and somewhere out there we found cows swimming. I had never seen anything like that before in my life.
One thing I noticed about Lake Kivu specifically is how blue the water is, compared to a lot of other lakes in Africa that tend to look more brown. It is a small detail, but it stuck with me the whole time we were out on the water.
I keep saying this throughout the trip, but I have to say it again here. I was so impressed by Rwanda. I did not expect a boat ride to become one of the most beautiful experiences of the entire trip, but it genuinely was.
Milking A Cow For The First Time
Since I was on a mission to find the most unique experiences this country had to offer, I ended up at a farm where you can learn to milk a cow yourself, and even drink the milk straight from the source. I had never done anything like this before.
There is actually a cultural rule around it too. In Rwandan tradition, you are not allowed to drink milk while standing. You have to either crouch or sit down, as a sign of respect toward the cow for giving you something to drink. So there I was, sitting down, drinking milk warm and fresh straight from the cow for the first time in my life. It tasted a little like powdered milk mixed with warm water, and it was hot, because it had just come out of the animal. I will not lie, I think I actually loved it.
What I Actually Went Looking For
I thought I already had an idea of what Rwanda was like after my first visit. But coming back a second time turned into a completely different experience. The first time, I mostly saw Kigali. This time, I wanted to go beyond the city, and that is when I started seeing a completely different side of Rwanda.
That is what I enjoyed most about this trip. Not just seeing beautiful places, but finding the part of a country that you do not usually see on the internet. I came back to Rwanda specifically to see what was outside the capital, and I think I finally got my answer.
Before I left for Pakistan, almost everyone I told had the same reaction. Don’t go. It’s dangerous. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Even people who had never been anywhere near Pakistan felt completely qualified to tell me exactly what it was like.
And honestly? Part of me understood why. For decades, the image most of the world has had of Pakistan has been shaped almost entirely by news headlines. Suicide bombings. Terrorism. Military conflict. The country found itself at the center of global attention after September 11, 2001, largely because of its border with Afghanistan, and from that point on, the narrative became almost impossible to separate from the country itself. Millions of people around the world formed an opinion about Pakistan without ever setting foot there.
I was one of those people.
But there was something that kept pulling me. I kept asking myself one question: what if there is only one side of the story? What if the Pakistan that exists in the headlines is not the Pakistan where real people wake up every morning, raise their children, cook food, pray, and go to work?
So I went. And what I found changed everything I thought I knew.
This article is my honest account of travelling across Pakistan. It covers the places I visited, the people I met, the things that shocked me, and everything you need to know if you are thinking about going yourself.
Quick Facts About Pakistan
Detail
Information
Full Name
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Capital
Islamabad
Largest City
Karachi
Population
Approximately 230 million
Official Languages
Urdu and English
Currency
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Time Zone
PKT (UTC+5)
Religion
Predominantly Islam
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to November
Visa Required for Nigerians
Yes — apply in advance or check e-visa options
Why Pakistan Has the Reputation It Has
Let me address this honestly because it is impossible to talk about travelling to Pakistan without talking about it.
Pakistan became heavily associated with terrorism and conflict in the years following September 11, 2001. On that day, nearly 3,000 people were killed in the United States in one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. As the war on terror began, Pakistan found itself right at the center of the story largely because of its border with Afghanistan. In the years that followed, the association between Pakistan and conflict became deeply embedded in the minds of millions of people worldwide.
And the media did not help. For years, the dominant image shown to the world was one of violence, instability, and danger. Suicide bombings. Military operations. Pakistan shooting down Indian jets. Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanging accusations. These were the stories that traveled. These were the images that shaped the global perception of an entire nation and its 230 million people.
What the media rarely showed was everything else. The mountains. The valleys. The ancient cities. The warmth of the people. The food. The culture. The history that stretches back thousands of years.
A Pakistani man I spoke with during my trip said something that has stayed with me. He told me that the media wants views, and views come from negative things. That is not just true of Pakistan. That is true of how the world often sees Africa too. And as someone who has spent years documenting African stories that the world refuses to tell properly, I recognised exactly what he was talking about.
Where I Went: The Cities and Regions I Visited
Pakistan is not a small country. It is geographically diverse in a way that genuinely surprised me. In one trip you can go from one of the most modern capital cities in Asia to some of the most remote and dramatic mountain landscapes on earth.
Here is a breakdown of the places I visited:
Destination
Region
What It Is Known For
Islamabad
Punjab
Capital city, clean and modern, Pakistan Monument
Lahore
Punjab
Culture, history, food, Badshahi Mosque
Skardu
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gateway to the Karakoram mountains
Hunza Valley
Gilgit-Baltistan
Stunning landscapes, Hussaini Bridge
Fairy Meadows
Gilgit-Baltistan
Base camp of Nanga Parbat, the Killer Mountain
Nanga Parbat
Gilgit-Baltistan
Ninth highest mountain on earth, 8,126 metres
Each of these places could be an entire trip on its own. I covered a lot in the time I had, and even then I barely scratched the surface.
Skardu: The North Will Break You
I want to start here because Skardu is where the trip truly began to hit me.
I had seen videos of northern Pakistan online. Everyone who has been there talks about it. But nothing prepares you for actually seeing it in person. The moment you arrive and the landscape opens up in front of you, the mountains rising from the earth in every direction, the Indus River threading through the valley far below, you genuinely forget for a moment that a place like this is real.
You guys didn’t tell me Pakistan is this beautiful. I was not expecting to find something like this.
That was my honest reaction and I stand by it completely.
Skardu sits in Gilgit-Baltistan, the northernmost region of Pakistan, and it serves as the gateway to some of the most dramatic geography on the planet. From here you can reach K2, the second highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat, Concordia, and dozens of other peaks and valleys that draw climbers and adventurers from every country on earth.
What struck me most about Skardu was not just the beauty but the combination of things you can experience in one place. You can stand at a high vantage point and see the Saffaranga cold desert, the Indus River, and snowcapped mountains all in the same frame. I have travelled across multiple continents. I have never seen anything quite like that view.
Masoor Rock: My First Real Hike and Why You Should Do It
I want to be completely honest with you about Masoor Rock. I am not a hiker. I have never been a hiker. And this was my first ever experience hiking at serious altitude.
Masoor Rock sits at approximately 3,700 metres and overlooks Skardu city. The rock itself is one of those things that looks physically impossible. Only about a third of it is attached to the mountain, with nothing supporting it underneath. It just hangs there, suspended over the valley, defying every logical expectation.
I almost turned back. At the halfway point, with my lungs burning and my legs feeling like they belonged to someone else, I seriously considered it.
But I kept going. And when I reached the top and looked out over everything below, the cars the size of ants, the river snaking through the valley, the entire scale of Skardu spread out under me, I understood immediately why people come here from the other side of the world.
Was it worth it? Yes.
Was it tiring? Absolutely.
Would I do it again? Without question.
If you are planning a trip to Pakistan, put Masoor Rock on your list. Yes it will push you. Yes you will want to stop. Keep going.
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat: The Killer Mountain
The road to Fairy Meadows is officially one of the second most dangerous roads in the world. Before I got there, nobody told me that. And I think that was probably for the best.
Nanga Parbat stands at 8,126 metres. It is the ninth highest mountain on earth and one of the most feared peaks among serious climbers. The mountain earned its name before it was first summited by Hermann Buhl in 1953, by which point it had already claimed around 31 lives in earlier attempts. Roughly one in five climbers who attempt the summit do not come back alive. They call it the Killer Mountain for good reason.
Fairy Meadows sits at the base of Nanga Parbat, at thousands of metres above sea level, and it is one of the most surreal places I have ever stood. It is a full settlement on its own with guesthouses and bonfires because without a fire at night, the cold at that altitude becomes genuinely dangerous. I have spent my entire life in Lagos. I had never appreciated heat so much as I did standing at Fairy Meadows in the middle of the night, pressed as close to a bonfire as I could get.
When I looked up and asked my guide how high the mountain above me was, he said 8,126 metres. My reaction was a single word. Whoa. I had no other response. The scale of it is simply beyond what the human brain is built to process standing at ground level.
I would never believe that places like this exist in the world. That was my honest feeling standing there. And I had come all the way from Nigeria to find it.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge: Crossing One of the Most Dangerous Bridges in the World
The Hussaini suspension bridge had been on my list for a long time before I got there. I had seen it online. I knew what it looked like. I thought I was prepared.
I was not fully prepared.
The bridge stretches 660 feet across a river gorge in Hunza. It has 406 steps. It is made of wooden planks, many of which are missing entirely, with gaps wide enough to see straight down to the water below. It sways. It creaks. And yes, I crossed it.
People call it one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Standing at one end looking at the other, with the wind moving it and the gaps in the planks showing the river far below, I understood why. But I also want to say something else about it. The locals cross this bridge. Children cross this bridge. People carry supplies across this bridge. What we call extreme adventure is simply a part of daily life for the people who live in that valley.
That contrast stayed with me long after I left.
Islamabad: The Capital That Surprised Me
After the north, I came to Islamabad. And honestly, after the raw and dramatic beauty of the mountains, I expected Islamabad to feel like a letdown. I was wrong.
Islamabad is one of the cleanest and most well-planned capital cities I have ever visited. It is green, orderly, and genuinely pleasant to walk around. It does not look like what most people imagine when they picture Pakistan.
The Pakistan Monument is worth seeing. From a distance it looks like an abstract structure. When you get closer, you realise it is shaped like a flower with four large petals and two smaller ones, each representing the four provinces of Pakistan: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. A guide there told me it represents the unity of the Pakistani nation. Standing in front of it, I met a Pakistani man named Harun who, the moment I told him I was from Nigeria, lit up and told me he had contacts in Nigeria. This is the kind of interaction I had constantly across the country. People were curious, warm, and genuinely happy to talk.
Lahore: History, Culture, and the Mosque That Changed Me
Lahore is the cultural heart of Pakistan. If Islamabad is the head, Lahore is the soul.
I was in Lahore with my guide Kashif, one of the best guides I have had anywhere in the world, when I visited the Badshahi Mosque. Built in 1673 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, it was once the largest mosque in the world and held that record through much of the 20th century. Standing inside it, I tried to do the math of when it was built, what the world looked like in 1673, what Africa looked like in 1673, and I could not fully absorb the age of what I was standing in.
We also went deep into the old markets of Lahore. The bazaars in this city have been the commercial heart of the region for over 150 years, long before Pakistan even existed as a country. The sounds, the colours, the pace of it, the traders and the buyers and the smell of food cooking, it was overwhelming in the best possible way.
And the caps. I kept seeing the same style of cap everywhere and asked about them. I was told they come from Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, known as the land of the Pathan people. Small details like that, understanding where things come from and what they mean, are the things that make travel worth doing.
The Food: What to Expect and What to Try
I have to talk about the food. And I have to talk about the tea.
Pakistani food is extraordinary. It is rich, aromatic, and deeply filling. But what I was not prepared for was the tea culture. Everywhere I went, someone was putting tea in my hand. Green tea, spiced tea, milk tea. I had approximately 20 cups in a single day at one point. My host kept refilling my cup before I could finish it. That is just how it works there.
Some foods and experiences to know before you go:
Chapli Kebab — a spiced minced meat patty, originally from Peshawar, that is genuinely one of the best things I ate on the entire trip
Daal and fresh bread — simple but perfect, especially in the mountain regions
Injir — a dried local fruit that a vendor in Lahore gave me to try, sweet almost like honey, the name coming from the local Urdu word
Pakistani tea — you will drink more of it than you think you will
Dipping biscuits in tea — this is a national activity and it is entirely correct
The food in the north is simpler and heartier, built for cold weather and altitude. The food in Lahore and Islamabad is richer and more varied. Either way, you will not go hungry.
The People: This Is What Nobody Talks About Enough
I can give you all the locations and all the landmarks and all the travel tips you need. But none of it captures the most important thing about Pakistan, which is the people.
I have travelled to many places. I have never experienced hospitality at the level I experienced in Pakistan. Not as a performance. Not as something designed for tourists. Just as the natural way that people there relate to other human beings.
People paid for my food before I could reach for my wallet. Shop owners offered me things as gifts. Total strangers stopped to welcome me when they heard I was from Nigeria. One man told me that his driver, his hotels, his food, his buying of things, all of it came with a sense of trust and dignity. He said you pay and you get your money’s worth.
One of the people I met during my trip put it in a way I have not been able to forget. He said: if you once visit Pakistan, you will feel it like a home.
He was right.
Safety: Is Pakistan Actually Dangerous?
Let me address this directly because it is the question everyone asks.
Pakistan, like every country in the world, has areas that are safer and areas that are less safe. The northwest border regions and certain parts of Balochistan have genuine security concerns. These are areas even many Pakistanis themselves would not visit without specific reason.
However, the places that most travellers visit, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, are not those areas. In my experience travelling across these regions, I felt safe throughout. I was never threatened. I was never made to feel unwelcome. The opposite was consistently true.
Here is a practical breakdown:
Region
Safety Level for Tourists
Notes
Islamabad
Very safe
Modern capital, well-policed
Lahore
Generally safe
Busy city, normal city precautions apply
Karachi
Use caution
Large city, some areas to avoid
Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan
Safe
Very welcoming to tourists
Hunza Valley
Very safe
One of the safest areas in the country
Northwest border regions
Not recommended
Avoid unless with specific local guidance
My honest advice: do your own research, check your government’s current travel advisory, and do not let fear based on outdated narratives make the decision for you.
Practical Travel Information for Visiting Pakistan
Before you go, here is everything practical you need to know:
Visa Most African nationals including Nigerians need a visa to enter Pakistan. Pakistan has been expanding its e-visa program so check the official Pakistan e-visa portal before you apply anywhere else. Processing times vary so apply well in advance.
Currency The Pakistani Rupee is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry some cash when heading to rural or mountain areas as card acceptance is limited outside major cities.
Getting Around
Flights connect the major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Skardu
Skardu specifically has a domestic airport with flights from Islamabad
For mountain regions, jeeps and 4×4 vehicles are the standard transport
Always hire a local guide for remote areas — they know the roads, the conditions, and the people
Accommodation
Cities have a full range of hotels from budget to luxury
Mountain areas have guesthouses and camps that are basic but functional
At altitude in places like Fairy Meadows, expect to sleep in wooden cabins with bonfires for heat
Best Time to Visit
April to June: beautiful weather, green valleys, less crowded
September to November: clear skies in the mountains, excellent for trekking
Winter: extremely cold in the north, some roads become impassable
Dress and Culture Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly especially outside of major cities and especially women travelling there. This is not restrictive, it is respectful. The locals will appreciate it and you will be treated better for it.
Language Urdu is the national language but English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. In mountain regions you will find people who speak local languages but a guide will bridge that easily.
What This Trip Taught Me About How We See the World
I started this article by talking about how almost everyone told me not to go. And I want to end it by talking about why I am glad I went anyway.
We live in a world where the loudest stories are the darkest ones. That is true of Pakistan. It is also true of Nigeria. It is true of most of Africa. The places that make the news are the places that are burning. The places that are building, growing, welcoming, and thriving rarely get the same coverage.
Pakistan rocked my expectations in every direction. The people treated me so well. Everyone was genuinely happy just to have me around. The beauty of the place itself, from the Indus River winding through Skardu to the impossible face of Nanga Parbat at dawn, was beyond anything I had words for in the moment.
I spoke to one local man who asked me a question that I have been thinking about ever since. He said: this country is so beautiful. Why are people not coming here?
I think we both knew the answer. But knowing the answer is exactly why I made this documentary. Because the only way to change a narrative is to tell a different story.
Pakistan deserves to be seen for what it actually is.
And what it actually is, is one of the most extraordinary places on this planet.
Should You Visit Pakistan?
Yes. Go.
But go with your eyes open. Go with respect for the culture. Go with a good guide especially if you are planning to explore the north. Go prepared for altitude, cold, and roads that will test your nerves. Go ready to drink more tea than you have ever drunk in your life.
And go ready to have everything you thought you knew completely undone.
You will not regret it.
By Collins Nkem, He’s is a self-taught documentary filmmaker and travel storyteller from Lagos, Nigeria. He documents untold stories from Africa and the world. Follow his journey at collinsnkem.com and on YouTube at @iAmCollinsNkem.
That’s not a metaphor, Ethiopia runs on its own calendar, its own clock, its own rhythm. The moment you step off the plane, you realize this isn’t a country that conforms to the world. The world hasn’t quite caught up to Ethiopia yet, and honestly? That’s the best thing about it.
I grew up watching documentaries about this place. Ancient tribes with painted faces. Mountains that swallowed the horizon. Traditions that seemed too vivid to be real. I used to wonder if those people actually existed outside of a television screen. Turns out, they do. And they’re nothing like the documentaries promised—because documentaries can’t prepare you for the warmth of a stranger who treats you like family within minutes of meeting you.
Ethiopia is the oldest country in the world. The birthplace of coffee. Home to civilizations that predate most of recorded history. And somehow, impossibly, it’s still one of the most unknown places on Earth. That contradiction is exactly what makes it extraordinary: a nation building sleek highways and modern cities while tribes that have existed for thousands of years continue living in beehive-shaped houses in the mountains.
I had a bucket list before I arrived. Meet the tribes. Stand before an active volcano. Visit the hottest place in Africa. Eat the food that makes Ethiopia famous. Wander Addis Ababa until my feet hurt. But Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa and one of its largest by landmass. Nothing is close to anything else. To check off that list, I’d need to travel thousands of kilometers across terrain that doesn’t forgive shortcuts.
So I left the capital behind and headed south.
The Omo Valley: Where Time Actually Stands Still
The Dorze People: The Perfect Beginning
Arba Minch is the last city before the real adventure begins. It’s beautiful in its own right—lakes, mountains, that thin, clean air you only get at altitude—but it’s just the threshold. Beyond it lies the Omo Valley, one of the most culturally diverse regions on the continent.
The Dorze people live high in the cool mountains, and the first thing that strikes you is their houses. Imagine beehives, but scaled up to twelve meters tall, built to last decades from natural materials gathered from the land around them. These aren’t museum pieces. Families live in them. Children grow up in them. Generations pass, and the houses remain.
The Dorze are weavers, farmers, craftsmen. Their staple food comes from the false banana plant—every part of it used, nothing wasted. But what I’ll remember isn’t the architecture or the agriculture. It’s how they treated me. Like family, immediately. No performance for a camera, no transaction. Just people sharing their stories, their food, their time, because that’s what you do when someone shows up at your door.
That was day one. And it set the tone for everything that followed.
The Hamar: Cattle, Tradition, and a Ceremony I’ll Never Forget
If you’ve seen photographs of Ethiopian tribes, you’ve probably seen the Hamar. They’re famous for a reason—their lives still revolve around cattle, their culture is visually stunning, and their traditions run deep enough that you feel like an intruder just witnessing them.
Polygamy is common here. Large families aren’t just accepted; they’re essential to the community’s structure. But the moment that stopped my breath was the Bull Jumping Ceremony. I had read about it. I had seen still images. Nothing prepares you for standing there, dust in your lungs, watching a young man run across the backs of bulls to prove he’s ready for marriage while women dance and sing around him.
I filmed the whole thing. Made a documentary about it, actually, because there’s too much nuance to squeeze into a single paragraph. The ceremony isn’t spectacle. It’s rite of passage, community bonding, living history. You don’t watch it; you participate in it just by being present, and you leave changed.
The Karo: Pride in Paint
The Karo tribe is small—one of the smallest in the Omo Valley—but they’re impossible to forget. They live along the Omo River, fishing and farming like their ancestors did, but what sets them apart is their art.
Their body and face paintings are extraordinary. Not decoration. Identity. Each design carries meaning, marks status, tells stories. What struck me wasn’t the visual impact—though that’s undeniable—but the pride behind it. These aren’t people performing tradition for tourists. They’re people who have preserved something precious across generations, and they know it.
I asked one elder about it through a translator. He just smiled and said, “We are Karo. This is how Karo look.” That was the entire explanation. And it was enough.
The Mursi: The Tribe I Never Thought I’d Meet
Of all the tribes I watched on television as a kid, the Mursi were the ones I remembered most. The lip plates. The scarification. They seemed like figures from another era, preserved in documentary amber. I never imagined I’d stand among them.
Standing there, in that remote corner of southern Ethiopia, I kept thinking about my living room couch. About the kid who watched these people on a screen and assumed they were half-myth. The Mursi are very real. Their traditions are very real. The lip plates worn by some women, the body scars that mark identity and beauty standards—these aren’t relics. They’re living culture, practiced now, today, by people who welcomed me into their world without suspicion.
That was the moment my bucket list stopped being a checklist and became something else. A gratitude list, maybe. Or an addiction.
Erta Ale: Standing on an Active Volcano
Leaving the Omo Valley felt like leaving one planet for another. I was heading to the Danakil region, to a place called Erta Ale—”Smoking Mountain”—one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. For years it held one of the world’s longest-lasting lava lakes. I had seen volcanoes in documentaries. I had never stood on one. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The journey there tells you everything. There are no comfortable roads. The landscape shifts from harsh to hostile to outright alien. You drive until you can’t drive anymore, then you walk. And as you get closer, the earth starts talking.
We started before sunrise, while it was still dark, picking our way across terrain that seemed designed to break ankles. Then the sun came up, and I saw what I had been walking through.
Smoke rose from cracks in the ground. The smell of sulfur filled every breath. But the sound—that’s what I wasn’t ready for. You could hear it. Boiling. Moving. The planet’s engine, running beneath your feet. I’ve seen footage of active volcanoes. I’ve read descriptions. Standing there, feeling the heat through your boots, hearing the earth churn—that’s not information. That’s experience.
It was beautiful. It was terrifying. That combination is rare, and it’s what makes something unforgettable. I stood on an active volcano for the first time in my life, and I understood why people chase these moments. Not for the photograph. For the humility. The reminder that the world is bigger and older and more powerful than your plans for it.
I explored the Danakil Depression after that—the hottest, most extreme place in Africa. Too much happened there for this article, but I documented the whole thing separately. What I will say: if you think you know what “hot” means, you don’t. Not until you’ve been there.
Addis Ababa: The City That Defies Gravity
I saved the capital for last, which in retrospect was perfect. After weeks in the Omo Valley and the Danakil, Addis Ababa felt like returning to Earth from deep space—except this Earth sits 2,300 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world.
It’s also the political capital of Africa, home to the African Union. That matters. This isn’t just Ethiopia’s city; in many ways, it’s the continent’s. The energy is different from other African capitals I’ve visited—more deliberative, more rooted in something ancient even as it builds toward something new.
Ethiopia is the only country with its own calendar (thirteen months), its own time system, its own alphabet. That sounds like trivia until you’re trying to catch a bus and realize the departure time follows a logic you haven’t learned yet. It’s disorienting. It’s wonderful. It forces you to pay attention.
And then there’s the food.
Ethiopia’s cuisine is famous for a reason—injera, stews, spices that layer complexity you don’t find elsewhere. But there’s another tradition: raw meat. Not seared. Not tartare-adjacent. Raw. It’s a big part of the culture, and I wasn’t traveling thousands of kilometers to skip it.
Let’s just say the camera cut at the right moment. I’m glad I tried it. I don’t need to try it again. Some experiences are about the story, not the repeat.
Why You Should Go
I’ve traveled a lot of Africa. Ethiopia is different.
Not because it’s “untouched”—nothing is untouched anymore. Not because it’s “authentic”—that’s a word people use when they want poverty to look romantic. Ethiopia is different because it refuses to simplify itself for visitors. It has highways and ancient tribes, modern cities and active volcanoes, raw meat and some of the best coffee you’ll ever drink. It doesn’t resolve into a single story.
I felt safe there. That’s worth saying, because Ethiopia doesn’t always make the news for the right reasons, and some people hesitate. Personally, I found some of the most welcoming people I’ve met anywhere. Strangers who shared food. Guides who became friends. Tribes who treated me like family before I had earned it.
There’s still so much I haven’t shown you. The Simien Mountains. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The coffee ceremonies that take hours and matter more than whatever meeting you’re missing. Ethiopia rewards the patient traveler. It doesn’t hand itself over on a first date.
But if you’re willing to cover the kilometers, to sit with discomfort, to let a country teach you its own calendar and its own time—Ethiopia will give you something most destinations can’t.
It will give you the feeling that you traveled back in time and forward into something new at the exact same moment.
And you’ll be seven years younger when you land. I promise.
This article is based on my journey through Ethiopia. For the full video experience, including my documentary on the Bull Jumping Ceremony and my expedition into the Danakil Depression, subscribe to my channel and check the links below.
When most people think about Africa, they picture endless deserts, tropical beaches, wildlife safaris, and year round sunshine. Snow is probably the last thing that comes to mind.
Yet hidden high in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco sits a city where winter brings real snowfall, temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and residents wear proper winter jackets for months at a time.
Welcome to Ifrane, officially the coldest city in Africa.
During my trip across Morocco, I had the chance to experience this town firsthand, and it genuinely changed the way I think about the continent I come from. This article covers everything you need to know about Ifrane: its history, its climate, its culture, why it exists at all, and whether it’s worth the detour.
Where Is Ifrane?
Ifrane sits in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco, in the Fes-Meknes region, at an elevation of approximately 1,665 metres (5,463 feet) above sea level. That altitude is the whole story behind everything that makes this city unusual.
It’s not far from Morocco’s major cities, which is part of what makes it such an easy addition to any Morocco itinerary.
City
Distance
Drive Time
Fes
65 km
1 hour
Meknes
70 km
1 hour
Rabat
240 km
3 hours
Casablanca
290 km
3.5 hours
Marrakech
500 km
6 hours
Most visitors approach Ifrane from Fes, since it’s the closest major city and the drive up through the mountains is a big part of the experience. You’ll watch the landscape shift from dry plains to pine and cedar forest in under an hour, which is honestly one of the more dramatic short drives in the country.
Why Is Ifrane So Cold?
The short answer is altitude. The longer answer is a bit more interesting.
Ifrane sits at over 1,600 metres in the Middle Atlas range, and at that height, the air is thinner and holds less heat. Thin air cools down fast once the sun sets, which is why Ifrane’s nights feel so much colder than its days, even outside of winter.
A few other factors stack on top of that:
The surrounding mountains trap cold air in the valley where Ifrane sits, especially overnight
Dense cedar forests around the city hold moisture and contribute to a damp, mountain style cold rather than the dry desert cold you’d find elsewhere in Morocco
Clear winter skies mean heat escapes quickly after dark, since there’s no cloud cover to trap warmth near the ground
Snow cover itself reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, which keeps daytime temperatures lower once snow has settled
It’s the same basic recipe that makes mountain towns cold anywhere in the world. Morocco just happens to have a mountain range tall enough to pull it off.
Does It Really Snow in Ifrane?
Yes. Not “sometimes if you’re lucky.” Real, settling, roof covering snow.
Snow season in Ifrane usually runs from December through February, though light snow has been known to fall as early as November and linger into March in colder years. Some winters bring heavy snowfall that shuts down roads and turns the whole town into what looks like a postcard from the Alps.
Nearby ski resorts, most notably Michlifen, take full advantage of this. It’s one of the very few places in Africa where you can actually go skiing.
Here’s a general seasonal breakdown:
Season
Average Temperature
Winter (Dec-Feb)
-2°C to 10°C
Spring (Mar-May)
5°C to 18°C
Summer (Jun-Aug)
15°C to 28°C
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
8°C to 20°C
On especially cold nights, temperatures can dip below -10°C. And historically, Ifrane holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded on the entire African continent: -23.9°C, set on February 11, 1935. That record still stands today, over ninety years later. Those extreme lows are rare, but they’re part of what gives Ifrane its reputation.
Why Is Ifrane Called the Switzerland of Africa?
The nickname isn’t about Ifrane trying to be Switzerland. It’s about what the French built here, and how well it’s held up.
Walk through downtown Ifrane and you’ll notice things that feel completely out of place for Morocco:
Sloped, red tiled roofs instead of the flat roofs common elsewhere in the country
Wide, orderly streets instead of winding medina alleys
Manicured parks and flower beds
European style stone buildings with chalet like proportions
Pine and cedar forest pressing right up against the edges of town
None of this happened by accident. It’s a direct result of who built the city, and why.
The History of Ifrane
Before 1929
Long before Ifrane existed as a town, this area of the Middle Atlas was home to Berber communities and dense cedar forest. The name Ifrane itself comes from the Tamazight word for “caves,” a nod to the network of caverns scattered through the surrounding hills.
1929
The French colonial administration established Ifrane as a hill station, essentially a mountain retreat built to give French officials and settlers somewhere to escape the summer heat of cities like Fes and Meknes. They built it in a distinctly European alpine style, and that architectural DNA never left.
1956
Morocco gained independence, and Ifrane stayed exactly where it was, both physically and culturally. Over the following decades it evolved from a colonial retreat into something more permanent: a government administrative center, a mountain resort for Moroccan families, and eventually, a university town.
Who Lives in Ifrane Today?
Ifrane today is a genuine mix of people. You’ll find:
Local Moroccan families, many of whom have lived in the region for generations
Amazigh (Berber) communities from the surrounding Middle Atlas
Students attached to Al Akhawayn University
Government workers, since Ifrane also functions as an administrative center
Affluent Moroccan families who keep second homes here for winter skiing and summer escapes from the heat
That mix gives Ifrane a quieter, more cosmopolitan feel than a lot of Morocco’s more tourist heavy cities. It’s calm in a way that surprises people who arrive expecting the chaos of Marrakech or Fes.
What Makes Ifrane Different From Other Moroccan Cities?
Marrakech
Ifrane
Busy, maze like medinas
Quiet, orderly streets
Warm to hot climate year round
Cold winters, mild summers
Traditional Moroccan architecture
European alpine architecture
Crowded souks and markets
Parks and green spaces
Desert adjacent atmosphere
Mountain and forest atmosphere
If Marrakech is Morocco turned up to full volume, Ifrane is Morocco on mute. That contrast is exactly why it’s worth visiting even if you only have a few days in the country.
Things to Do in Ifrane
The Lion of Ifrane
The most photographed landmark in the city is a stone lion statue sitting in the town square. It was carved during the 1930s, and while its exact origin is debated (some accounts credit a French sculptor, others a soldier stationed in the area during World War II), it represents the last wild Atlas lion known to have roamed this region. Locals will tell you rubbing its paw brings good luck, so don’t skip the photo.
Al Akhawayn University
Nicknamed “the Harvard of Morocco,” this English language university was founded in 1993 and has become one of Ifrane’s defining features. The campus architecture matches the town’s alpine style, and the grounds include gardens, a lake, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere worth a short walk even if you have no academic reason to be there.
Ifrane National Park and the Cedar Forest
Just outside town lies over 500 square kilometres of protected cedar forest, home to roughly a quarter of the entire world’s population of Barbary macaques. Trails range from easy strolls to longer hikes, and encountering wild monkeys swinging through ancient cedar trees, some estimated to be centuries old, is not something you expect to experience in Africa. A quick note on etiquette here: admire the macaques from a respectful distance and never feed them, both for your safety and theirs.
Lake Dayet Aoua
About 15 to 20 km from Ifrane, this lake is one of the prettiest spots in the Middle Atlas. Surrounded by forest and open meadow, it’s popular for birdwatching (ducks, herons, kites, and migratory flamingos in season), boat rides, and horseback riding along the shore.
Michlifen Ski Resort
In winter, this is Ifrane’s biggest draw. Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are all on offer, along with cozy chalets for those who want to make a proper weekend of it. It’s genuinely strange, in the best way, to be skiing in Africa.
Ain Vittel (Vittel Spring)
A short walk or drive from town, this natural spring area is known for small waterfalls, forest trails, and clear pools. It’s a good option if you want nature without committing to a full day hike.
Walking Downtown and Coffee Shops
Simply walking through Ifrane’s town center is worth doing on its own. Between the architecture, the parks, and the cafés around the central square, it’s an easy, pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Visiting the Cedar Forest
The cedar forest deserves its own mention because it’s genuinely one of the highlights of the whole trip.
The forest is home to ancient cedar trees, some estimated at over 800 years old
Barbary macaques move through the area in groups and are often visible right off the main trails
Photography opportunities here are excellent, especially in early morning light when mist tends to sit low in the trees
Respect the wildlife. Keep a distance, don’t feed the monkeys, and stay on marked trails
If you only do one outdoor activity in Ifrane, make it this one.
Food You Should Try
Ifrane’s cold climate makes it a natural home for hearty Moroccan comfort food.
Harira: a rich, warming soup, perfect for cold mountain evenings
Mechoui: slow roasted lamb, a must for meat lovers
Khobz Beldi: traditional Moroccan bread, best eaten fresh and still warm
Pastilla: a sweet and savory pastry, usually filled with pigeon or chicken
Mint tea: served everywhere, and somehow tastes even better with mountain views in the background
Most restaurants cluster around the central square near the Lion of Ifrane statue, and prices are noticeably lower than what you’d pay in Marrakech’s tourist zones.
Is Ifrane Expensive?
Not particularly, especially compared to Morocco’s bigger tourist cities.
Category
Approximate Cost
Budget hotel or guesthouse
$20 to $40 per night
Mid range hotel
$50 to $90 per night
Simple restaurant meal
$5 to $10
Sit down tagine dinner
$10 to $20
Coffee or mint tea
$1 to $3
Petit taxi ride within town
$1 to $3
Grand taxi from Fes
Roughly $10 to $15 shared, more for a private ride
Car rental (per day)
$20 to $35
Because Ifrane isn’t as saturated with tourists as Marrakech or Fes, you’ll generally find better value here, even in the nicer establishments.
Best Time to Visit
If you want snow: December through February. This is peak winter wonderland season, with the best chances of catching Michlifen’s ski slopes in full operation.
If you want blooming scenery: Spring, March through May, when wildflowers open up across the national park and the last of the winter snow lingers on higher peaks.
If you want cool relief from Morocco’s heat: Summer, June through August. While the rest of the country bakes, Ifrane stays mild and comfortable thanks to its altitude.
If you want quiet and color: Autumn, September through November, brings crisp air and golden forest tones with far fewer crowds than summer.
Ifrane genuinely works as a year round destination. The experience just changes completely depending on when you show up.
How to Get to Ifrane
Ifrane has no airport or train station of its own, so getting there means going through a nearby city first.
By car: The easiest and most flexible option, especially from Fes or Meknes, both under an hour and a half away
By CTM bus: Reliable, affordable, and runs frequently from Fes and Meknes
By grand taxi: Shared taxis run regularly from Fes and Meknes and are a quick, budget friendly option
By private tour: Common for travelers combining Ifrane with a broader Middle Atlas or Fes area itinerary
From Fes specifically, it’s about a 65 km, one hour drive, and honestly one of the most scenic short drives in the country.
Is Ifrane Worth Visiting?
Pros
A genuinely unique climate and landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Africa
Real snow and skiing, a rarity on the continent
Clean, quiet, well organized streets
Close enough to Fes to fit easily into most itineraries
Wildlife encounters with Barbary macaques in the cedar forest
Noticeably cheaper than Morocco’s major tourist hubs
Cons
Fewer historical or cultural landmarks compared to cities like Fes or Marrakech
Limited public transport options once you’re in town
Winter visits require proper cold weather gear, which some travelers underestimate
Smaller town, so a shorter list of restaurants and nightlife compared to bigger cities
Who should visit: travelers who already have Fes or Meknes on their itinerary and want an easy, dramatic day trip or overnight stop, nature lovers interested in the cedar forest and its macaques, winter travelers curious about skiing in Africa, and honestly, anyone who wants to see a side of the continent that flips the usual assumptions upside down.
My Experience Visiting Ifrane
This is the part that ties directly into the documentary I filmed while I was there.
Coming from Nigeria, I genuinely did not expect to feel cold in Africa, let alone see snow. I’d grown up with one version of what this continent looks and feels like, and Ifrane broke that completely.
The drive up through the Atlas Mountains was where it really started to hit. The landscape kept shifting, the temperature kept dropping, and at some point I looked out the window and there was just snow sitting on the ground, like it belonged there. Locals were walking around in heavy jackets and scarves, completely unbothered, while I was bundling up like I’d never felt cold in my life.
It didn’t feel like the Morocco I had pictured before the trip, and it definitely didn’t feel like the Africa most people picture. That contrast is exactly why I wanted to document it.
If you’d like to experience Ifrane beyond photos and text, I filmed my entire journey there, from the drive through the Atlas Mountains to walking through the town itself. You can watch the full documentary on my YouTube channel, where I share the sights, sounds, and stories that make this place so unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow every year in Ifrane? Yes, snowfall is a normal, expected part of winter in Ifrane, typically between December and February.
Why is Ifrane so cold? Mainly altitude. Sitting at over 1,600 metres in the Middle Atlas Mountains means thinner, cooler air, especially at night.
Is Ifrane safe? Yes, Ifrane is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities in Morocco, with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere.
Can you actually ski in Morocco? Yes. Michlifen, near Ifrane, is one of the few ski resorts in Africa, along with Oukaimeden further south near Marrakech.
How many people live in Ifrane? The city has a population of roughly 75,000, including a significant student population tied to Al Akhawayn University.
Is Ifrane worth visiting? Absolutely, especially if you’re already planning to visit Fes or Meknes. It’s a short, dramatic detour that shows a completely different side of Morocco.
Can you visit Ifrane in one day? Yes, a day trip from Fes is very doable and lets you see the town center, the Lion of Ifrane, and part of the cedar forest. An overnight stay gives you more time for hiking and the lake.
Is Ifrane really the coldest city in Africa? Yes. It holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded on the continent, -23.9°C, set in February 1935, and that record still stands.
Final Thoughts
Africa is often described as if it were a single landscape, but places like Ifrane remind us that this continent is incredibly diverse. From tropical rainforests and vast deserts to snow covered mountain towns, Africa continues to surprise those willing to look beyond the usual postcards.
Whether you’re visiting Morocco for the first time or returning to explore beyond the famous cities, Ifrane offers an experience unlike anywhere else on the continent.
When people hear “Africa,” the first thing that comes to mind is usually heat. Deserts, sunshine, dry harmattan winds, that kind of picture. And for the most part, that picture is correct. But Africa is a massive continent with mountains, high plateaus, and cities sitting thousands of metres above sea level. That altitude changes everything.
In places like Morocco’s Middle Atlas or the highlands of Lesotho, winter mornings can dip below freezing, frost can coat rooftops, and in a few rare spots, snow can actually settle on the ground. It sounds unbelievable until you see the photos.
Here’s a realistic, well-researched look at the ten coldest cities on the continent, starting with the one that holds the record.
1. Ifrane, Morocco
There’s no debating this one. Ifrane is Africa’s coldest city, and it isn’t close.
Tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains about an hour from Fez, Ifrane sits at roughly 1,635 to 1,700 metres above sea level. It was originally built by the French in the 1920s as a summer retreat, styled after alpine European towns, complete with sloped roofs, chalet style buildings, and neat little streets. Locals call it “Little Switzerland,” and once you see pictures of snow sitting on those roofs, you’ll understand why.
The numbers:
Coldest recorded temperature: -23.9°C, recorded on February 11, 1935. This remains the lowest temperature ever officially recorded anywhere in Africa.
Average January temperature: around 5°C
Winter daytime highs: 0°C to 7°C
Winter nighttime lows: frequently below freezing, sometimes dropping to -5°C or lower
Average January snowfall: around 15cm
Does it snow? Yes, heavily. Snow season typically runs from December to February, though light snow has appeared as early as November in colder years. Nearby Michlifen and Oukaimeden even have ski resorts, since the surrounding Middle Atlas gets enough consistent snowfall to support winter sports.
Ifrane is also home to a population of Barbary macaques, monkeys that have adapted to the region’s harsh winters, which is not something you’d expect to hear about an African city.
2. Sutherland, South Africa
If Ifrane holds the all time record, Sutherland is the most consistently cold spot on the continent. It’s a small town in the Northern Cape, sitting in the Roggeveld Mountains at about 1,450 metres.
Sutherland is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Universe” because of its clear skies and thin, dry air, which is exactly why South Africa’s largest telescope, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), was built nearby.
The numbers:
Coldest officially recorded temperature: -16.4°C, recorded on July 12, 2003
Typical midwinter nights: -10°C to -15°C
Winter (May to September) is the coldest stretch, with July being the peak
Does it snow? Yes, fairly often. Snowfall in Sutherland is common between May and August, with August generally being the snowiest month. Because the climate is semi arid, the snow tends to be light rather than the heavy, thick blankets you’d see in Ifrane, but it’s frequent enough that locals plan around it.
One quirky fact: because Sutherland sits in a valley, cold air settles and gets trapped overnight, a phenomenon called a temperature inversion. That’s part of why the town gets so much colder than the surrounding highlands.
3. Mokhotlong, Lesotho
Lesotho is often called Africa’s coldest country, and Mokhotlong is arguably its coldest town. It sits in the eastern highlands at an elevation of over 2,100 metres, some sources put parts of the district above 2,700 metres, making it one of the highest settlements on the continent.
The numbers:
Coldest month: July, with average highs around 10°C and average lows around -1.4°C
Winter nights across the wider Mokhotlong district can fall well below -10°C, especially at higher points
Snowfall typically begins in April and can continue through November, though it’s heaviest from June to August
Does it snow? Yes, regularly. Mokhotlong is one of the few places in Africa where snow is a normal, expected part of winter rather than a rare event. Rivers and small dams in the highlands can freeze over completely during the coldest stretches.
Lesotho also has Afriski, a working ski resort in the Maloti Mountains, which tells you everything about how seriously winter is taken here.
4. Maseru, Lesotho
Lesotho’s capital doesn’t get quite as brutal as Mokhotlong since it sits lower, around 1,600 metres, but it’s still one of the coldest capital cities in Africa.
The numbers:
Winter (June to August) daytime temperatures: mild, generally in the mid-teens Celsius
Winter nights: regularly drop below 0°C, sometimes into the negative single digits
Summer (December to February) highs: 24°C to 28°C
Does it snow? Occasionally, though it’s less frequent than in the eastern highlands. When cold fronts sweep through, Maseru can see light snow or at least heavy frost, especially compared to nearby lower altitude regions.
5. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s capital sits at an elevation of around 2,300 to 2,400 metres, which is genuinely high, higher than Denver, Colorado. That altitude is the entire reason Addis Ababa feels nothing like the tropical heat people expect from East Africa.
The numbers:
Coldest months: November to February
Winter nighttime lows: typically 7°C to 8°C, occasionally approaching freezing in the highlands surrounding the city
Daytime highs stay comfortable, usually 20°C to 23°C, so the cold is mostly a morning and nighttime thing
Does it snow? Not in the city itself. Addis Ababa doesn’t get snow, but nearby highland areas and mountain ranges like the Bale Mountains and Simien Mountains do see frost and occasional snow at higher elevations. Addis is more about that crisp, cool morning air than actual snowfall.
For anyone documenting Ethiopia, this cool highland climate is honestly one of the most surprising and underused visual contrasts. Frosty mornings, mist rolling over hills, all just an hour or two from areas that are considerably warmer.
6. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi sits on a plateau at about 1,650 to 1,700 metres, and the British colonial administration deliberately chose the location because of its cooler climate compared to the rest of Kenya.
The numbers:
Coldest month: July
Average July highs: around 21°C to 24°C
Average July lows: around 11°C to 13°C, with recorded nighttime drops to 7°C on unusually cold nights
Nairobi almost never exceeds 30°C, even at the height of summer
Does it snow? No, Nairobi itself does not get snow. But nearby Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak, is snow capped year round, and its upper slopes regularly see fresh snowfall. The contrast between Nairobi’s cool, temperate city climate and the icy peak just a few hours away is one of Kenya’s most underrated features.
7. Antananarivo, Madagascar
Madagascar’s capital sits at roughly 1,250 to 1,400 metres in the central highlands, and its winters, from June to August, catch a lot of first time visitors off guard.
The numbers:
Coldest month: July, averaging around 14.5°C to 15.6°C
Winter nighttime lows: commonly 9°C to 11°C
Daytime winter highs: around 19°C to 20°C
Does it snow? No, not in the city. Antananarivo gets cold, damp, and occasionally frosty mornings, but not snow. Frost is more common in the surrounding highland countryside than within the city itself.
8. Arusha and the Northern Tanzania Highlands
Arusha sits at the base of Mount Meru, close to Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands, at an elevation of around 1,400 metres.
The numbers:
Coolest months: June to August
Morning temperatures in the Arusha and Ngorongoro highlands: can drop close to 5°C to 10°C
Ngorongoro Crater rim, specifically, gets noticeably colder than Arusha town itself due to its higher elevation
Does it snow? Not in Arusha itself, but Mount Kilimanjaro, visible from the city on a clear day, is permanently snow capped, and temperatures at its summit can plunge to around -20°C. It’s one of the most famous examples of snow existing almost on the equator, purely because of altitude.
9. Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia’s capital sits at around 1,700 metres on the Khomas Highland plateau, and while Namibia is mostly known for its deserts, Windhoek’s winter nights can genuinely surprise visitors.
The numbers:
Coldest months: June and July
Winter nighttime lows: frequently drop to 0°C to 5°C, and can occasionally go below freezing
Daytime winter temperatures stay pleasant, usually in the low to mid 20s Celsius
Does it snow? No. Windhoek stays dry through winter, so the cold shows up as sharp overnight drops and frost rather than snowfall, but the day to night temperature swing here is one of the widest on this list.
10. Fes, Morocco
Rounding out the list is another Moroccan city, Fes, which sits close to Ifrane geographically but at a lower elevation of around 400 to 600 metres. It doesn’t get nearly as brutal as Ifrane, but it’s still notably cold by Moroccan standards.
The numbers:
Winter daytime highs: 15°C to 17°C
Winter nighttime lows: often drop to 3°C to 5°C, sometimes lower during cold snaps
Occasional light frost in January, the coldest month
Does it snow? Rarely in the city itself, though when cold fronts push through the region, light snow has been known to reach Fes, especially given its proximity to the snowy Middle Atlas just an hour away.
Quick Comparison Table
Rank
City
Country
Elevation
Coldest Recorded Temp
Does It Snow?
1
Ifrane
Morocco
~1,650m
-23.9°C
Yes, heavily
2
Sutherland
South Africa
~1,450m
-16.4°C
Yes, often
3
Mokhotlong
Lesotho
~2,100m+
Below -10°C (district)
Yes, regularly
4
Maseru
Lesotho
~1,600m
Below 0°C (winter nights)
Occasionally
5
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
~2,300m
Near freezing (nearby highlands)
No (nearby peaks do)
6
Nairobi
Kenya
~1,700m
7°C (recorded July night)
No (Mt Kenya does)
7
Antananarivo
Madagascar
~1,300m
~9°C (July nights)
No
8
Arusha
Tanzania
~1,400m
~5°C (highlands)
No (Kilimanjaro does)
9
Windhoek
Namibia
~1,700m
Near 0°C (winter nights)
No
10
Fes
Morocco
~500m
3°C to 5°C (winter nights)
Rarely
Why Does Africa Even Have Cold Cities?
It comes down to one word: altitude. Most of the cities on this list sit well above 1,000 metres, and several are above 2,000 metres. As elevation increases, air pressure and temperature both drop. That’s the same reason mountain peaks near the equator, like Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, can carry snow year round even though they’re technically in the tropics.
A second factor is latitude combined with dry winter air. Places like Sutherland and Ifrane sit far enough south or at high enough elevation that winter cold fronts, sometimes carrying air that originated near Antarctica or the Atlantic, sweep through and drop temperatures fast, especially at night when clear skies let heat escape quickly.
So no, Africa is not always hot. Pack a jacket if you’re headed to any of these places between June and August, or December and February, depending on which hemisphere they sit in.
There is a castle in Northern Nigeria. A real one. Not a themed hotel. Not a movie set. A proper medieval-style structure sitting quietly on a hill in Kaduna State. The first time I saw it online, it didn’t make sense. A castle here? In Nigeria? So when I finally made my way to Kaduna, I knew I had to see it for myself.
Getting to Kaduna: Expectation vs Reality
Before the trip, I had heard a lot of things about Northern Nigeria. The usual stories people pass around. But being there in person felt different.
It was not what I had imagined. And then there was the real surprise.
The Journey to Kajuru Castle
Kajuru Castle is not in the middle of the city. You have to leave Kaduna and head out toward a more remote area. The journey itself starts to change your mindset.
Fewer buildings
More open land
Rocky terrain and hills
Quiet surroundings
At some point, it starts to feel like you are going somewhere hidden. And then suddenly, you see it.
A castle.
First Impressions
When we arrived, one thing became clear immediately. This is not your regular tourist attraction.
It is not open like a public site
There is little to no crowd
It does not feel heavily maintained
We actually had to call the manager to get access, and luckily, we were allowed in for a short time. That alone already made the experience feel different.
The Story Behind Kajuru Castle
From what I learned, Kajuru Castle was built by a German man named Gerhard Huebner.
How it Started
Around the late 1970s, he was given permission by local authorities to build on the land
It began as a temporary structure, more like a private retreat
Over time, it expanded into a full medieval-style castle
How it Was Built
Built with local labour in Kaduna
Used materials available in the area
Took several years to complete
He wasn’t building it for tourism. This was personal.
He wanted something that reminded him of Europe, and somehow, he created that here in Nigeria.
Architecture: Why It Feels Unreal
This is where things get interesting.
Everything about the castle feels out of place in the best way possible.
Stone walls and towers
Elevated hilltop positioning
European medieval design
Wide views of the surrounding landscape
Standing there, it honestly feels like you are not in Nigeria anymore.
The Legal Battle and Why He Left
At some point, things changed. There are different stories, but the more detailed version points to a legal issue over the land.
What Happened
As the castle expanded, he tried to acquire more land
Due to restrictions on foreign ownership, the land was purchased under a Nigerian company
A dispute later arose over ownership
The Court Case
The case lasted for years
Went through multiple courts
Eventually reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria
In the end, the ruling did not go in his favor. He lost control of the property and eventually left Nigeria. That part of the story adds a different layer to the whole experience.
Quick Facts About Kajuru Castle
Feature
Details
Location
Kajuru, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Built By
Gerhard Huebner (German expatriate)
Period
Late 1970s
Style
Medieval European
Access
Private, not freely open
Use Today (2026)
Private stays, limited access
What It Feels Like Being There
One man’s idea
Years of building
A legal battle
Then walking away
It makes the place feel more than just a location. It feels like a story frozen in time.
Should You Visit Kajuru Castle?
Honestly, yes… but with some context.
Why You Should Go
It is one of the most unique places in Nigeria
The story behind it makes it even more interesting
The views and setting are beautiful
Things to Keep in Mind
It is not easily accessible
You cannot just walk in anytime
There are some security concerns in the area
So it may not be for everyone.
But if you are curious and you really want to experience something different, it is worth it.
I believe the story behind this castle is what really makes it special. Because you would hardly find anything like this in Nigeria, or even in most parts of West Africa. It still doesn’t fully make sense. And maybe that is the point. A castle like this, in a place like this, with a story like this. That is what makes Kajuru Castle unforgettable.
I explained more in the video below. If you’d like to know more details, see video below;
Northern Pakistan is one of those places that people often misunderstand before they ever see it for themselves. For many, the only stories they hear are shaped by headlines, assumptions, or secondhand opinions. But once you step into the region, you quickly realize that the reality is far more layered, peaceful, and deeply beautiful than most people imagine.
This part of the world is defined by massive mountains that seem to stretch endlessly into the sky, quiet valleys carved by ancient rivers, and communities that have learned to live in harmony with nature for generations. Traveling here is not just about seeing landscapes. It is about understanding a way of life that feels both grounded and timeless.
Why Northern Pakistan Feels Different
There is something about Northern Pakistan that feels raw and untouched. The moment you begin moving through the region, you notice how dramatically the scenery changes. One moment you are surrounded by rocky terrain, and the next you are driving past lush green valleys with rivers flowing beside you.
Nature plays a central role in everyday life here. The mountains are not just a backdrop. They influence how people live, how they build their homes, and even how they interact with each other. Life moves at a slower pace, and there is a calmness that comes from being so close to nature.
The People and Their Hospitality
One of the most memorable parts of traveling through Northern Pakistan is the people. Hospitality is not treated as a formality. It is a way of life. Visitors are often welcomed with warmth and curiosity, and it is common to be invited for tea or a conversation even if you just met someone.
There is a strong sense of community across the region. People look out for each other, and that kindness naturally extends to travelers. Conversations often go beyond small talk, giving you a chance to understand local perspectives and daily life in a more meaningful way.
Challenging The Perception
Many travelers hesitate to visit because of what they have heard. But once you spend time here, you realize that much of the fear comes from misunderstanding rather than reality. The region feels peaceful, and locals are often eager to share their culture and stories.
Traveling through Northern Pakistan gives you the opportunity to see beyond stereotypes. It shows you that places labeled as dangerous are often simply misunderstood by those who have never experienced them firsthand.
Best Time To Visit
The experience you have in Northern Pakistan can vary depending on the time of year. Spring and summer bring vibrant greenery and comfortable weather, making it easier to explore valleys and mountain towns. Autumn offers stunning colors as the landscapes turn shades of gold and orange. Winter transforms the region into a quiet snowy escape, though travel can be more challenging due to weather conditions.
Choosing the right time depends on what you want to experience, whether it is lush scenery, cultural festivals, or dramatic winter landscapes.
Getting Around The Region
Traveling through the north requires patience and flexibility. Roads often wind through mountains, and journeys can take longer than expected. But the views along the way make every trip worthwhile.
Many travelers move between towns by car, either with a driver or through local transport. Moving slowly allows you to fully appreciate the landscapes and discover places you might otherwise miss.
Culture, Food, and Daily Life
The culture of Northern Pakistan is rich and deeply rooted in tradition. Each area has its own customs, clothing styles, and local languages. Food is simple but flavorful, often made with fresh ingredients sourced locally. Meals are usually shared, turning even a simple dinner into a social experience.
Daily life here is shaped by the environment. Markets are lively, children play in open spaces, and people take pride in preserving their traditions while adapting to modern life.
Planning Your Journey
Traveling through Northern Pakistan requires some preparation, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Planning your route, understanding local customs, and packing appropriately can make your journey smoother.
It is also important to travel with an open mind. The region offers experiences that go beyond sightseeing. It gives you a chance to slow down, observe, and connect with people and places in a meaningful way.
Why This Journey Stays With You
Northern Pakistan is not just a destination you visit and forget. It is a place that stays with you long after you leave. The landscapes leave you in awe, but it is the human connections and the sense of peace that truly leave a lasting impression.
Traveling here reminds you that the world is full of places that are far more welcoming and beautiful than we are often led to believe. It encourages you to question assumptions and to experience places for yourself rather than relying on what you have heard.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Northern Pakistan is about more than ticking off locations on a map. It is about understanding a region that is rich in culture, natural beauty, and genuine human warmth. Whether you are drawn by the mountains, the stories, or the curiosity to see beyond the headlines, the journey offers a perspective that is both humbling and inspiring.
For travelers who value depth, authenticity, and meaningful experiences, Northern Pakistan offers something truly special. It is a reminder that some of the most rewarding journeys are the ones that challenge what we think we know and invite us to see the world through a different lens.
Ethiopia is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world.
Often reduced to outdated narratives, its depth, history, and cultural richness are rarely explained properly.
ETHIOPIA Travel Guide: Unfiltered is not a typical travel guide.
It is a deeply personal, experience-based guide written from the perspective of an African traveller and storyteller who has spent time moving through the country, observing daily life, navigating challenges, and learning directly from the people.
This guide is designed for travellers who want understanding, not comfort, and context, not clichés.
What This Travel Guide Is About
This guide focuses on:
Real travel conditions, not glossy marketing
Cultural awareness and respectful exploration
Practical information you actually need on the ground
Emotional and mental preparation for travelling to Ethiopia
Honest insights you won’t find in blogs or influencer posts
It is written for travellers who want to experience Ethiopia as it is, not as it is sold.
What You’ll Learn Inside
🧭 Essential Travel Knowledge
Visa and entry requirements explained simply
Safety realities, calm areas vs sensitive regions
Money, cost of living, and cash usage
Internet, SIM cards, power outages, and apps you’ll need
Getting around Ethiopia, flights, buses, drivers, and ride-hailing
🏛️ Culture, History & People
Ethiopia’s ancient history and why it matters
Religion, traditions, and daily life
Cultural etiquette, hospitality, and social norms
Food culture, injera, coffee ceremonies, and street food safety
📍 Destination Guides
Addis Ababa city guide
Gondar and Lalibela
Omo Valley and indigenous communities
Danakil Depression and extreme environments
🗺️ Detailed 7–10 Day Travel Itinerary
Day-by-day breakdown
Travel flow and pacing
When to rest vs when to move
Realistic expectations for each stop
🎥 For Content Creators & Filmmakers
Filming rules and restrictions
Drone laws and warnings
Ethical storytelling tips
What not to film and why
Who This Guide Is For
✔ Travellers planning a first trip to Ethiopia
✔ Intentional travellers who value culture over luxury
✔ Anyone tired of surface-level travel advice
What Makes This Guide Different
Written from lived experience, not research alone
Focuses on context, history, and respect
Honest about challenges without fear-mongering
Designed to prepare you mentally, not just logistically
Created by an African storyteller, for global travellers
This is not a checklist.
It is a companion for understanding Ethiopia.
What You Get
FormatDetails📘 File TypeHigh-quality PDF📄 Length29+ pages📱 AccessInstant download🔄 UpdatesFuture updates may be added🌍 FocusCulture, safety, travel reality
Important Note
This guide is based on my personal experience travelling through Ethiopia. Travel conditions, prices, and regulations may change over time. Always confirm details locally and travel responsibly.
Why I Created This Guide
I created this guide because Ethiopia deserves better storytelling.
Not louder storytelling, truer storytelling.
If you want a destination that challenges you, teaches you, and stays with you long after you leave, this guide will help you approach Ethiopia with clarity, respect, and open eyes.
