THERE is something magical about building a fire in the snow. The warm orange glow contrasting with the monochromatic winter whites and blacks creates an alluring experience, evoking a bygone era, says Tour Guide Tumelo Thejane from Mohloling Travel.

Mohloling Travel is based in Maliba-Matšo, Leribe and serves local as well as international travellers.

Thejane says there is nothing better than cozying up to a fire when the weather gets cold.

He says if creating a lot of heat with a fire pit is the primary goal,  to ensure that distant gatherings can continue deep into the winter months, then touring to their facility is a perfect move.

“Adding a bonfire to the end of a snowshoe or ski outing opens up new possibilities for winter fun, especially for those who are not athletically inclined, or who generally dislike the cold.

“Winter has come to stay, heading into long cold nights. But as a winter city, people do not need to hibernate for the next months, instead they can embrace outdoor living even in cold temperatures.

“Fire places and fire pits allow us to experience the outdoors while staying warm and making new winter traditions with family and friends,” he also says.

Most of the time, he says winter activities require constant motion to keep warm, adding that the minute one stops moving, the body starts to cool down and as soon as one feels cold to the core, it gets difficult to think about anything else.

“When that happens, there is little opportunity to sit and appreciate the natural world. But with a bonfire, everyone from the grandparents to the young ones can warm their bones while taking in the sights and sounds of the season,” Thejane says.

A winter party with a beautiful bonfire blazing, he says can be a cozy and fun way to entertain guests outdoors for any winter event. No matter how cold it gets, cheerful company dancing around the flames will warm anyone's heart.