Snow sparkles on Sahara dunes – in pictures

Karim Bouchetata's stunning photographs share this rare phenomenon with the world

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Photographer Karim Bouchetata captured the now in Sahara. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Ice from gate of sahara Ain sefra Algeria. Courtesy by Karim Bouchetata

Inhabitants of Ain Sefra, Algeria woke up to the beautiful sight of snowflakes settling in stunning patterns on the sand dunes surrounding their town.

It was the fourth time snow fell in the Sahara in 42 years. The town in Naama province previously experienced snow in 1979, 2016 and 2018.

Temperatures dropped to -3°C, allowing for the snow to remain long enough for Ain Sefra's people and photographer Karim Bouchetata to capture and enjoy the moment.

Ain Sefra is in the Atlas Mountains, 1,000 meters above sea level.

Take a look through the images Bouchetata captured above.

Watch: Saudi Arabian camels in the snow