SOUTH AFRICAN GHOST STORIES -South Africa’s favourite ghost stories explained

While the tradition of Halloween dates back hundreds of years and has its roots in Celtic, Gaelic and Pagan festivities, most nations celebrate 31 October by indulging in everything spooky and macabre.

Halloween is upon us once again, and although South African’s aren’t known for celebratory trick or treating, the country sure does have some interesting ghost stories of its own.

South Africa is a complex land of mystery and wonder, an amalgamation of the beautifully bizarre as a result of a complex, and often unpleasant, history. It’s this combination of folklore and fear that mixes well in the cauldron of morbid fascination.

Thanks to American influence, people don Halloween costumes, usually meant to depict ghouls, frightening apparitions or deceased celebrities. Pumpkins are carved into jack-o’-lanterns and kids take to the streets asking neighbours for treats.

It’s a time for innocuous mischievousness, which usually, for young-adults anyway, turns into a dress-up drinking party, after which most revellers experience true horror in the form of a brain-drilling hangover.

But, while these spooky shenanigans form the backdrop for Halloween festivities, South Africans can afford to cite a host of ghastly ghost stories which supersede the superficial celebratory screams. Let’s take a look at South Africa’s scariest ghost stories; myths and legends that have been passed down through the ages.

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Uniondale’s lost lover, looking for a ride

Stretch of road from Willowmore to Uniondale / Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Let’s start with South Africa’s favourite ghost story first – the ghost of Maria Roux, Uniondale’s infamous hitching bride-to-be.

According to urban legend, Marie Charlotte Roux had recently become engaged to Giel Oberholzer in 1968. Over the Easter Weekend of that year, the loving couple embarked on what was to become a hellride on the outskirts of Uniondale in the Karoo.

Roux was asleep on the backseat of Oberholzer’s Volkswagen Beetle when her fiancé lost control of the vehicle in stormy weather. The car rolled on the Barandas-Willowmore road, roughly 20 kilometres from the Uniondale, killing Roux.

Yet, according to some motorists, Roux can still be seen waiting on the side of the road, ostensibly, for the return of her fiancé or a lift to her final destination.

According to several reports, motorists driving along the desolate stretch of road at night come across a woman hitchhiking. This woman, who apparently fits the description of Roux, asks for a lift, and most motorists oblige.

However, a few kilometres down the road, Roux vanishes. Some shook motorists have described the woman’s laughter and a sudden cold chill in the air.

Nottingham Road’s lady of the night

Nottingham Road has the oldest pub in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and, according to some patrons, a beautiful ghost called Charlotte.

The myth revolves around the Nottingham Road Hotel, a 19th-century prostitute who plied her trade at the establishment and a handsome British soldier.

It’s a love affair which was doomed from the beginning. Charlotte, a prostitute at the Nottingham Road Hotel, fell in love with a British soldier sometime in the late 1800s. There are two urban legends which detail Charlotte’s untimely demise.

In the first account, Charlotte finds out that the soldier, with whom she is madly in love with, has recently been killed in battle. Overcome with sorrow, Charlotte flings herself off the balcony’s hotel, dying of her injuries.

The second account states that Charlotte was killed by a defaulting customer who turned violent and threw her off of the balcony.

Either way, patrons and paranormal investigators firmly believe that Charlotte still walks the halls of the Nottingham Road Hotel as a lonely apparition. She’s apparently most fond of room number 10.

Apparently, Charlotte speaks to children who stay at the hotel with their families. She also has a penchant for mischievous behaviour and enjoys unpacking bags, fiddling with light switches and turning on the water taps.

International paranormal investigators, Ghost Hunters filmed their Nottingham Road Hotel adventures in 2007. The crew believe that Charlotte is a lost spirit trapped within the establishment and that she may even be joined by a ghostly pal.

The Flying Dutchman Ghost Ship at Cape Point

The Flying Dutchman by Charles Temple / Image via Wikimedia Commons

The Flying Dutchman, known in Dutch as De Vliegende Hollander, is a legendary ghost ship which is said to have been commandeered by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century.

Over the last 200 years, many sailors have sworn to have seen The Flying Dutchmen, complete with period-appropriate crew and captain, sailing the world’s stormy seas. Legend has it that the ship sank off the coast of the Cape of Good Hope near Cape Point.

According to eyewitnesses, the ghostly ship appears on stormy nights, when the well is rough and gale force winds prevail. It’s been said that the ghostly crew of The Flying Dutchmen attempt to reach worldly onlookers by way of rowboats.

Urban legend claims that Dutch captain Bernard Fokke commandeered the ship around the Cape of Good Hope, but refused to turn around when The Flying Dutchmen encountered a monstrous storm. The stubborn captain swore he would pass Cape Point even if it “should take until the day of judgment.”

Ghosts of the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein

the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein / Image via Flickr: flowcomm

According to some, Matjiesfontein is the most haunted town in South Africa. This tiny Karoo town is said to be home to a number of embattled apparitions, two of whom have found shelter in the Lord Milner Hotel.

Meet ghost number one, Lucy. Lucy is, by all accounts, a timid ghost who has never checked out of her hotel room on the first floor. Patrons who have encountered the spirit say she is not at all frightening, although quarrels can be heard coming from her room late at night. Naturally, when visitors enter the room to investigate the source of the disturbances, nothing and no one can be found.

Lucy is joined at the Lord Milner Hotel by Kate, the ghost of a 19-year-old nurse who enjoyed playing cards with British soldiers garrisoned in the old turret room. Nobody knows how Kate died, but patrons and hotel staff have reported strange happenings in and below the old turret room.

According to eyewitnesses, Kate is a restless soul who makes her presence known in strange ways; brushing against people’s shoulders, shuffling cards in the old recreation room and walking the narrow hallways in her old nurse uniform.

The haunting of Kempton Park Hospital

Kempton Park Hospital / Image via Martijn Smeets Facebook

Johannesburg is scary enough without ghosts, but for intrepid urban explorers, the abandoned Kempton Park Hospital has all the makings of a horror movie.

The hospital abruptly closed down the day after Christmas in 1996. Nobody knows why, which has only added fuel to the frightening fire.

Medical files, equipment and specimen jars were all left in place. Over the years, much of that has been destroyed or expropriated by local teenagers and the city’s homeless, yet, remnants of the hospital’s dubious past still remain.

A group of local ghost hunters documented their exploration of the abandoned hospital, which oozes eeriness. According to some, the hospital’s psychiatric wing is the haunted hotspot, with some explorers experiencing strange occurrences, including ear piercing screams and dancing shadows.

The Kempton Park Hospital is due to be demolished soon, so if you feel brave enough, explore it while it lasts. Disclaimer: Don’t enter Johannesburg’s abandoned buildings; the dangers exceed the supernatural.

The ghosts of South Africa

The ghosts of South Africa are a colourful, dramatic and varied lot. You'll find killers, victims, poltergeists, spooky drivers, battlefield wraiths and road-death spirits. Each one gives you a little insight into South Africa's story. But most of all, they provide for cracking good entertainment – a South African ghost story is always worth telling.

So, when you ask the folk at the Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert about their ghosts, they'll tell you about flying vases, characters moving about in old paintings and the shenanigans of a late-night poltergeist in the corridors. Ghosts, you see, are good for business.

Many years ago, a man murdered his wife in a riverbed near Beaufort West. Since then, people have seen a fast-moving light running up and down the river. They say it's the angry spirit of the dead woman. One driver who drove towards it, the story goes, ended up in a lunatic asylum.

The most famous country spook is the Uniondale hitchhiker. On a stormy night in 1968, an Air Force officer and his fiancée crashed in their Volkswagen Beetle just outside the town in the Kamanassie Mountains. He was badly hurt, she died instantly. Since then, people travelling the area on rainy nights have picked up a woman hitchhiker – who then simply disappears into the darkness again.

Then there are the offshore ghosts, in the form of the captain and crew of The Flying Dutchman, cursed to a futile attempt to round the Cape of Good Hope for eternity. Let the haunting begin...

The Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town

The Castle of Good Hope is one of the oldest colonial buildings in South Africa, and is said to be home to several unexplained phenomena, such as ghostly footsteps, flickering lights, and specters that appear; one of which is reputed to be the castle’s first official hostess, Lady Anne Barnard.

The ghosts of The Castle of Good Hope

If you’re curious about South African legends and stories about ghosts, this paranormal one’s for you.

The Castle of Good Hope is a 17th-century fortress in Cape Town, South Africa. Locals commonly refer to it as the Cape Town Castle, or simply, the Castle.

The Castle is open for tours, and experienced guides regularly take visitors through the historic passageways. It sits near many other popular attractions in Cape Town’s vibrant central business district.

So what’s the gripping story behind this landmark? Many believe that relentless, previously tortured spirits haunt the space, as the Castle was once a site of horrid punishments.

One of the most famous ghosts is the Lady in Grey, a sad-faced woman who wanders around the Castle at night.

Some claim that you can hear ghosts walking around. So they prefer to walk outside the Castle to avoid seeing the source of those footsteps.

Are you brave enough to explore the Castle and unravel the mystery?

Klerksdorp Spheres, Klerksdorp

The 100’s of strange, almost-spherical objects discovered in Klerksdorp have been viewed by thousands of visitors who believe them to be of alien origin. Science has solved this mystery, stating the spheres are geofacts that naturally occur – but we leave it to you to make up your own mind.

Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind

With bones and fossils dating back 4 million years, it’s safe to say the Sterkfontein Caves are definitely a contender in having some of the oldest relics of man ever to be found. And this leaves us wondering: who were these ancient hominids?

Mysterious Mermaid, Meiringspoort, Karoo

Stories of a beautiful dark-haired, blue-eyed mermaid living in the Karoo have been circulating for the last few centuries, and myth would have you believe she lives in the bottomless pool below Skelm waterfall (or the Eseljagtspoort or Meiringspoort, depending who you talk to)

Ponte Tower, Johannesburg

This 54-story cylindrical tower was once a luxurious high-rise that fell into disrepair. It now stands as a crumbling legacy from the apartheid era. After being a base for several notorious gangs, it was abandoned and has since had an eerie number of suicides occur, and several ghosts spotted.

Uniondale Hitchiker, Uniondale

Just outside of Uniondale is the hitchhiking ghost of Maria Roux who reportedly died in her sleep on Easter Sunday after her fiancé crashed the car. She is said to have dark hair and stands waiting for passing cars to grant her passage, only to disappear a few km’s into the journey, leaving the scent of apple blossoms in her wake.

South Africa, a land steeped in history and cultural diversity, is also a treasure trove of spine-chilling South African ghost stories. One such tale that has stood the test of time is the story of the Flying Dutchman, or as it is known in its native tongue, Der Fliegende Hollander. This South Africa horror story harks back to 1641 when a Dutch trade ship, brimming with Far Eastern treasures, was claimed by the stormy seas off the Cape of Good Hope. As the legend goes, any unfortunate mariner who lays eyes on the spectral Flying Dutchman is destined for a gruesome end. This phantom ship has been sighted throughout the annals of history, from the Royal Navy crew in the late 1800s to a German submarine in World War II, and even by modern-day tourists who claim to have seen its ragged sails. But are these sightings genuine, or just tricks of the light?

The charming town of Matjiesfontein in the Western Cape is another locale famous for its South African prison ghost stories. The Lord Milner Hotel declared a national monument in 1970, is reputedly haunted by several apparitions. The most renowned is Kate, a young nurse from the Boer War who mysteriously passed away. It is said that her spirit can be seen peering out from the hotel's top turrets, and the sound of cards being shuffled can be heard from a small room on the second floor, now known as "Kate's Card Room". Other spectral inhabitants of the Lord Milner Hotel include the town's founder, James Logan, and Lucy, a heartbroken spirit who roams the first-floor hallways, mourning a lost love.

Another South African ghost story that sends shivers down the spine is set in the Nottingham Road Hotel. The tale tells of a prostitute named Charlotte who fell in love with a British soldier. The details of their ill-fated romance remain shrouded in mystery, but it ended tragically when Charlotte fell (or jumped) to her death from room 10. Her restless spirit is said to still haunt the room, rearranging mirrors and flowers, and startling the room's present-day occupants.

The chilling tale of the first-flooris another piece of South African folklore. On Easter weekend in 1968, a couple met a tragic end in a car accident. The woman, who was asleep in the back seat, is now said to haunt the roads around the town, hitching rides on rainy nights with unsuspecting drivers, only to vanish from their vehicles with a bone-chilling laugh.

In Cape Town, the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest building in South Africa, is reputed to be teeming with spirits. The ghost of Lady Anne Barnard is often seen in the ballroom, while the malevolent governor Pieter Gysbert van Noodt, a terrifying black hound, and the souls of those who were imprisoned and tortured in the Donker Gat (dark hole), a windowless dungeon that often flooded during high tide, are also said to haunt the castle.

For those brave enough to explore these haunted sites, the Mystery Ghost Bus Tour offers regular trips around the most haunted landmarks and historical sites in the country, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Grahamstown during the annual National Arts Festival. These tales, whether you believe in ghosts or not, offer a fascinating glimpse into South Africa's past, and add an extra layer of intrigue to these already captivating locations.

Kolmanskop, Namibia

Though technically not in South Africa, the abandoned town of Kolmanskop in Namibia is well worth a visit if you’re hoping to experience the eerie desolation of dust-filled, sand-blasted buildings that, by all accounts, truly is a ghost town.

South African myths and legends – South African mythology

Are you looking to embark on a journey through the intriguing world of South African myths and legends?

If so, you’re in the right place. Exploring South African mythology reveals fascinating tales passed down through generations.

South Africa is a country rich in history and culture, containing some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites.

It has accumulated a series of myths and legends over the years to reflect the country’s personality.

Due to the number of influences in the region, there are an endless variety of stories, from Zulu mythology to the San religion.

Take a look at some of South Africa’s most well-known myths and legends.

Fascinating South African Myths and Legends

Steeped in tradition and symbolism, South African legends and myths allow you to discover mysteries, magic, and wonders in this land. So let’s dive into the enchanting realm!

Captain Van Hunks

Legend has it that the 18th-century sea captain, Jan Van Hunks, decided to retire and live on Table Mountain with his wife.

Every day Van Hunks would climb to the top of the mountain to smoke his pipe and admire the beautiful views.One day, Van Hunks climbed to his usual smoking spot and was surprised to see a strange man already sitting there, smoking a pipe. The stranger challenged Van Hunks to a smoking contest, which he gladly agreed to.

Van Hunks was victorious in the competition, much to the stranger’s dismay – and who else should this stranger turn out to be than the devil? Angry for losing, the devil vanished, taking Van Hunks along with him.

Today there is a thick cloud that hangs above Table Mountain, which is said to be left over from Van Hunk’s and the devil’s smoking contest.

Two roads overcame the hyena

One day, a hungry hyena came across a fork in the road with two separate paths, each leading to two goats caught in the thickets.

Unable to choose a path, the hyena decided it would tread the left path with its left legs and walk along the right path with its right legs.

However, as the paths grew further away from each other, the hyena was eventually split in half.

“Two roads overcame the hyena” is a well-known African proverb meant to encourage people to choose a path and commit to it – otherwise, they will be stretched too thin, like the poor hyena!

Ga-Gorib

The myth of Ga-Gorib originates from the San people, indigenous hunter-gatherers of southern Africa.

The Ga-Gorib is a beast that attempts to lure people into its pit by tricking them into throwing rocks at it. However, the stones always bounce back from the creature’s hide, and the caster falls into the pit.

When Heitsi-eibib – the hero of the story – meets the beast, he refuses to throw a stone and instead waits until Ga-Gorib’s back is turned.

When Ga-Gorib isn’t looking, Heitsi-eibib casts his rock, sending the beast tumbling into its own pit.

In another version of the story Ga-Gorib repeatedly tries to throw Heitsi-eibib into the pit, but he always manages to escape. Heitsi-eibib ends up throwing Ga-Gorib into the pit, as in the other versions of the story.

Ga-Gorib means “the spotted one”, which could refer to a leopard or cheetah, known for their cunningness in other legendary tales.

The Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall is a legendary wonder that’s sure to capture your mind.

It tells the story of a giant cliff with a mysterious opening through its center. You can find this rock formation off the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

It is a symbol for Xhosa people, who refer to it as “izi Khaleni” or “place of thunder”. They also believe that it is the gateway to the world of their ancestors.

Wondering what’s the story behind the Hole in the Wall?

Many theories exist relating to the creation of this near-perfect opening. On the one hand, scientists believe that it resulted from the cliff’s location and exposure to breaking waves for millions of years.

According to the legend, a young woman who lived in a small village fell in love with a sea person. She often sat by the water, and he admired her from afar. Until one day, he surfaced and confessed his love.

The girl’s father and the village people disapproved of their relationship. However, the sea people took it upon themselves to help the young couple.

One night, they gathered on the ocean side of the cliff face and repeatedly knocked the rock with a large fish until it broke.

Some believe that the young girl took the opportunity to escape with her lover. According to the Xhosa folklore, the sound of the crashing waves against the Hole in the Wall is a call of the sea people in search of a bride.

The legend of the Tokoloshe

The Tokoloshe is a legendary creature from Zulu mythology, famous for its mischievous and evil spirit. People describe them differently, but the general image is that they are small, hairy, impish creatures.

Some fear Tokoloshe, while others respect them. Many believe that they have supernatural powers and can shape-shift.

They are present in tales of tricks, from stealing belongings to creeping into someone’s bed and causing nightmares. Some stories are more extreme, with mentions of choking people to death.

Malicious people call upon Tokoloshe to cause havoc; some even believe it can bring good fortune. Whether you’re a believer or skeptical, this captivating figure leaves a lasting impression on South African culture.

Tip: If this legend has put you in the mood to watch a movie, there is a South African horror film titled “The Tokoloshe”.

The Grootslang

Grootslang, which translates to “big snake” in English, is a mythical monster that lives in a cave in Richtersveld, South Africa.

As the tale goes, Grootslang is a massive serpent-like creature, similar to an elephant and a snake.

There are different depictions regarding which body part resembles each animal. Some say it has an elephant’s head and a snake’s body and tail.

It has traits that resemble that of both animals, including intelligence, strength, and the ability to mesmerize others.

The legend also mentions that Grootslang loves precious gems and guards hidden treasure within the cave.

creepy Cape Town ghost stories

Cape Town’s beginnings rest on an intricate history of violence and struggle, which some believe to be the catalyst for restless souls tormenting the land (and the people in it) for generations to come. These nine spots are centuries old and according to a few spine-chilling accounts, are hotbeds for paranormal activity, proving that some citizens of the Cape just never want to leave, even long after they’ve been gone…

Groote Schuur Hospital

Tucked away in the shadows of Devil’s Peak, the large 20th century building that is Groote Schuur Hospital gives off an eerie feeling even when cruising past it on the highway. While spooky occurrences are not uncommon at a hospital, Groote Schuur is plagued by a couple of restless souls who wonder about it’s hallways. Patients have tales of being tended to by nurses that no one has ever heard of, while a sister who’s been described as having ‘white eyes’ and who apparently committed suicide has also been sighted on numerous occasions. There is also the friendly Sister Fatima who reportedly tries to help hospital staff on their rounds by giving drinks to patients from trolley’s that are standing unattended, and the troubled soul of a patient who fell to his death while trying to escape is still stuck in limbo.

Tokai Manor House

Built in 1795, Tokai Manor House is a National Monument, and the subject of one of the best ghost stories in the Cape. The Eksteen family who owned the property in the early 1900’s, loved a good party and during one drunken New Year’s Eve, a young nobleman, Frederick Eksteen, was challenged to ride his horse around the living room. He did so proudly at first and everyone cheered, but due to the wild and noisy antics of the party, the horse got spooked and tumbled down the steps of the verandah. Frederick was dragged to his death while the horse didn’t survive either. Ever since then, those who’ve worked at the manor have claimed they often hear strange sounds such as drunken laughter and horse hooves, and some have even witnessed a man on horseback galloping around the property in the early hours of the morning, particularly on New Year’s eve.

Ghost House of Rondebosch

This three-story Edwardian dwelling of a bye-gone era looks completely out of place, and particularly creepy in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch. Apparently, during the 1970’s the house was used by a cult group to conduct many sinister activities, leaving a dark and mysterious energy behind. Those who have been brave enough to venture close to the gates have spotted a ghostly old man wandering through the rooms and have heard doors opening and closing shut for no apparent reason.

Greenpoint Lighthouse

Arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Cape Town, the red-and-white striped Green Point lighthouse dates back to the 1800’s, and with it’s historical significance comes hearsay of ghost stories and paranormal activity that’s swirled around for generations. The story goes that the lighthouse was once guarded by a lighthouse keeper by the name of W.S West who disappeared for reasons unknown. However, his spirit still roams around the tower as a one-legged figure called ‘Daddy West’ – it said that his voice can be heard echoing along the tower walls late night.

In 2014, the Cape Town Paranormal Investigations Unit (yes that’s a thing) went on an expedition to the lighthouse and came back with this recording of a demonic voice, which supposedly provides some concrete evidence to the rumours.

Rust en Vreugd

This historical dwelling from the 1700’s was built as the residence of a corrupt official of the Dutch East India Company and today functions as an art gallery and museum. Visitors often receive a few guests themselves, reportedly feeling a tap on their shoulder, but seeing no one behind them once they turn around. Other guests hear footsteps or sometimes see a floating woman lingering between rooms on the ground floor, while another woman can be seen glaring down at guests from an upstairs window with an empty cot beside her. It is also reported that dogs take a great disliking to the portrait of Lord Charles Somerset, a British Govenor who also previously lived at Rust en Vreugd, and repeatedly snarl at his painting.

Castle of Good Hope

Built in the 1600’s the Castle of Good Hope has a rich yet rather torturous history that’s seen many lives being lost in violent ways. Not surprisingly, these tormented souls still inhabit the area and often make their presence known to visitors and passers-by. The angry ghost of Govenor Van Noordt, who was a strict and unyielding man, once ordered several soldiers to be hanged on his watch. Later that day, he was found dead from a heart attack after one of the soldiers apparently cursed him. Now his soul is ill-fated to never leave the castle walls and workers and visitors have made mention of his bitter presence. Other reports include an angry black dog that antagonizes guests but then mysteriously disappears, and voices and shuffling can often be heard from the Dark Hole, an underground chamber that was used for torturing. In addition, the bell in the Bell Tower which was walled up centuries ago after a soldier hung himself with the bell-rope, is said to frequently ring on it’s own accord.

Groot Costantia

Another 17th century manor house, this one in Groot Constantia, belonged to Simon Van der Stel, one the earliest settlers of the Cape, who had a great attachment to the land. It is often reported that a figure resembling Van der Stel can been seen strolling in the gardens and having a dip in the pool on summer mornings.

Ghost of Elsa Cloete at Kitima Restaurant

It is widely known that Kitima restaurant at the historic Kronendal Manor, is disturbed by the spirits of a young couple from the 1800’s who were banned from spending their lives together. It is said that a British soldier sought the hand of Elsa Cloete who lived at the estate with her family, but her father forbade the union. The soldier is said to have been so distraught at the loss of his love that he hanged himself in an oak tree just outside the house. Elsa died shortly afterwards. These days the lovers can still be seen in and around the house, staring out of windows, dimming lights and moving objets around while the soldier lingers around the oak tree where he ended his own life. The staff at the restaurant consider the pair to be rather fascinating guests and even lay a table out for them every evening.

Table Mountain

This list wouldn’t be complete without an ominous Table Mountain tale. According to mythology, a governor of Cape Town once made enemies with a citizen, who took vengeance through the governor’s son by giving him a beautiful yet tainted flute as a gift. The flute once belonged to a leper, causing the boy to contract the leprosy disease. He was then banished to live in exile in the lonely forests of Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain, and to this day, the melancholy sounds of his flute can be heard trailing down the upper reaches of this lonely gorge.

The Ghosts of Cape Town’s Past

7 spooky stories - from the Castle of Good Hope to Groote Schuur

The Western Cape has a plethora of these myths and folklore to tell. From haunted houses to ghost ships, ghost riders and even mermaids, here are some of the best known stories from Cape Town; you can go to these sites – if you have the courage.

GHOSTS ARE WELCOMED AT THIS RESTAURANT

Kitima Restaurant is a tidy Hout Bay Asian eatery situated on The Kronendal, a 17th century former Dutch homestead … with a history. Part of that history is Elsa Cloete, a Dutch woman who lived in the homestead in the mid-1800s.

Story has it that the young Elsa and a British soldier were madly in love, but her father wouldn’t allow them to see each other. So the young soldier hung himself from a tree, and the young girl died of a broken heart.

According to reports from Kitima Restaurant staff, Cloete may be dead, but she isn’t gone. The staff have seen pots fly off wall hooks and lights dim without explanation. Guests have also reported sightings of a spectral female figure in one of the manor windows. The young soldier’s spirit also lives on as guests have reported sightings of a man’s outline lurking between the manor’s oak trees.

Out of respect for the doomed lovers, the restaurant sets a table for them with food and wine every night.

THE LEGEND OF THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

For centuries, seafarers have reported a spectral ship sailing around the tip of Cape Point on stormy nights. Witnesses say that if you hail the ship, it releases rowboats with phantom men who approach you with letters to deliver to their loved ones.

These accounts are linked to the tale of a vessel called The Flying Dutchman that was caught in a storm in 1641 near Cape Point while journeying to Holland from Indonesia. The captain reportedly refused to turn back, swearing he would round the jagged tip of Africa if it was the last thing he did. It was. The boat was destroyed and all the crew drowned that night.

There have been sightings from Cape Point and Cape Agulhas, but don’t be so keen to see for yourself: witnessing the Flying Dutchman is said to be a bad omen.

Cape Of Good Hope | Cape Point Road | +27 (0)21 780 9526

NO ONE STAYS THE NIGHT HERE

Just past Kalk Bay Harbour is a Building called Spring Tide. The name is on the door, which hasn’t been opened for years. Legends about it abound, of buyers upping and leaving the property, tenants moving in and not staying one night. Even when abandoned, opportunistic vagrants wouldn’t sleep there.

One of the standout stories from this house is from the mid-90s, when the house hosted a crèche. One day during nap time, a teacher heard a loud scream followed by the children crying. One child described how a woman came halfway down the stairs, then stopped and uttered one, guttural scream.

The crèche didn’t last long, and stories surfaced about a love triangle that had turned ugly. Some time ago a woman had found her lover murdered by her husband after he had discovered her infidelity. That moment of discovery is believed to be the apparition the children witnessed that day.

Spring Tide is currently being refurbished. At the moment, builders are only doing exterior cosmetic work. Whether they’re going to work inside remains to be seen.

168 Main Road | Kalk Bay

NO MATTER HOW FAST HE GOES, HE NEVER GETS AWAY

Some say he’s headless, others say he’s completely clad in black, but many Mitchells Plain residents will vouch for the existence of the ghost motorcycle on Spine Road, which cuts its way through Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha right through to Blue Downs.

The part of the road in question is a bridge, bordered by the Mitchells Plain subsections of Portlands, Tafelsig as well as Spine Road High School. Legend has it that on Friday nights, just after midnight, a phantom motorcycle speeds over the bridge.

Not many have seen him, they say he moves too fast, but on a quiet, windless night, he can be heard speeding by. The strange thing is that the motorcycle never stops accelerating, they say: you hear it work through the gears and then accelerating at a high speed, engine whining. But it’s as if he never gets off the bridge, no matter how fast he goes.

The myth is linked to a true story about a motorcycle rider who, speeding down Spine Road on a Harley Davidson, crashed at the foot of the bridge, and died.

BEWARE THE BEAUTIES OF THE KAROO

From Aquaman to Ariel, mermaids are portrayed as the good guys. But not all mermaids are honourable. British folklore says they are bad omens, and in eastern Europe they’re said to be undead brides who drowned and tempt men to the same fate.

In central, west and southern Africa they’re known as Mami Wata (Mother of Water), female humanoid fish who lure men to their deaths.

As a matter of fact, the Karoo dam of Bufeljags is teeming with them, according to local stories. Locals point to several unmarked graves around the banks of the dam, believed to be men lured to the slaughter by the mermaids.

Locals say that the creatures seduce men with beauty: tapping into their psyche and portraying any beauty features that would lure them. There are no reports on how these men meet their end, because no one has lived to tell of the encounter.

CEMETERIES ARE HAUNTED … DUH

Here’s a stupid question: who would walk through a cemetery in the middle of the night? Well, apparently two friends thought it would be a good idea to walk through a graveyard in Claremont – the night before Halloween in 2014.

One of them started snapping photos on a camera and, when checking the screen, noticed that the images were covered in orbs. Spook-story enthusiasts will tell you that orbs, or backscatter, represent some sort of supernatural presence. Science says it’s dust and insects that the camera can’t focus on. But we think the supernatural angle won the argument on this night. On closer inspection the two friends noticed a blurry figure lurking in one of the pictures. It was a man with a white beard and red clothing.

Flabbergasted, they researched and discovered that Sir John Molteno, the first Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, is buried in this cemetery. Sir John was renowned for his long white beard and had joined a Boer commando to fight in the Cape Frontier War. Historical portraits of that war show that Boer soldiers fought in red attire.

Saint Saviours Anglican Church | Bowwood Road & Main Road | Claremont

OUTSMOKING THE DEVIL

Ever notice how clouds often cover the top of Table Mountain like a blanket? Capetonians fondly call it the tablecloth. But there is a famous, 120-year-old story attached to this phenomenon.

According to a poem by 18th century poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti called Jan Van Hunks, the first ever tablecloth was caused by the smoking pipe of the prolific Dutch pirate the poem is named after.

As the story goes, Van Hunks lived at the foot of the mountain and wasn’t allowed to smoke in the house, so he would smoke outside on the mountain side. One day, Van Hunks met another smoker and the two dueled to see who could smoke the most – Van Hunks claimed no-one could outdo him. The second smoker turned out the be the devil.

Van Hunks won the duel but not before the two covered the entire mountain top with their pipe smoke. Whenever Table Mountain is covered with the “tablecloth”, some Capetonians still tell their children that Van Hunks is dueling with the devil again. There’s also a long-standing belief that this duel is the reason Devils Peak has its name.

Uncovering the Top 5 Haunted Roads of South Africa: Tales of Ghostly Apparitions and Unexplained Phenomena

South Africa is home to several haunted roads, including Voortrekker Road, N2 Highway, Greyling Street, Swartberg Pass, and Potgietersrus Road. Despite the lack of evidence, people have reported strange experiences on these roads, such as ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises. The stories surrounding these haunted roads continue to intrigue and fascinate people.

South Africa is a land of rich folklore and legends which is no surprise that many of its roads are said to be haunted. From ghostly hitchhikers to phantom bikers, the stories of these haunted roads have been passed down through generations, chilling drivers and passengers alike. In this article, we explore five of the most haunted roads in South Africa and the ghostly legends that make them so terrifying.

1.) The N2 Highway in Durban:

The N2 Highway in Durban is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was killed in a car accident on the road. According to legend, the woman's spirit still walks the road at night and she is often seen wearing a white dress and carrying a handbag. Some drivers have reported seeing her in their rearview mirrors, while others have claimed to have given her a lift, only for her to disappear before they reach their destination. There have also been reports of unexplained accidents and strange occurrences on this stretch of road.

2.) The Voortrekker Road in Cape Town:

The Voortrekker Road in Cape Town is known for its haunted bridge, which is said to be the site of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of several people. According to legend, the spirits of the deceased still haunt the area and drivers have reported seeing apparitions on the road at night. Some have even reported hearing screams and cries for help coming from the bridge. It is said that the spirits are more active on the anniversary of the accident.

3.) The R33 between Greytown and Dundee:

The R33 between Greytown and Dundee is said to be haunted by a phantom biker who died in a crash on the road. According to legend, the biker's spirit still rides the road at night and drivers have reported seeing him speeding towards them, only to disappear before he reaches them. Some have also reported feeling a sudden chill and a feeling of dread as the biker approaches.

4.) The Uniondale Ghost Road:

The Uniondale Ghost Road is one of South Africa's most famous haunted roads. According to legend, a family died in a car accident on the road in the 1960s and their spirits still haunt the area. Drivers have reported seeing a ghostly family walking along the road, as well as hearing the sounds of a car crash and screams for help. The legend of the Uniondale Ghost Road has become so well-known that it has even inspired a song and a movie.

5.) The Old Johannesburg Road:

The Old Johannesburg Road in Pretoria is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who died in battle during the Anglo-Boer War. According to legend, the soldiers still march along the road at night and drivers have reported hearing the sounds of marching boots and seeing apparitions of soldiers in their rearview mirrors. Some have also reported feeling a sense of unease and sadness while driving on this road.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the stories of these haunted roads are sure to send shivers down your spine. From the Uniondale Ghost Road to the R33 between Greytown and Dundee, South Africa's haunted roads are steeped in history, folklore and mystery. So if you ever find yourself driving down one of these roads, keep your wits about you and remember the tales of those who have encountered the spirits that haunt them. Drive safe and beware of the unknown.