Top 5 Road Trips to Haunted Towns In South Africa

1. Pilgrim’s Rest: The Ghosts of Gold Diggers Past

 

The old mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest is a real-time travelling experience. Nestled in the mountains of Mpumalanga, the museum town has retained all its original charm.

Pilgrim’s Rest was the second gold field discovered in the old Transvaal Republic. The gold discovery triggered a rush, swelling the town’s population to 1,500 almost overnight.

In 1897, engineers constructed a small hydroelectric plant that powered the local tramway and street lights, which indicates the town’s importance back in its day. During the Boer War, the town was home to an emergency coin mint, which pushed the extremely rare Veld Pond.

As you’d expect, Pilgrim’s Rest is a hot spot for paranormal activity. Abandoned buildings, old cemeteries, and the lingering presence of those who lived and died during the Gold Rush have given rise to numerous ghostly tales.

The Royal Hotel, built in 1894, is said to be one of the most haunted places in town. Visitors from all over the world come to experience both its historical ambience and, for some, a brush with the paranormal. The hotel’s Barber’s Shop is rumoured to be haunted by the spirit of a barber, with reports of cold spots, moving chairs, and glimpses of his ghostly figure.

Another well-known spooky resident is the barmaid, who reportedly haunts the hotel’s pub. Guests claim to see her reflection in mirrors behind the bar or feel her presence late at night.

The Alanglade House, built in 1915, is another site for ghost sightings. Many report that the mine manager’s wife still roams the halls.

Other paranormal hotspots include Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, home to the famous Robber’s Grave, who was caught stealing gold and executed.

If you’re looking to travel through time and maybe meet some of the original inhabitants, there’s no better place than Pilgrim’s Rest.

 

2.  Simon’s Town: Historic Naval Town

 

Simon’s Town is a beautiful coastal town that hugs the False Bay coastline. Known for its rich naval history, it has become a hot spot for ghost stories.

With all its beautiful historic buildings, military history, and numerous tragic events over the centuries, it’s no surprise that some residents have not moved on.

The first paranormal resident many have encountered is Just Nuisance, the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. During his service, the Great Dane became a popular mascot with the navy men.

After his passing, a statue was erected in his honour. To this day, many have reported seeing the sizeable ghostly dog roaming the streets.

The Admiralty House is a grand mansion overlooking the naval base and has its own share of ghostly residents. Once home to high-ranking naval officers, it is another hotspot for the supernatural. Visitors have spotted a maritime officer in 18th-century attire wandering the halls.

Another paranormal hot spot is the British Hotel, which is believed to be haunted by the Lady in Grey, a mysterious figure said to have passed on under tragic circumstances. According to local legend, the Lady in Grey was a heartbroken woman who either lost her lover at sea or died while waiting for his return.

Simon’s Town has many ghost stories. Many have reported ghostly sightings in the Naval Graveyard, the sound of the Phantom Bells of St. George’s Cathedral, and the shadowy apparitions of those who washed ashore after the tragic sinking of the SS Lusitania.

If you’re looking for a coastal holiday in a town steeped in history, Simon’s Town is the perfect paranormal break.

 

3. Matjiesfontein: The Victorian Ghost Town

 

Matjiesfontein was once a popular Victorian health resort in the middle of the Karoo during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now, the village is known as a place where the past lingers.

The village was founded by a Scottish businessman who bought the land as a farm in 1884 but soon turned it into a health resort for wealthy aristocrats. Due to the Karoo’s arid climate, it was believed the dry conditions benefitted patients suffering from tuberculosis.

Most visitors to the town will book themselves into the historical Lord Milner Hotel, a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Visitors often speak of ghostly apparitions in the hotel. The most famous ghost is Lucy, who is believed to be a young woman who worked at the hotel during her lifetime.

Today, she’s known to wander near Room 10, where guests have reported hearing strange sounds and feeling cold drafts.

Another spooky hotel resident is the phantom soldier, who is said to be the spirit of a British soldier who died during the Boer War. Most report seeing him marching up and down the corridors in his heavy military boots.

The last paranormal activity in the hotel is the old piano in the lounge, which plays itself. Guests and staff members have heard faint, ghostly music from the piano’s direction, even though no one is around.

 

4. Kimberley: The Ghosts of the Diamond Mines

 

Kimberley is a historic diamond-mining town famous for its Big Hole (Groot Gat) and ghostly legends. The town’s turbulent past is linked to the diamond rush of the late 19th century and has left behind stories of tragedy, greed, and restless spirits.

One of the most famous hauntings is at the Kimberley Club, where the ghost of Cecil John Rhodes, the British imperialist, is said to roam. Rhodes, who played a significant role in Kimberley’s development, is rumoured to appear in his former suite, with cold drafts and his shadow seen in the hallways.

It’s also said that Kimberley’s Big Hole is also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of pickaxes and distant cries of miners who perished in accidents or due to harsh working conditions.

Just outside of Kimberley is Magersfontein Battlefield. A total of 1,100 soldiers died at Magersfontein Battlefield. It is now believed their spirits still wander the battlefield, with ghostly sounds of gunfire and the eerie feeling of being watched, especially on misty mornings.

Kimberley’s rich history and its tales of restless spirits continue to captivate those fascinated by the supernatural.

 

5. Port St. Johns: Mystical Hauntings on the Wild Coast

 

Located along South Africa’s majestic Wild Coast, Port St. John’s is a destination known for its natural beauty, rugged cliffs, and rich cultural history. However, beneath its tranquil appearance hides a darker, more mysterious side steeped in supernatural folklore, legends, and ghosts.

The town is close to Mount Thesiger and Mount Sullivan, which are deeply tied to Xhosa cultural beliefs. Many believe the mountains are sacred spaces where the ancestors and their spirits dwell.

Another local location linked to the supernatural is the Gates of Hell, a gap between two cliffs where the Umzimvubv River meets the ocean. This spot is infamous for its unpredictable currents and numerous drownings over the years.

Locals believe those who succumb to the ocean’s tides are fainted to linger nearby.

While all these haunted towns may seem appealing for a getaway, they can quickly become a nightmare if your vehicle’s battery doesn’t work.

Make sure to book your vehicle in for a battery check before exploring the unknown.