With Halloween just around the corner, everyone enjoys a good ghost story, whether you believe in the supernatural or not.
Over the years, reports of ghostly apparitions have occurred along many of South Africa’s majestic mountain passes. South Africa is also a country steeped in rich folklore.
However, beware of the living if you plan on “ghost hunting” along these mountain passes. Stopping on the side of the road at night can be incredibly dangerous.
But if you’re not keen on a ghostly encounter, these are the passes to avoid at this spooky time of year.
Tollgate Ghost Of Michell’s Pass
Michell’s Pass, steeped in history, connects the citrus town of Ceres to Tulbagh, Worcester, and the Breede River Valley.
Initially constructed in 1848, the pass has undergone many renovations, including widening and adding a railway line. Before its construction, farmers and tradespeople would have to climb through the mountains on foot, disassembling their wagons at a certain point. Many lives were lost in this treacherous journey.
Travel became easier with the new single-lane pass, and the Old Tollgate house was built to collect a fee for those enjoying the passage to Ceres. Situated at the top of the pass, the building still stands, nestled under the shade of old oak trees.
Over the years, the Old Tollgate house has had many tenants. In 1990, it was turned into a tearoom for travelers. While the quaint cottage was charming during the day, it took on a completely different atmosphere at night. The property owners made sure to leave before sunset—until it reopened as a bistro with longer hours.
Restaurant staff reported sightings of a young Victorian lady they called Nellie, who roamed the property. Little is known about her history, but many believe her ghost lingers due to the high volume of travelers that passed through the tollgate.
Today, the historical monument is abandoned, with locals choosing to stay away.
The Horse Rider of Van Reenen’s Pass
Van Reenen’s Pass is infamous for being one of South Africa’s most dangerous roads. It is plagued by heavy truck traffic, has an incredibly high elevation in the Drakensberg mountains, and can be battered by adverse weather conditions within minutes.
These challenging conditions have been an issue since the pass first opened. A green lantern at the summit once signalled to travellers they had reached the top. Due to the unpredictable weather, travel along the pass between 18:00 and 06:00 was once forbidden..
Van Reenen was a hotspot during the Boer War, providing a direct route between the Free State and Natal. Its remote location has contributed to its reputation for ghostly activity.
One local legend claims that the ghost of a Boer commando can be seen riding his horse up the pass, still searching for his comrades. Witnesses say the apparition appears out of the thick fog, only to vanish instantly.
The tiny town of Van Reenen also claims to house the world’s smallest Roman Catholic church. Built-in memory of a man’s son who saved eight fellow miners, the church has an equal number of chairs. Some say that on quiet nights, the father’s cries for his lost son can still be heard.
Outside the town at Windy Corner, lookout. Legend has it that you can hear the voices of those who perished on their journey through the pass.
The Uniondale Hitchhiker
One of the most iconic ghost stories in South Africa is the Uniondale Hitchhiker. The tale originates from a tragic accident on the remote Uniondale Poort Pass in 1968.
Located in the semi-arid Karoo region, the pass was built in 1925 and tarred in 1960. It is a majestic trip for any local travellers as it offers views of stunning rock formations and some small waterfalls at the right time of year.
However, the road is best known for the story of Maria Charlotte Roux, a young woman who died in a car accident along the pass in 1968.
Since then, several motorists have claimed to have picked up a hitchhiker, only for her to vanish without a trace from the back seat. Locals advise against stopping for a lone figure along this road, especially on misty nights when Maria is said to be searching for her lost ride.
Swartberg Pass, Western Cape
With its jagged cliffs and hair-raising bends, the Swartberg Pass is one of the most challenging drives in South Africa. Convicts built the pass between 1881 and 1888 under strict supervision.
It’s also worth mentioning that this pass is not tarred, and the winding gravel roads sharply elevate to 1,583 meters. For those brave enough to drive it, the Swartberg Pass offers sweeping views over the Little and Great Karro regions.
However, bad weather can quickly sweep in, covering the pass in snow.
Beneath its natural beauty, the Swartberg Mountains hide a darker presence. Travellers claim to have heard the cries of a woman, believed to be the spirit of someone who met a tragic end on the pass decades ago.
It’s said that during stormy weather or when the wind howls fiercely, her voice can be heard echoing through the mountains, calling out for help that never arrives.
If you are planning on venturing along one of these passes anytime soon, make sure to have your vehicle’s battery tested. Otherwise, you might end up on the side of the road this spooky season.
