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Train disasters and settler tragedies
Grahamstown's ghost tours
Grahamstown ghost tours feature many historic buildings
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Rhodes University's Journalism Department is occasionally visited by a man and girl in period dress.
In 2012, Grahamstown celebrated its bicentennial. It started life as a military post in the borderlands where a great southwards movement of tribes was halted by white settlers. Colonial Grahamstown was a mix of respectable burghers, passing-through adventurers and dubious fly-by-nighters. Grahamstown ghost stories abound.
In 1820 a large group of British settlers was brought to this area as a farming buffer zone between Queen Victoria's military might and the nearby Xhosa tribes. The year before, Grahamstown had nearly fallen to the 10 000 warriors of the magician-chief Makhana.
But many new arrivals were artisans, not farmers. The land suffered under their untutored hands, but Grahamstown itself flourished into a wondrous complex of stately architecture. By 1830 Grahamstown had libraries, newspapers, law courts and museums. But what it really became famous for was its many prestigious schools.
This 'culture of culture' has stretched right into the present day, with the stunning achievements of Rhodes University and the annual National Arts Festival in mid-year that celebrates the best of South African creativity – and there are even ghost tours of Grahamstown.
During festival time, there are some great 'skeletons-in-the-cupboard' tours of Grahamstown, recounting tragedies, ghosts and murders that took place here. Grahamstown's ghost tours include Saints, Sinners & Students and Settler Skeletons as well as bus tours, including one to the site of the Blaauwkrantz Bridge train disaster.
Just one word of ghostly advice here: if it's misty morning in Grahamstown, take a brisk walk past the Old Provost building, one of South Africa's most interesting pieces of prison architecture – and one of the most haunted places in Grahamstown.
It's a 'panopticon' prison sytem based on an 18th century design created for 'ceaseless surveillance' of the wretched souls imprisoned inside. And although no one was actually hanged in here, it practically glows with paranormal presences.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
The nearest airport is in Port Elizabeth. Grahamstown is 90 minutes' drive north of the coastal city. It's also easily accessible by bus, train and car.
Get around
Your tour company will provide transport for the evening.
What will it cost
Cost depends on the type of tour and the tour company, but price is generally in the region of R300 per person.
What to pack
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket – the weather can turn in minutes. Also pack a flashlight, a camera and some extra cash for drinks and food.
Where to stay
There are plenty of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and B&Bs in town. Some are even haunted.
What's happening
If you're planning a trip to Grahamstown in July, book early because this is the month the town hosts the National Arts Festival, the second-largest festival of its kind in the world.
Best buys
To find out about more South Africa's restless spirits invest in a copy of 'Ghosts of South Africa' by Pat Hopkins, published by Zebra Press, found in most good bookshops.