Halloween had originated from Ireland where it is known as “Samhain Night”. The medieval Irish festival of Samhain night was celebrated with large communal bonfires where ancestors narrated the associated lore to the younger generation. Thereafter, it came to be celebrated as The Day of Dead in few countries where solemn remembrances were paid by family to the members who have passed away. And now it can be seen as people dressing up in ghost costumes and celebrating all things scary like ghost parades, people doing catwalks dripping blood etc.
But as the day is named after the dead ones, wouldn’t it be more considerate to witness something supernatural unfolding before your eyes on this very day? When the fun is all about the deads, why not let the people from other side of the veil come to pay us a visit, just say a hello? Sounds scary? Nope! As the result of many ghost hunting programs broadcasting paranormal activities live on the air, teenagers have taken unusual interest in getting the real time ghost hunting at the old famous haunting places.
Many people take city breaks to special haunting places just to have fun with the other world. It might not sound fun but actually it is real fun; testing your guts, feeling the chill down your spine, facing fear bang on! What could be more adventurous, exciting and challenging than this?
Well, then if you are ready to book your cheap flight tickets, then we bring to you most amazing travel idea. Here is a lowdown of South Africa’s well reckoned haunted hotels. Each has its unique history of blood ravage and suicide. People visit them to have their own narration of ghost haunting.
There is no to book hotels for your stay, as the hotels named below are some of the best accommodation choices in Africa. Here we go:-
The Kimberley Club, Kimberley
Situated in the Kimberley CBD area, this historical 4-star boutique hotel is haunted by the ghost of Joe van Praagh, a Wealthy philanthropist who had got his private bathroom built during his stay here, but never got out of it. If you stay at Boutique hotel, which is a good reminiscence of diamond era, you might see ghost apparition of him in reading room on first floor. Structured in colonial style, En suite bedrooms will provide you mighty fine hair raising experiences.
Besides, city has got other haunted building also. Take a round.
The Nottingham Road Hotel, Nottingham Road, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Are you in a habit of leaving the room where you are staying, in a mess? If yes, then you won’t be allowed to do that in this historical landmark hotel.
safarinow
In case, you are leaving room in haste, having your things scattered all across the room, then its highly possible that you will find it tidy & neat on getting back. Thank Charlotte for this. She is a resident ghost who often tidies up the rooms which guests leave in a bit of mess. Apparently she favors the room number 10, as this was where she fell or was pushed to death.
Lord Milner Hotel, Matjiesfontein, Karoo
This spectacular Victorian hotel was constructed by James Logan, in around 1899, during Anglo Boer War. James might be buried 10 kms away anywhere near the building, but his looming presence is said to have been felt in the hotel’s lounge areas. Hotel is filled with antiques that give it an air of ancientness.
matjiesfontein
Another famous ghost, Lucy, has been seen floating around the first floor in her nightgown. But the all time famous and mostly seen spirit is Kate, a Boer War nurse who used to play cards with her patients. Sound of shuffling cards can still be heard from a room on 2nd floor. She is also seen staring from the turrets.
Mountain Park Holiday Resort Hotel, Bulwer
Built in Tudor-style, this KwaZulu-Natal manor house has 7 ghosts awaiting your visit. You might not like to disturb the 2 ghostly drunkards in the bar or hear the hushed voices of 3 spirit men residing on 3rd floor. Don’t restrain from greeting the child-miner Ruth, 7yr old Matilda and Wisp, country’s only known ghost dog still patrolling the building. Get the ominous feel from the all-time-by-themselves creaking doors.
Foxwood House, Johannesburg
Situated near to Joburg’s business districts, this historic boutique hotel in Houghton was built in 1924. The hotel has numerous antique family heirlooms adorning the rooms, and not a single entity has changed its place.
Tripadvisor
Whether it is the mysterious footsteps or foreboding door creaking that makes guests feel ominous about this place, it is still not decided. People have reported of having seen a ghost lady with a child standing on the balcony. Few even swear that they saw Paul Kruger.
Beside the ghost buddy, the hotel is blessed with lush surroundings making it a perfect place to relax and refresh.
So, now as you know the past phenomena of each place, you can book your tickets with any of the above mentioned hotels, and celebrate Halloween the spooky way.
Happy and Scary Halloween!
Places to Visit Around the World 