The ghosts of South Africa's 'Ghost Mountain'

The small town of Mkuze, in South Africa’s Northern KwaZulu-Natal, sits in the eerie shadow of the legendary Ghost Mountain where, over the years, locals have reported unexplained flickering lights and strange noises coming from the mountainside.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this mountain, shrouded in intrigue, has a turbulent history of battle and bloodshed that believers of the afterlife would probably use to explain these unusual happenings.

It is here, in the 18^th century, that fierce Zulu warriors of the Mandlakazi region fought against an army of Usuthu warriors and Boers in the bloody Battle of Tshaneni. 

It was reported later, by a Colonel Reits, that the skeletons of these fearsome warriors still lay scattered on the slopes of the mountain around a century later.

A sacred burial ground

Going back even further in time, the mountain was used as a sacred burial ground for chiefs belonging to the Gaza family, head of part of the Ndwandwe tribe, who once occupied the area at the foot of the mountain. 

It was their tradition that the mummified corpse of their chief be carried into the mountain and deposited in a cave. 

It’s unknown how many bodies have been buried or abandoned in the notorious mountain, which is described in H Rider Haggard’s book, Nada the Lily, as being shaped like the head of an old woman, adding to the mountain’s character and almost giving it a life of its own.

Regardless of whether you believe in the paranormal, Ghost Mountain has witnessed a history of undeniably fascinating events, which you can discover more about with a stay at Ghost Mountain Inn – who knows, you may even uncover the mystery behind the strange activities!

Discover Ghost Mountain for yourself on a holiday with Saga. 

Not just ghosts and ghouls

As well as ghostly apparitions, you can look out for Africa’s magnificent wildlife, such as the crocodiles and hippos at Lake Jozini and the rare black rhinos at the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, which is also home to over 300 species of bird. 

The beautiful coastal reserves in Maputaland and Elephant Coast are within easy reach too and provide a haven for nature.

Saga have a range of relaxing holidays, tours and safaris available in South Africa. Find out more here. 

South Africa, often described as a whole world in one country, is blessed with the lion's share of sights and experiences. Find out more about our holidays to South Africa here