Four small towns in South Africa with unusual landmarks

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South Africa is home to many small towns, each with its own unique charm. Some, however, stand out due to their unusual landmarks – quirky, historical, or just plain bizarre. Here are four such towns that offer something truly out of the ordinary…

1. Matjiesfontein – The Lord Milner Hotel and ghost stories

The Lord Milner Hotel. Image: canva

Matjiesfontein, a tiny town in the Karoo, is famous for its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and the historic Lord Milner Hotel. But what sets this landmark apart is its reputation for being haunted. Guests and staff have reported eerie occurrences, from ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises. The hotel, originally built in 1899, has also become a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.

2. Clarens – The Titanic Rock

Nestled in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains, Clarens is a complete haven for artists as well as nature lovers. One of its most unusual attractions is the Titanic Rock, a massive rock formation that bears a striking resemblance to the famous ill-fated ship. The rock, which was named after the Titanic tragedy of 1912, has also become a favourite landmark for hikers and photographers.

3. Pilgrim’s Rest – The Robber’s Grave

A historic gold rush town, Pilgrim’s Rest is steeped in history, but one of its most intriguing landmarks is the Robber’s Grave. Unlike the other graves in the town’s cemetery, this one is positioned at an angle, allegedly as punishment for the unnamed criminal buried there. According to legend, the person was a thief executed for stealing from fellow prospectors, and his grave remains a curiosity for visitors.

4. Calvinia – The Giant Postbox

Calvinia, a small town in the Northern Cape, is home to the Giant Postbox, a massive red structure basically resembling a traditional postbox. Originally an old water tank repurposed into a quirky landmark, it now serves as a functioning postbox where visitors can send mail stamped with a special postmark. This oversized postal oddity is also a favourite stop for tourists exploring the region.