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The Flying Dutchman
Is it mere coincidence that Danger Point is allegedly also where the legendary ghost ship Flying Dutchman was spotted the first time in the early 1600's . . . and that varying spooky accounts of spotting captain Hendrick Van der Decken's ghost ship persisted till the 1960's? According to folklore, the captain was so irate when the turbulent waters and reefs around Danger Point wrecked his ship, that he swore to bring the vessel around the Cape of Storms even if it meant for him to sail the vessel "until Doomsday". This statement while the vessel was in its last dregs, allegedly brought about the ghostly plight of the vessel to sail the seas forever, without making ground in any port or harbour ever. It was believed that any ship who encountered the Flying Dutchman in the open seas was sure to strike doom. . .and that this legendary vessel was responsible for many of the shipwrecks around Gansbaai.
Agulhas Spookdraai (ghost corner)
Visitors to Cape Agulhas are drawn by the idea of facing a pristine wildlife area of environmental extremities where nature occasionally throws its toys out of the cot to flaunt its superb mastery. Apart from the strong magnetic and intertidal forces caused by the meeting of oceans at the tiptoe of Africa, sensitive souls might also want to brave themselves against other "forces" and prepare to meet the legendary ghost(s) after which Spookdraai was named. A beautiful young woman who survived one of the many shipwrecks along this shore, has apparently taken it upon herself to welcome visitors at the entrance to the town. Folklore has it that this sole survivor was washed ashore and lived in a cave in the nearby mountains where she later died. Whenever she feels lonely, she steps down to greet visitors at the turn into L'Agulhas, or even seeks the company of friendly folks overnighting in guesthouses. So be warned: If you are a friendly soul, you may expect "unexpected" company!
More gruesome, is the story of a man who was decapitated in an accident and whose headless corpse has been seen wandering around the Spookdraai area. The Spookdraai hiking trail, which is well signposted from the entrance to L'Agulhas, can be completed within three hours.
De Hoop Manor House Ghost
Guests staying in the beautifully preserved Manor House, one of the historical homesteads dating from 1872 at De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve, might wonder why an oyster, artfully carved in the plaster, adorns the gabled front door entrance. According to folklore, an oyster indirectly caused the tragic death of a newly-wed couple who bought the house. Mr Cloete returned from sea with a large oyster to treat his young bride to a special breakfast. She choked on the oyster and stifled to death. Mr Cloete was so heartbroken that he committed suicide shortly afterwards by shooting himself inside the house. The shotgun-hole in the ceiling near the front door is still evident as a sad reminder of the tragedy. Rumour has it that Mrs Cloete still guards her former home and makes her presence known to guests of whom she disapproves if they misbehave or act disrespectfully.
