To experience something out of this world brave the Little Karoo’s Matjiesfontein village, about 260 km from Cape Town.

Founded in 1884 by the legendary James Douglas Logan, Matjiesfontein is a one-horse town without a horse on the train line into the Karoo.

Matjiesfontein village is solidly rooted in its enchanting colonial past, with a town museum and transport museum as its two major tourist attractions. The tiny Karoo village of Matjiesfontein is rumoured to be haunted by benign ghosts from its glorious past and has been a National Monument since 1970.

The transport museum has sleeper-train bunk-beds in one of the old steam trains in the actual museum and a remarkable collection of fine vintage cars. The pub, the Lairds Arms is a fully functioning Victorian pub saloon style with an old piano and dusty looking memorabilia.

This small oasis in the Little Karoo has become well known for its splendid historical buildings as well as the quiet atmosphere that gives the town its unique character. The pepper-tree courtyards and rambling gardens of the Lord Milner Hotel are perfect for leisurely reminiscing and a rest.

Matjiesfontein can only accommodate 100 people with the Lord Milner hotel being the only place in town to eat dinner. On Saturday nights dinner is semi-formal so come prepared if you decide to stop over in this haunting hamlet.

Board a train for the ghostly journey into the past or drive  through on your way into the Karoo. Be sure to join the famous historical figures that have been drawn to this mysterious little town by letting Matjiesfontein haunt you too.

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