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Does South Africa celebrate Halloween?

| Last Updated: March 2025

Yes, South Africa celebrates Halloween on October 31st, though it’s a bit different from how it’s done in Western countries like the United States. 

When I first got into Halloween here, I quickly realised that South Africa blends traditional customs with its own unique flair. It wasn’t always this way, though. There was a time when Halloween wasn’t celebrated at all in South Africa.

Let me take you through the ways South Africans now embrace the holiday, from community events to spooky safaris.

Historical Context

Halloween wasn’t something South Africans widely celebrated until about a decade ago. In fact, it was mostly unknown, except for a few rural or family traditions that were tied to All Hallows’ Eve. These early observances were pretty humble and didn’t look much like the Halloween we know now.

But then, in the late 20th century, American culture began influencing South Africa, especially after the 1980s. Halloween-themed media, like Disney movies, helped make the holiday more mainstream.

Ways South Africans Celebrate Halloween

Media From: halloweenpta

Community Events and Parties

I’ve been to a couple of Halloween parties in Johannesburg, and let me tell you, they’re a blast! Costume parties are a huge deal here, with everyone going all-out with spooky or humorous outfits. 

One of my favourite spots, The Bioscope, hosts film screenings with a Halloween twist. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a spooky film while showing off your costume!

Haunted Houses and Ghost Tours

If you’re into thrills, Johannesburg’s haunted houses and ghost tours won’t disappoint. I recently joined a ghost tour in Kensington, and hearing stories about old mines and creepy tales from the past was absolutely chilling. It’s the kind of adventure that sends shivers down your spine.

Trick-or-Treating Adaptations

Trick-or-treating isn’t as common in Johannesburg due to safety concerns, but there are still neighbourhoods that go all out. I took part in one of these structured trick-or-treating events, and it felt like a true community affair. The kids were dressed up and collected treats in a safe, organised environment.

Halloween Movie Marathons

If you’re like me and prefer a laid-back celebration, hosting a horror movie marathon is the way to go. My friends and I gather every year to watch everything from classic slasher films to newer, scarier flicks. It’s a fun way to embrace the spooky season without leaving your home.

Themed Decorations and Crafts

In Johannesburg, DIY Halloween decorations are popular. Last Halloween, I spent an afternoon with my family making jack-o’-lanterns and creating spooky ornaments to hang around the house. It really gets you in the Halloween spirit, and it’s such a fun creative project to do with the family!

Special Treats and Food

Halloween-themed food adds to the fun. I recently had some Witch Fingers Pretzels at a gathering, and they were as delicious as they were eerie. The Ghost Cupcakes were tasty too!

Are there unique South African Halloween twists?

Yes, a South African twist to Halloween is the spooky safaris. It combines wildlife viewing with the eerie atmosphere of Halloween. 

You wouldn’t expect wildlife and Halloween to mix, but it totally works. These night-time safaris take you through game reserves, where you can spot nocturnal animals like lions and hyenas. The added storytelling sessions with local legends only make the experience feel more eerie.

Game Reserves that Offer Spooky Activities

Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve

Media From: schotia_safaris

Address: N 10 and Addo Heights
Phone: +27 836 548 511
Website

Schotia Safaris’ spooky game drive experience is all about the atmosphere. When I went, it felt like stepping into a Halloween-themed nature documentary. The eerie stillness of the bush was occasionally broken by the distant call of a hyena or the crunch of leaves underfoot. 

Our guide shared chilling ghost stories about the local area, which gave me goosebumps. It was an unforgettable way to experience the wild side of Halloween.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

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Address: andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Phone: +27 118 094 300
Website

Phinda Private Game Reserve takes a slightly different approach. I joined their Halloween-themed rhino conservation experience. 

While letting me touch an anesthetised rhino, our guide spoke about Mokele-Mbembe, a legendary creature believed to inhabit the Congo River Basin.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

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Address: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Phone: +27 422 031 111
Website

At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the Halloween touch leans into the reserve’s conservation efforts. 

I joined their Halloween-themed safari walk, and let me tell you, the reserve was creepy on foot. In between our walks, our guide spoke about the spirits of ancient trackers who are said to protect the wildlife. 

Restaurants Around South Africa to Celebrate Halloween

Katzy’s Live

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Address: 17, Shop 2 The Firs, Hyatt Shopping Centre
Phone: +27 118 803 945
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Website
Price Range: RRR

Katzy’s Live hosts an annual Halloween party with live music every October 25. Guests are invited to dress up, with prizes for the best costumes. The event runs from 5 PM to 1 AM, and early bird tickets cost R100 per person.

I remember dressing up as Batman, complete with accessories like his utility belt with Batarang. A guy dressed as Valak in the movie Conjuring won Best Costume and earned himself a R1,000 gift card.

Brass Bell

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Address: 20 Van Riebeeck St, Groblersdal
Phone: +27 132 622 365
Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Tuesday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Saturday – 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Sunday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Website
Price Range: RR

From 6 PM to 10 PM, Brass Bell serves scary vibes and beer deals at the end of October. 

I had the chance to attend last year’s Halloween event where they served different kinds of beer. I went for a Black Magic Margarita for R50. It was a blend of tangy lime and earthy agave flavours, perfect for the occasion.

Ground Culture Café

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Address: Shop 5, 170 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
Phone: +27 784 480 839
Operating Hours:

  • Monday and Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday and Thursday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Website
Price Range: RR

Every October 31st, Ground Culture Café hosts a relaxed evening of comedy featuring local comedians. It’s a great way to enjoy a fun night out in your Halloween costume while laughing the night away. And if you purchase your ticket online, you’ll save R20!

I saw comedian Kaashif Stellenboom during the Haha Halloween Comedy Show. There was never a dull moment as Kaashif told funny story after funny story.

Edenvale German Club

Media From: joburg.co.za

Address: 8 Plantation Rd, Eastleigh
Phone: +27 816 407 298
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Website
Price Range: RR

Every October 25, Edenvale German Club hosts a family-friendly event called the Halloween Night Market with stalls with food, drinks, and trick-or-treating. 

I’ve taken my younger cousins here costing me R30 per person, and it was a hit! Plus, there’s a best-dressed contest that’s a lot of fun.

Spooky Stories to Tell During Halloween

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Kate of the Lord Milner Hotel

The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Kate, a young nurse who died under mysterious circumstances during the Boer War. Guests have reported seeing her apparition in the hotel’s turrets and hearing the sounds of card games coming from a room known as “Kate’s Card Room.”

Charlotte at Nottingham Road Hotel

A tragic love story is tied to Charlotte, a prostitute who fell to her death in room 10 of the Nottingham Road Hotel. Her spirit is said to haunt the room, rearranging mirrors and startling guests with her presence.

The Hitchhiking Ghosts

One of South Africa’s eerie urban legends tells of Vera, a ghostly hitchhiker who appears to men driving alone at night. She guides them to a cemetery, where they wake up confused and frightened. Similar stories can be found across the country, often involving female spirits leading unsuspecting drivers to eerie places.

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is reputedly one of the most haunted places in South Africa. Visitors have reported encounters with Lady Anne Barnard’s ghost and the malevolent spirit of Governor Pieter van Noodt, who is said to roam the castle’s halls after being cursed for his cruel actions during his lifetime.

The Tokoloshe

The Tokoloshe is a small, hairy creature believed to cause harm while people sleep. Often associated with witchcraft, it has become an enduring myth that reflects societal fears and has even inspired films and products aimed at banishing it.

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