South Africa is well known for sunny beaches and mountain views. Yet, it’s also home to some seriously creepy stories. I wrote about some of these spine-tingling stories last year. You can read them here: 16 Scary South African Myths That Will Haunt You.These stories exist both on and off-screen. If you’re a horror fan like me, you’ll be happy. Some of these films were shot in places you can actually visit. Here’s a list of spooky South African films. The filming locations range from forested reserves to eerie old castles. Discover the real-life locations behind them.

The Tokoloshe (2018)

This is a psychological horror film. All South Africans know what a Tokoloshe is. The Tokoloshe tells the story of a woman haunted by a dark creature in a rundown Johannesburg hospital. The film draws on the myth of the Tokoloshe. It’s a mischievous and malevolent spirit feared across Southern Africa. I haven’t watched this film yet it’s on my list to watch. Find it on Tubi, and Showmax if you want to see this film.

Focus on the Durban area. This is where to go if you’re hoping to see some of the haunting locations from The Tokoloshe. This is my recommendation. Hillcrest and Yellowwood Park, where parts of the film were shot, are beautiful and safe suburbs. You can explore the Coedmore Castle area. The castle itself is closed according to Google Maps. You can look at the exterior of the former Rob Roy Hotel. It is now a Rob Roy retirement home and from what I saw online it’s really beautiful. Durban is on my list of places to visit since I still haven’t been.

The Soul Collector (2019) (also known as “8”)

Set on a remote farm in the Karoo, this eerie film weaves folklore, family secrets, and supernatural horror together. It’s beautifully shot. The film features dusty farmhouses, endless plains, and haunting quiet. This kind of landscape is equal parts beautiful and unsettling. I will say though I didn’t love the ending it fell flat for me.

The Karoo’s silence is unlike anywhere else. Take a road trip through towns like Prince Albert or Nieu-Bethesda. You’ll quickly see why this desolate region makes the perfect backdrop for a horror story. It’s a little creepy. The streetlights are sparse. Driving after dark requires caution. But that’s part of the charm. I’ve been to the Karoo a few times. It’s stunning. The wide-open landscapes are captivating. The quiet is peaceful. At night, the stars are absolutely breathtaking, thanks to almost zero light pollution. You can watch this film on YouTube.

Good Madam (Mlungu Wam) (2021)

I watched this one recently, and I loved this film. Directed by Jenna Cato Bass, Good Madam isn’t about ghosts in the traditional sense, but it’s deeply haunting. It’s a slow-burn psychological horror exploring race, power, and inherited trauma in a post-apartheid household in Cape Town’s leafy suburbs. The story follows Tsidi. She is forced to move in with her mother. Her mother is a domestic worker who obsessively cares for her catatonic white “Madame” and well things happen. I won’t spoil the film but it worth watching.

Constantia’s quiet streets and grand houses are a striking contrast to the tension in Good Madam. Visiting this area gives you a glimpse of the setting, and the homes are undeniably stunning. But beneath the beauty lies a darker history. During the 1960s and 1970s, the apartheid-era Group Areas Act caused the eviction of hundreds of Coloured families from Constantia. Many families suffered as they were forced out of their homes. One of my close friends lost her family farm during these evictions. Constantia was officially declared a “White Group Area” in 1961. This history is a haunting reminder. Horror doesn’t always need monsters. Sometimes, real-life events are enough to make a place unsettling. Catch it on Prime Video if you want to watch it.

The Lullaby (Siembamba) (2017)

This film takes the old Afrikaans lullaby “Siembamba.” This lullaby is already creepy on its own. I’m fluent in Afrikaans and won’t translate the words here. But it basically talks about infanticide. The film turns it into a story of new motherhood, paranoia, and inherited fear. I didn’t know about the lullaby. My big sister knows it well though. Streaming availability for The Lullaby / Siembamba varies widely by country. While it appears in some regions on Apple TV. In other regions the film is not available on major platforms. I couldn’t find this film listed on ShowMax so for now I haven’t watched it yet.

The film was shot in multiple locations. Take a guided walking tour of Pretoria’s safe, historical suburbs to get a feel for the locations. In Cape Town, explore the Southern Suburbs. Visit nearby heritage homes, such as Constantia or Rondebosch. Experience the serene-but-tense vibes that the film portrays. Stick to daylight visits and enjoy the architecture and local cafés.

Gaia (2021)

This eco-horror gem was filmed in the Tsitsikamma Forest. It’s green and lush you can find it along the Garden Route. It’s one of South Africa’s most breathtaking regions. The film blends horror with nature, imagining what happens when the Earth fights back. Watch in on YouTube or ShowMax.

Hike or camp in the Tsitsikamma Forest and you’ll see why it’s so memorable on screen. Big up on my bucket list to visit . I also haven’t watched the film yet so will watch it soon.

Pinky Pinky (2020)

Growing up, I was told the story of Pinky Pinky. I think every schoolgirl heard it at some point. Pinky Pinky is a half-male, half-female monster said to haunt school bathrooms. Girls were warned not to go in alone. It’s one of South Africa’s most famous modern urban legends. And it inspired the 2020 film Pinky Pinky: A Monster is Born. You can watch it on ShowMax , although it doesn’t seem to be available on any international streaming platforms at the moment.

While you won’t find a haunted school to visit, the legend lives on in South African culture. Exploring the cities where Pinky Pinky stories are told, like Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban- can be a fun. You can even chat with people about the myths that shaped their childhoods.

Thanks so much for reading! Whether you’re watching from home or planning your next adventure, have a Happy Halloween!