The big snake

Local Nama legends hold that the Wondergat – known locally as Heitsi Ebib or ‘spirit’ – is home to the Grootslang, a mythical entity feared and revered for its ability to kill with its breath. Some believe it to be half snake, half elephant, maintaining that the gods, realising their mistake in creating such powerful creatures, split them in half, scattering them as the two separate animals.

However, one survived, and for thousands of years the 15 m-long spirit has made its home in the Wondergat, transforming into a maiden by night and luring unwitting men to the Orange River, where they are drowned.