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Commemorating a monumental migration
The Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The granite frieze in the Voortrekker Monument is the largest in the world.
The monolithic Voortrekker Monument is one of the first landmarks visitors see as they drive into Pretoria from the south.
It commemorates the epic exodus by disillusioned Boers from the Cape into the interior, which laid the foundation for the borders of present day South Africa.
In 1834 slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. This was highly unpopular with the Boers and became the focal issue of greater disaffection.
In what has come to be known as the Great Trek, thousands of Boers began migrating from the Cape in late 1835. Beyond the border they fanned out, with most choosing to continue either into the central interior or north-east into present day KwaZulu-Natal.
There Zulu king Dingane took fright at the arrival of large numbers of settlers. He massacred one group under Piet Retief and ambushed another before being defeated at Blood River on 16 December 1838. Shortly after, the British annexed what the Boers called Natalia, causing them to again trek into the interior to the areas that were to become the Boer republics of the Orange Free State and Transvaal.
Gerard Moerdijk designed the Voortrekker Monument, opened on 16 December 1949. Ringed by 64 granite ox-wagons outside, inside it features a historical frieze and cenotaph, which is lit every 16 December by a shaft of sunlight through an opening in the roof. The granite frieze, depicting the heroics of the trekkers on 27 bas-relief panels, is the largest in the world.
On the outside of this Pretoria monument are 5 massive statues of Boer leaders and another by Anton von Wouw of a Boer woman and her 2 children. On the grounds are an indigenous garden and an open-air amphitheatre. In 1992 the Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve was declared around the site.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Voortrekker Monument
Tel: +27 (0) 12 326 6770 or +27 (0) 12 323 0682 or +27 (0) 12 324 1775
Email: marketing@voortrekkermon.org.za
Reservation for guided tours:
Tel: +27 (0) 12 326 6770 or +27 (0) 12 323 0682
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 747 1578.
How to get here
The Voortrekker Monument is clearly visible from the M1 highway into Pretoria from the south. To get there take the Eufees Avenue off-ramp and follow the signposts.
Around the area
Freedom Park is nearby. The historic Union Buildings and Church Square are a short drive away.
Tours to do
Reservation for guided tours may be made with Arend Posthuma on (012) 326 6770, 323 0682, 325 7885 or 082 747 1578.
Get around
You can stroll about the site, but it's much more rewarding to go on a guided tour.
What will it cost
Entrance To Monument & Museum
* Adults: R 40
* Scholars (without guides): R 20
* Scholars (with guides): R 20 (See Educational Tours for Schools & Youth Organisations Click here)
* Families (parent/s with own children under 18), vehicle included: Maximum R 100
Friends of the Monument - free
Length of stay
Give yourself at least half a day for exploration of this interesting site.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes or boots.
Where to stay
Pretoria has a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
What to eat
There is a restaurant at the Voortrekker Monument with traditional Afrikaans cuisine on offer. If you visit on a Sunday do partake of their massive buffet featuring a variety of traditional South African dishes.
What's happening
Check the listed Voortrekker Monument website for events happening there during your visit.
Best buys
A guided tour of the site led by Mr Arend Posthuma.