Voortrekker Monument
Voortrekker Monument
4.5
About
The majestic Voortrekker Monument is situated in the northern part of South Africa in the Pretoria (Tshwane) region in a nature reserve. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting. Today it is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in the country.
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- HlavickaSlovakia153 contributionsBetter than expectedTook a Bolt ride to get there. To be honest, i did not know what to expect. Been dropped off at the visitors parking near the reception and the ticket office. Marking in the outside are is not ideal. I had to cross the lawn fields. Once i got the front of very monument on the hill, i was amazed. Such a great architecture. As far as interiour, i can confirm the same! Spacy and very creative indoor too. Great works of art! Roof terrace view was outstanding!Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten March 13, 2024
- Anna ETowcester, United Kingdom338 contributionsA ‘must do’ for the viewsInteresting place and the views from the top (don’t worry there’s an elevator!) were spectacular on a clear day. It tells the story of the Voortrekkers who were the South African pioneers. Go on a clear day for the best experience. Handy hint, the reception and ticket desk is hidden away to the right at the bottom of the steps. We missed it and on an insanely hot day, got to the top of the steps without a ticket (foolishly thinking the ticket desk was at the entrance) then had to back down and inevitably back up again.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
- sunilt1960Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,054 contributionsVoortrekkersThe Voortrekker Monument is located on the southern side of Pretoria in South Africa. The granite structure is located on a hilltop, and and it is mentioned was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk. On 8 July 2011, the Voortrekker Monument was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency. Construction started on 13 July 1937, on what later became known as Monument Hill. On 16 December 1938 the cornerstone was laid, by three descendants of some of the Voortrekker leaders. The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 by Prime Minister D. F. Malan. The total construction cost of the monument is stated to be about £ 360,000, most of which was contributed by the South African government It is very well kept, a lot of effort has gone in to preserve the heritage and history of South Africa. There are several levels in the structure and some of them under ground. I went on a week day and there was not much crowd. From the monument at the top you are able to walk around and get views of Pretoria. There is a lift for those not able to walk the many steps. There is also a souvenir shopVisited June 2023Traveled soloWritten May 5, 2024
- PeterLagos, Nigeria16 contributionsVoortrekker is the place to see. Fabulous dayOver the last 40 years I have visited the monument many times . This is the first time since Covid . Absolutely blown away with the upgrade of the Gardens , the getting the gardens back to the great gardens they always were .. the museum is seriously impressive .. to all those that have worked in getting this great monument back to a great place . We spent 6 hours there yesterday and need to go back… We hired a guide to take use through the monument .. very knowledgeable and engaging and really put a whole new perspective on it . Reo Fourie thank you for a brilliant tourVisited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 28, 2024
- Mobu E13 contributionsQuite a climb to the top but worth it for the wonderful viewsI wasn't sure if I would enjoy this sight because it had an eerie appearance on the outside. However, inside was an amazing exhibit of the early settlers' wagons, boots, clothes, and household goods, coupled with a narrative of their travels, conflicts, and peace agreements. The life was out of order, so it was quite the trek to the top, but the breathtaking views of Pretoria and the surrounding farmland made it worthwhile.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jmot
Valencia, Spain147 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The good: the place is well maintained, great to take photos and to have a picnic.
The bad: there is no way online and at the gate to know the entry price, you ask security at the gate and they don't tell you the price, they just give you a parking ticket and tell you to get it stamped at reception in order to be allowed out (this is a clear contravention of consumer law where prices have to be advertised clearly at entry!). You arrive at reception well inside the park and discover that for foreigners the price is ZAR 280 per person. This is a very steep price compared to other museums (almost three times more than Maropeng or Apartheid Museum) and I do not like price gouging for foreigners (especially if impossible to find the price in advance on their website!) You are basically forced to pay the price if you want to get out!
The bad: there is no way online and at the gate to know the entry price, you ask security at the gate and they don't tell you the price, they just give you a parking ticket and tell you to get it stamped at reception in order to be allowed out (this is a clear contravention of consumer law where prices have to be advertised clearly at entry!). You arrive at reception well inside the park and discover that for foreigners the price is ZAR 280 per person. This is a very steep price compared to other museums (almost three times more than Maropeng or Apartheid Museum) and I do not like price gouging for foreigners (especially if impossible to find the price in advance on their website!) You are basically forced to pay the price if you want to get out!
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMK Centurion
Centurion, South Africa38 contributions
Sep 2019
We often visit the monument because we have family buried in the wall of remembrance. The monument property is very well maintained, safe to wander around and enjoy, and of interest to people who love history. I love the tapestries most of all. They serve a great buffet on Sundays, should book to avoid disappointment as it is very popular.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MervynGatcke
East London, South Africa277 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a very interesting monument.
It has very good displays of South African history.
There is so much of interest that it can take over three hours to see it all.
The buildings and gardens are in very good condition.
And the staff were very friendly and helpful.
It has very good displays of South African history.
There is so much of interest that it can take over three hours to see it all.
The buildings and gardens are in very good condition.
And the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nabeela
5 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
A very lovely historical site to learn more about the history of South Africa and the Voortrekkers. A great inside to the lives of the people from the past. Details about the great Battle of the blood river. Information about the structure of the building and how it was constructed. The place also has a lovely braai area and small nature reserve with a few animals. The strenuous climb to the top of the monument is met with a breathtaking view of the city. Glad we visited the area and learnt more about our country.
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Retief P
40 contributions
Jan 2020
I had a great time experiencing this place. It was very interesting and I can recommend it to everyone who wishes to learn more about the Afrikaner. I learned many new things and I was exposed to my roots. The layout of the whole ground was wheelchair friendly.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MN_Walkers
Minneapolis, MN618 contributions
Mar 2023
Very impressive monument to the Afrikaners who moved from the Cape Colony in the Great Trek. The structure is immense, with multiple levels including a viewing platform at the top. In the main hall you encounter a 360 degree marble frieze of the history of the migration, including the bloody conflicts between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu. We went with a guide who walked us through the story laid out in the frieze; without that assistance we wouldn't have understood much as there is no narration or explanation. Below the main level is a museum of Afrikaner life and culture. The monument is surrounded by a granite wall engraved with 64 wagons representing the defensive formation used at the battle of Blood River, the decisive battle between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu. There are auxiliary displays regarding Afrikaner life outside of and around the monument.
Given the history of conflicts between the Afrikaners and the tribes, and then between the Afrikaners and the British in the Anglo - Boer wars, this monument leads one to thought and reflection. The nation has gone through much change since construction on the monument began 85 years ago, and it is sobering to observe that the different threads of people and culture that make up the tapestry of South Africa are respected and acknowledged. One goes away from the monument with an appreciation of the challenges faced by South Africans of today which have their roots in the actions of South Africans of the past.
Given the history of conflicts between the Afrikaners and the tribes, and then between the Afrikaners and the British in the Anglo - Boer wars, this monument leads one to thought and reflection. The nation has gone through much change since construction on the monument began 85 years ago, and it is sobering to observe that the different threads of people and culture that make up the tapestry of South Africa are respected and acknowledged. One goes away from the monument with an appreciation of the challenges faced by South Africans of today which have their roots in the actions of South Africans of the past.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Knyzna1
Knysna, South Africa103 contributions
Jan 2022
The Voortrekker Monument is an architectural marvel situated on well-maintained grounds. One could easily spend over an hour admiring the expertly sculpted reliefs and sterling views from the top. There is a small cafe and interesting gift shop on the premises, as well as a museum with artefacts from the Great Trek on the basement level of the monument.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa548 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I have been to Pretoria a few times before but have never visited this monument as I thought it was just a brick structure , boy was I wrong . It is very impressive inside and outside much bigger than I ever imagined
The best part is that it is so well maintained , the buildings and the gardens. You can spend hours here going through all the history of people who were very religious.
There are various paintings and artifacts depicting various scenarios . The building is much higher than I expected , don't forget to go to the lower level as most head for the stairs or lift to get to the top . You able to walk around most of the structure at the top , except the corner where the lift is . Great views across parts of Pretoria as well as a good view of the wagon laager surrounding the monument , really impressive
Loved the gardens around and outside the monument which depicts the trek across all parts of South Africa .
The only negative is the price , even as a South African its R205pp . There is a coffee shop/restaurant on site & plenty of parking
The best part is that it is so well maintained , the buildings and the gardens. You can spend hours here going through all the history of people who were very religious.
There are various paintings and artifacts depicting various scenarios . The building is much higher than I expected , don't forget to go to the lower level as most head for the stairs or lift to get to the top . You able to walk around most of the structure at the top , except the corner where the lift is . Great views across parts of Pretoria as well as a good view of the wagon laager surrounding the monument , really impressive
Loved the gardens around and outside the monument which depicts the trek across all parts of South Africa .
The only negative is the price , even as a South African its R205pp . There is a coffee shop/restaurant on site & plenty of parking
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunilt1960
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,054 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
The Voortrekker Monument is located on the southern side of Pretoria in South Africa. The granite structure is located on a hilltop, and and it is mentioned was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk.
On 8 July 2011, the Voortrekker Monument was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency.
Construction started on 13 July 1937, on what later became known as Monument Hill. On 16 December 1938 the cornerstone was laid, by three descendants of some of the Voortrekker leaders. The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 by Prime Minister D. F. Malan. The total construction cost of the monument is stated to be about £ 360,000, most of which was contributed by the South African government
It is very well kept, a lot of effort has gone in to preserve the heritage and history of South Africa. There are several levels in the structure and some of them under ground.
I went on a week day and there was not much crowd. From the monument at the top you are able to walk around and get views of Pretoria. There is a lift for those not able to walk the many steps. There is also a souvenir shop
On 8 July 2011, the Voortrekker Monument was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency.
Construction started on 13 July 1937, on what later became known as Monument Hill. On 16 December 1938 the cornerstone was laid, by three descendants of some of the Voortrekker leaders. The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 by Prime Minister D. F. Malan. The total construction cost of the monument is stated to be about £ 360,000, most of which was contributed by the South African government
It is very well kept, a lot of effort has gone in to preserve the heritage and history of South Africa. There are several levels in the structure and some of them under ground.
I went on a week day and there was not much crowd. From the monument at the top you are able to walk around and get views of Pretoria. There is a lift for those not able to walk the many steps. There is also a souvenir shop
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melome96
57 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
What a horrific place. Settlers are glorified all around while the indigenous people of SA are portrayed as uncivilized, brutal and less than human. Unbelievable! We were not surprised not to see any other black people around that area…Nothing educational for today’s SA and very racist place. We were very sorry to have spent money supporting this terrible place.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor-SA
Cape Town, South Africa
Pse advise the cost for an overseas bus group, and can we buy tickets online or must the guide carry cash?
Written September 28, 2022
Hello
Is a ticket required? How much is it if so?
What are the opening times?
Is it kids friendly?
Written January 19, 2018
Good day .. I gladly answer your question:
1. Entrance fee is R70 pp and Ŕ20 per vehicle, payable st the gate.
2. It is child friendly, however there is a lot of stairs. Inside is a lift to go to upper floors.
3. Business times is +_ 8h00 - 16h00
Written January 20, 2018
Is there anywhere at the Monument that a record is kept of a family tree for any of the Voortrekker leaders?
Written January 8, 2018
Hello, do you run tours in French at all? Even with a headset possibly? Thank you
Written November 22, 2016
It would be best to contact the Voortrekker Monument and get information from them about a tour in French. They could probably make arrangements for such a tour.
Written July 23, 2017
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