Erected as a tribute to the pioneering men and women who undertook an epic journey to escape the clutches of British dominance in the 1830s, the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria tells the story of their voyage proclaimed in history as the Great Trek. It symbolises the obstacles they were forced to overcome, including battles with indigenous tribes, and the eventual rise of the Afrikaner nation.

Prior to 1995, December 16th was a public holiday called the Day of the Vow (now known as the Day of Reconciliation). It was a day to celebrate a pact the Voortrekkers had with their God, with a promise to erect a church if they were saved from defeat by the Zulus at what is today known as the Battle of Blood River. This day was significant to the Voortrekkers and the architects of the monument created an oculus in the roof, angled at a position for the sunlight to shine... Show more

The Voortrekker Monument is a square 40m structure and was opened in 1949. One can spend hours observing the symbolic structures at this site, from the Egyptian-style sky dome to the Renaissance features throughout the interior. A magnificent marble frieze is a visual representation of the Voortrekker journey, while a lengthy tapestry contains millions of stitches.

Outside are glorious stone and brass sculptings, and an indigenous garden surrounds the monument. Buried beneath the foundation stone is a copy of the Trekker Vow made on December 16th 1838, a copy of the old national anthem (now incorporated into the current anthem, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika) and a copy of the land treaty between Voortrekker leader Piet Retief and Zulu king Dingane that resulted in a massacre. Roughly 340ha has been set aside as a nature reserve and non-threatening animals such as zebra, springbok and other antelope roam the reserve. There is a Garden of Remembrance, a Wall of Remembrance, a chapel and heritage centre on the grounds. Nearby is a large amphitheatre and an interesting old fort, Fort Schanskop.

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325 listings for accommodation in Voortrekker Monument. Enter dates to see full pricing and availability:

Waterhouse Guest Lodges: 295 Indus Street

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R850

Aquila Guest House

Guest Houses in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R650

Pearl House

Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Golf Lodges in Centurion

R4,600

Goodey's Guest House

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Colbyn , Pretoria (Tshwane)

R1,000

Tranquil Guest Cottage

Cottages, Self Catering in Faerie Glen, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R850

Rocky Hollow Guest Farm

Guest Lodge, Guest Farms in Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort

R950

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Apartments, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Villieria, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R2,000

Court Classique Suite Hotel

Bed And Breakfast, Hotels in Arcadia , Pretoria (Tshwane)

R2,100

Casa Toscana Lodge

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses, Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Lynnwood, Pretoria (Tshwane)

Liza's Cottage Guesthouse

Bed And Breakfast, Cottages, Guest Houses, Pets By Arrangement in Hatfield, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R1,190

Guesthouse @ 31 Murray

Self Catering in Brooklyn Pretoria, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R680

Greenwoods Self-Catering

Apartments, Chalets, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Garsfontein, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R840

Leopardsong Manor

Bed And Breakfast, Boutique Hotels in Centurion Golf Estate, Centurion

R2,050

Brooklyn Guesthouses

Guest Houses, Guest Lodge in Brooklyn Pretoria, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R735

Love Joy Peace Cottage

Cottages, Self Catering in Groenkloof, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R730

Ciara Guesthouse

Guest Houses, Chalets, Self Catering in Rietfontein, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R600

Brooklyn Manor

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Brooklyn Pretoria, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R1,105

Three Olives Guest House

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Eldoraigne, Centurion

R1,310

Centurion Golf Suites Boca Walk

Bed And Breakfast, Self Catering in Centurion Golf Estate, Centurion

R2,050

Berghaan BnB Pretoria

Bed And Breakfast in Wonderboom, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R535

Batter Boys Boutique Hotel

Bed And Breakfast, Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Montana, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R750

The Woodpecker Inn

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Moreleta Park, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R1,850

The Resting View Guest House

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Elardus Park, Pretoria (Tshwane)

R480

Oppi Hoek Guesthouse

Guest Houses in Pretoria (Tshwane)

R580

7 At Brainline