For the Personal Touch
The
impressive
Voortrekker
Monument
is
situated
on
a
hilltop
in
a
nature
reserve
on
the
outskirts
of
Pretoria.
The
early
history
of
the
Afrikaner
people
leading
up
to
the
exodus
of
the
Voortrekkers
during
the
Great
Trek,
which
this
monument
commemorates,
is
discussed.
Inside,
this
history
is
depicted
in
a
series
of
beautiful
marble
friezes
around
the
walls.
A
wonderful
view
of
Pretoria
can
be
seen
from
the
top
of
the
monument.
Fort
Schanskop
and
the
Anglo-Boer
War
Museum
that
it
houses
is
in
walking
distance,
as
is
the
Wall
of
Remembrance
.
We
can
take
a
drive
through
the
reserve,
which
contains
a
variety
of
antelope
species.
A
back
route
into
Pretoria
provides
opportunity
to
see
some
of
the
suburbs,
discussing
the
history
of
the
city,
the
Jacaranda
trees
and
their
origin,
passing
the
Station
and
it’s
historic
buildings
along
the
way
and
stopping
at
City
Hall
.
We
walk
around
the
area,
looking
at
the
buildings
and
statues,
and
visiting
the
Transvaal Museum
of natural history if interested.
We
then
wend
our
way
to
Church
Square
,
passing
K
ruger
House
Museum
and
driving
down
Church
Street.
At
the
Square,
we
disembark
and
walk
around,
looking
at
the
statue
and
the
historical
buildings.
The
Union
Buildings
,
designed
by
Sir
Herbert
Baker,
is
next.
Unfortunately,
the
buildings
themselves
are
now
out
of
bounds,
but
we
can
stroll
in
the
gardens.
We
discuss
Herbert
Baker,
other
buildings
of
his,
and
the
history
leading
up
to
the
construction
of
the
buildings.
On
our
way
back,
we
pass
Melrose
House
,
site
of
the
signing
of
the
peace
treaty
with
Britain.
If
time
allows,
we
can
go
into
the
museum
which
has
an
extensive
history
of
the
Anglo-Boer
war.
This museum is closed on Mondays.
The
tour
will
take
most
of
a
day,
starting
at
about
09h00.
This
tour
can
be
enjoyed
any
day
of
the
week,
but
is
more
enjoyable
on
weekends
due
to
traffic.
I
provide
snacks,
cold
drinks,
tea
and
coffee
in
the
vehicle.
There
is
opportunity
to
stop
for
a
while
at
the
venues
to
partake
of
the
snacks.
There
are
various
opportunities
along
the
way
to
purchase
refreshments
and
food.
There
is
a
picnic
site
at
the
Monument, and there is the option of having a picnic lunch there.
Please remember - my speciality is customised tours.
I will quote on a customised tour or amend itineraries to suit you.
Your Guide
Voortrekker Monument and the City
The Afrikaner people - their history and the graceful city that personifies them.
