Review: Pretoria Tour Voortrekker Monument & Union Buildings

So, you’re thinking about seeing Pretoria, that is to say, more specifically the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings, as well as a bit of the town, it looks like. Well, then, I’ve got just the thing. I went on one of those tours recently, and honestly, I’m itching to tell you what I thought of it all. You might be in two minds about what you want from your tour. I can, very probably, guide you into the history, the grandeur, and maybe even a few surprising insights along the way. Are you excited to start?

First Stop: The Majestic Voortrekker Monument

Alright, so first on the agenda, and arguably the most striking location on the tour, is the Voortrekker Monument. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to miss, so it’s built on this rather grand hill. Its sheer scale gives it the sense of presence. Now, walking up to this huge construction, you start to get a feel for the weight of history associated with this spot. More or less, you know that it was constructed to commemorate the Voortrekkers, or pioneers. It gets you thinking about their journey from the Cape and their establishment in the interior, you see?

Then, it’s actually inside where things become incredibly impressive. Very probably, you find yourself in the Hall of Heroes. Now, that, right there, features this outstanding marble frieze which depicts scenes from the Great Trek. I actually took a slow walk around it and admired the detail. I took in how it brings the tale of the Voortrekkers to life. I feel like that makes you kind of see things with clarity. The sunlight too, streaming in during particular times of the day. In a way it illuminates a central cenotaph in some pretty incredible ways. Apparently, the effect creates an interesting connection with the history.

But that being said, just keep in mind that this monument is something of a divisive symbol, you know? Its existence and presentation tend to bring about very interesting and emotional topics of conversations regarding South African history, which I think makes it something special. Some might perceive it as paying tribute to a specific cultural group’s history, and so it perhaps doesn’t fully represent every community’s feelings within South Africa’s complicated past. Therefore, you might take a step back, consider the other angles of the argument, and take away a richer sense of your feelings from the tour.

The Union Buildings: A Seat of Power and History

Anyway, that said, it’s on to the Union Buildings, I suppose. This, arguably, is another spot that delivers on sheer impact. Now, this building isn’t only just that, it’s the seat of the South African government. Clearly, it’s got some weight behind it. The building, apparently, is beautifully constructed with attractive gardens, as well as fantastic views across Pretoria. The gardens tend to make a fine place for a stroll if you want one, you know?

Alright, so the history tied to this location is arguably really something to take in. You could be really absorbed by the knowledge that significant national decisions and pivotal moments have occurred right there where you are stood. Similarly to the Voortrekker Monument, in some respects you’ve got a great place for photos and a place to think. Especially so if you think of Nelson Mandela’s statue – you can see that standing proudly in the gardens.

Of course, I just kind of ambled around the location itself. I think I felt the air of change and the weight of progress it sort of embodies. Basically, I watched how tourists took selfies by it. Then I sat in quiet contemplation of the past and present. By the way, you’re going to want to wear some walking shoes when you come, you see. If nothing else, it’s rather a bit of a sprawling complex.

Exploring Pretoria’s Town: More Than Meets the Eye

Well then, next on the tour is going to be the Pretoria bit, that is, the town itself. Of course, very many tours just concentrate on those well-known spots. So, a tour which brings you into the heart of the city itself makes you think it’s something a little different, don’t you?

Apparently, Pretoria is referred to as Jacaranda City by people, more or less on account of the abundance of those trees which you can spot around. I found that when you arrive at a certain point in the year you just might get these picturesque purple blooms, as it so happens, when the Jacarandas are in full flower. I am saying that the streets are awash with colour! Actually, if you see it, then that’s going to add an extra special something to your experience. Just a bit of an awesome view to have, basically.

Basically, depending on the tour you pick, in fact, you might discover some of Pretoria’s hidden historical spots and structures. Just little quirky attractions and places off the normal tourist trail. It makes you see this history more. I mean, for instance, Melrose House springs to mind – if you stop at that spot it brings something really very thought-provoking to your tour, doesn’t it?

The Tour Guides: Your Window to Pretoria’s Past

So, a tour guide can either make or break one of these things, alright. When I went on mine, you know, it seemed they wanted somebody who’s enthusiastic and informed. It seemed important for me to try and draw on them so I could gather as many tales as I could, okay?

That being said, tour guides have such knowledge, and a good one doesn’t just regurgitate historical facts. Apparently, what I did when I started was try and dig into the significance behind them and what it all sort of means to this spot. If nothing else, what it means to the communities right around there.

Anyway, there you can consider the manner they deal with those complicated subjects. Particularly so regarding the history I talked of, or if they were even handed in their opinions. What you will notice on tour is it makes a bit of a difference to your overall view, really. More or less, you would want someone who offers something balanced, right?

Is a Pretoria Tour Worth It? Final Thoughts

Of course, to sum everything up, should you head on this tour? Very, very much I think so, very much, if you have just a bit of a want to experience and see Pretoria. Basically, there’s these different opinions of such structures and locations and you can build your own. Similarly to any trip, that’s basically what really counts.

Anyway, I hope that little look into my experiences could be useful to you while you consider your option. I was trying to write some balanced opinions which touch on any of the major bits you should know about so you are well prepared.