Historic

National monuments and memorials

South Africa's national monuments and memorials are a window in to our past, illuminating who we are and the people and events that have shaped our history. more
Pinnacle Point Caves, Mossel Bay

The Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay are historically important, but are also sites that can inform scientists on the effects of global warming. more
West Coast Fossil Park, Western Cape

The West Coast Fossil Park has a rich fossil deposit dating back about 5 million years ago. Here, 150 km north of Cape Town, strange beasts once walked. more
The outlaw, Scotty Smith

A true Kalahari character, the Victorian-era legend of the vagabond Scotty Smith is still told throughout the semi-desert rural areas of the Northern Cape. more

More about Historic

Port Nolloth

From its days as a copper port to its current life as a diamond-and-fishing centre, Port Nolloth has always projected an image of romance and adventure. more

The Rand Club, Johannesburg

The prestigious Rand Club, born in the gold rush heyday, still retains its proud reputation. more

James Hall Museum of Transport, Johannesburg

At Johannesburg’s James Hall Transport Museum you will discover over 100 years of land transport vehicles, from ox-wagons and horse-drawn trams to steam trains and buses. more

1Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria, Gauteng

On a hilltop overlooking the capital, this monument was built to commemorate the Great Trek of 1835. The Hall of Heroes commemorates the Battle of Blood River.

2Rhodes Memorial, Cape Town, Western Cape

This granite monument designed by Francis Masey and Sir Herbert Baker high on the slopes of Devil’s Peak has a likeness of mining magnate and British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes.

3Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek, Western Cape

Built in 1948 to celebrate the contribution of the French Huguenots who began arriving in South Africa in 1688.

4Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Pietermartizburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Opposite the old colonial buildings in Church St, stands this image of a defiant Gandhi, who spent 20 years in South Africa fighting racial injustice.

5Paul Kruger Statue, Church Square, Pretoria, Gauteng

This statue of this Boer leader who played a pivotal role in the country’s history at the end of the 19th century is the work of another South African, sculptor Anton van Wouw.

6Battle of Blood River Monument, near Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal

This seminal clash in the history of Voortrekker and Zulu is commemorated with 2 interpretations on either side of the Ncome (Buffalo) River.

7Taal Monument, Paarl, Western Cape

This monument to the Afrikaans language towers above a hill overlooking the town.

81820 Settlers National Monument

The Monument was built to commemorate the contributions made by English-speaking Settlers to South Africa.

9Dick King Statue, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

In 1842 the teenaged Dick King rode 600 miles in 10 days, to get reinforcements from the Cape after the Voortrekker’s besieged Durban.

10Nobel Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape

Have yourself photographed with South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Laureates: Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former State President F.W. de Klerk (awarded 1993) and former President Nelson Mandela.