The Voortrekker Monument, designed by Gerard Moerdijk, stands as a 40 metre tall landmark on a hill just outside of Pretoria. It was built in honour of the Voortrekkers (pioneers) who left the Cape Colony, where they suffered under British rule, to travel to the interior of the country from 1835 to 1854 on what has come to be known as the Great Trek.

The top-most level of the monument is the dome ceiling, from which you can look down onto the two lower levels, the Hall of Heroes and Cenotaph Hall.
The entrance is on the middle level, the Hall of Heroes. An Italian marble frieze stretches around the full length of all the walls, depicting the history of the Great Trek. It also shows scenes from the everyday lives of the Voortekkers, and pivotal battles, such as the Battle of Bloodriver.
The lower level, Cenotaph Hall, houses a large, granite cenotaph (empty tomb). It is surrounded by a large collection of historic items such as Bibles, clothes and toys. Through an opening in the dome ceiling, at twelve o'clock on 16 December each year, the sun shines onto the middle of the Cenotaph and lights the words "Ons vir jou Suid Africa" ('We for thee, South Africa') that are engraved into it.
The lowest level of the monument is a museum, which can be accessed by means of a stairwell from Cenotaph Hall.

There is much symbolism surrounding the monument.
The gate of spears one enters to arrive at the monument represents the indigenous nations who obstructed the Voortrekkers' journey through the country.
The monument is surrounded by a laager of 64 ox-wagons for protection.
In front of the monument stands a statue of a woman and children, designed by Anton van Wouw, to comemorate the courage of the Voortrekker women.
This statue is surrounded by 4 black wildebeest carved into the wall behind them, representing the dangers the Voortrekkers faced.

More information on the Voortrekker Monument and accommodation in Tshwane (previously Pretoria).