National Women's Monument, Bloemfontein, Free State, SA
1 / 10

National Women's Monument

4.6
·492 reviews·Bloemfontein, South Africa

A poignant obelisk and museum honoring women & children lost in Boer War concentration camps. A powerful historical site.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Loading map...
National Women's Monument, Bloemfontein, Free State, SA

National Women's Monument

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant obelisk and museum honoring women & children lost in Boer War concentration camps. A powerful historical site.

4.6
(492 reviews)

"A world-class museum! Stunning grounds, brutal history, numerous monuments. A bargain at the price."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate Enough Time

Don't rush! Give yourself 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum and grounds.

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the lovely grounds with a picnic. There are pleasant picnic sites available.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Monument

The Main Monument

A striking obelisk symbolizing the sacrifices of thousands of women and children. A poignant tribute.

The Museum Exhibits

The Museum Exhibits

World-class displays detailing the Second Boer War and its human cost. Educational and impactful.

The Grounds and Gardens

The Grounds and Gardens

Beautifully maintained grounds with picnic spots, offering a peaceful contrast to the historical narrative.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

The National Women's Monument honors women and children who died in the Second Boer War. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum and grounds. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, especially in summer.

Historical Significance

This monument is a powerful reminder of a brutal period in South African history. The museum offers in-depth exhibits detailing the war and the immense suffering of women and children in concentration camps.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The National Wallace Monument, towering over the landscape near Stirling, Scotland, is a striking 19th-century Gothic Revival tower dedicated to Sir William Wallace, the legendary Scottish freedom fighter. Completed in 1869 after a nationwide fundraising campaign, the monument stands on the Abbey Craig, the very hill from which Wallace is said to have watched the English army before the Battle of ...
castlepics
7.3K likes • 108.1K views

Allocate Enough Time

Don't rush! Give yourself 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum and grounds. Reddit

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the lovely grounds with a picnic. There are pleasant picnic sites available. Reddit

Visit the Restaurant

A small restaurant is available on-site for refreshments. Reddit

Great for Learners

An excellent educational trip for students to learn about history. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate Enough Time

Don't rush! Give yourself 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum and grounds. Reddit

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the lovely grounds with a picnic. There are pleasant picnic sites available. Reddit

Visit the Restaurant

A small restaurant is available on-site for refreshments. Reddit

Great for Learners

An excellent educational trip for students to learn about history. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(492 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Women's Monument for its impressive presentation, well-maintained grounds, and significant historical impact. It's highlighted as a world-class museum and a bargain for the experience. Some note the brutal history, while others appreciate the peaceful picnic spots and friendly staff.

"An impressive, well presented and maintained monument and museum with massive historical impact. A shining example of cultural pride and excellence which stands out in the face of an otherwise scruffy poorly maintained modern South Africa, a pity our country and rampant vandalism has become the normal tolerated standard in so many public places. Every South African, especially those who feel their race was unjustly persecuted or disadvantaged in any way, should visit this place."

Penny Winter

"We stopped on our way to Gariep dam. Unfortunately we did not have much time but it was very interesting. Would like to visit again."

Marionette (PuppetGP)

"This is a world class museum! Stunning grounds, brutal history, numerous monuments. Too much to mention and a bargain at the price R20 per adult R10 per child. There is a little restaurant. Kids enjoyed the bunnies and geese.
Great day out."

T Webb

What People Like

Well-maintained grounds
Impactful museum exhibits
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Brutal history (inherent to the subject)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Women's Monument is located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It's easily accessible by car, and is often visited as a stopover point for those traveling between major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the National Women's Monument. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or contact them directly before your visit. Generally, it's open during daylight hours. Reddit

Admission is very affordable, with reports of R20 per adult and R10 per child. Reddit It's considered a bargain for the experience offered.

Tickets can typically be purchased on-site upon arrival. Advance booking is usually not necessary for individuals or small groups. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the main obelisk monument, a comprehensive museum detailing the Second Boer War, and beautifully maintained grounds with picnic areas. Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy the museum exhibits and the open grounds. Some visitors mention kids enjoying the bunnies and geese on the property. Reddit

Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum and grounds. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available, and a small restaurant on-site for refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The obelisk monument itself offers striking photographic opportunities, especially against the sky. The well-kept gardens also provide scenic backdrops. Reddit

Photography rules can vary. It's advisable to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if you're unsure about taking photos of exhibits. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The National Women's Monument offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. While the historical context is serious, the well-maintained grounds provide ample space for children to run around and enjoy a picnic. Reddit Some visitors even mention that kids enjoyed seeing the bunnies and geese on the property. The museum exhibits, while detailed, are presented in a way that can be educational for older children, offering a chance to learn about a significant period in South African history. Reddit

Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort. The affordable entrance fee also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families. It's a place where history lessons can be combined with outdoor enjoyment.

📚 History Enthusiasts

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Context

The National Women's Monument stands as a solemn tribute to the estimated 26,000 women and 14,000 children who perished in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The monument, an obelisk designed by architect Margaret de Neef, was unveiled in 1913. It is surrounded by a garden of remembrance, with the names of many of the deceased inscribed on its base. The sheer scale of loss represented here is a stark reminder of the war's devastating impact on civilian populations. Reddit

The accompanying museum provides a deeper dive into the causes and consequences of the war, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and children. Exhibits often include personal accounts, photographs, and artifacts that bring this difficult history to life. Visitors often remark on the 'brutal history' presented, emphasizing its educational value and emotional weight. Reddit

Despite the somber subject matter, the monument and its grounds are described as 'well presented and maintained' and a 'shining example of cultural pride.' The peaceful atmosphere of the gardens offers a space for reflection, making it a place of both historical learning and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors consistently praise the maintenance and presentation of the National Women's Monument. The grounds are described as 'lush greens' and 'stunning,' making them ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The presence of bunnies and geese adds a touch of charm, particularly for younger visitors. Reddit

For those looking for refreshments, a small restaurant is available on-site, offering a convenient option for a snack or light meal. The affordability of the entrance fee is frequently highlighted, with many visitors noting it as a 'bargain at the price.' This makes it an accessible historical site for a wide range of visitors. Reddit

The staff are often described as 'friendly,' and the museum exhibits are noted for their 'well done' presentation. This contributes to a positive overall visitor experience, even when engaging with difficult historical topics. It's a destination that offers both educational value and a pleasant environment for exploration. Reddit