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The true measure of a society's greatness is in how it preserves and protects its wildlife, for a nation that cares for its natural treasures ensures a future where all life can thrive. S O U T H A F R I C A and Africa A W o r l d i n O n e C o u n t r y Serengeti National Park, Tanzania MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Queen Elizabeth National Park Katavi National Park Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Okavango Delta, Botswana South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Kruger National Park Laikipia Plateau Ruaha National Park Northern Damaraland Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania The Sabi Sands Game Reserve Etosha National Park Hluhluwe Game Reserve Central Kalahari Game Reserve Nyerere National Park Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Coming in at number one is Serengeti National Park, in northern Tanzania. The Serengeti shares a border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve (which we will chat about more when you reach the number 10 spot on this list). Serengeti’s sprawling grasslands make for those classic safari views with flat-topped acacia trees and grazing herds of zebra and antelope. These grazing herds attract large numbers of predators, and the open plains make for a fantastic destination to watch lions and cheetahs in action. The Serengeti is also home to the annual Great Migration, in which over one million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of other ungulates make their over-600-mile circular trek. The animals travel from their breeding grounds in the south to fresh pastures in the north, all the while with predators hot on their heels. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events in the world. As an exciting and special bonus, black rhinos were reintroduced into the Serengeti, some in 2010 and more in 2019, and earlier this year, a black rhino calf was born to one of the reintroduced females — the first black rhino birth in the park for decades. Nomad Tanzania has the beautiful Serengeti Safari Camp which is the perfect location to catch the wildebeest migration. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Mana Pools National Park is one of the most picturesque safaris in Africa. It’s known for its huge elephant population. This safari is also a great destination for adventurous people who want to spot leopards, wild dogs, and lions. One of the best appeals of this park is you can stay in unfenced campsites located in the middle of the wilderness. If you want to stay in this type of accommodation, choose one located near the Zambezi river for the ultimate experience. If you’re up for something unique, go on a canoeing safari. Mana Pools is one of the few parks in Africa where you can explore without a guide, although this is not ideal for beginners. If you’re up for game drives and bush walks, this is an amazing safari. The thin vegetation of this park makes it one of the best destinations for walking safaris because it offers incredible visibility. For those who want to try self-drive tours, a 4×4 is recommended. What’s great about 4×4 tours is that even the drive is exhilarating! Next on our list, we have Mana Pools National Park in the far north of Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River’s wide waters form the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. On the southern Zimbabwean side is Mana Pools National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and a park known for fantastic wildlife visibility beside the river and flood plains. (On the northern bank is Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, which we will focus on when we reach number 5 in our countdown). Mana is the Shona (local language) word for four, and within the park, the river channels have created four large pools, giving the park its name. These pools are surrounded by forests of mahogany, wild fig, ebony, and winter thorns. In the dry season, the shady glades beneath these trees are filled with wildlife — herds of impala, eland, elephant, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, and kudu. These animals provide a plentiful supply of prey for both predators and scavengers. There are several sizable prides of lion as well as leopards and hyenas. Mana Pools is also a stronghold for wild dogs. Mana Pools National Park is the perfect place for walking and canoeing safaris. David Attenborough’s wildlife series for the BBC, “Dynasties ,” filmed the episode about wild dogs in the park. I have spent hours watching these same wild dogs and I can promise you the park is the perfect place to go to spot this endangered African animal. African Bush Camps have three fantastic lodges in Mana Pools, each in a different park area. MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa MalaMala is the oldest and one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It covers 37 000 acres, shares a 12-mile unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and is sandwiched in a prime position between the Kruger and the Sabi Sands Reserve, giving it great access to abundant wildlife. In the local language, Xitsonga, the name Malamala means Kudu, and the area got its name from the abundance of these majestic, spiral-horned antelope within the game reserve. The reserve is also home to the Big Five and is famous for luxury photographic safaris. MalaMala is the place to start your search for accommodation within the reserve. As one of the best safaris in Africa, Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best places to see lions in their natural habitat. Mala Mala borders the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. The big five thrive in this private luxury game reserve, together with cheetahs, giraffes, and wild dogs. During the dry season, particularly during May, this is the ultimate spot to see a variety of animals, including: Wildebeests Hippos Hyenas Cheetahs Giraffes Zebras Cape wild dogs This park is also considered a top destination for photographers. The terrain is different from the Kruger, as it’s flat, making it perfect for game drives. You can spot the lions during the day while they rest in their dens or at night when they go to the watering holes. Another reason why Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best safaris in Africa is that you can also do bushwalks. Here, you will enjoy seeing the wild dogs and cheetahs up close. Night safaris are also safe and popular at this world-class park. Okavango Delta, Botswana The Okavango Delta covers permanent marshlands, as well as seasonally flooded plains. The delta is a series of connected rivers and lakes, home to diverse wildlife, including: Cheetahs Crocodiles Lions Black and white rhinoceros It’s one of the major interior delta systems that don’t flow into the ocean, and its wetland system is almost unbroken. The Okavango Delta is also an excellent destination if you want to do bird sightings. You might get lucky and see some rare birds. If you’re into photography, this safari will blow your mind away with its beauty. The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. The area is known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The delta supports an astonishing variety of wildlife. The best time to visit is during the annual flood, when many of the animals are confined to islands created by the floodwaters, making them easier to spot. Highlights include great herds of elephant and antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and cheetah. Many of the birds spotted here are endemic. The most exciting way to explore the area is by traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), which I first did in my early twenties, navigating past hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, and spending several nights camping on tiny islands. About 40 percent of the Okavango Delta is in the Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern edge of the Delta, and we will focus on that when we reach number 6. Very much the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta features some of Africa’s premier camps. A good place to start your accommodation search is with Wilderness Safaris who has several beautiful luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia If you follow the Zambezi River about 300 miles downstream of the Victoria Falls, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, you will find the pristine wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. An area of abundant wildlife, from herds of elephants to soaring fish eagles and everything in between. A hunting ground for lions, leopards, and wild dogs. A timeless valley of giant towering winter thorns where wildlife finds sanctuary in the dappled shade. The area’s beauty lies in its wildness and the spectacular opportunities to get up close to the game that wanders in and out of the Zambezi’s channels. The river is home to hippos and crocodiles and is the perfect place for sunset boat trips, trawling for the coveted tiger fish, and one of my favorite activities, canoeing safaris. I have traveled the length of the Lower Zambezi National Park by both road and river, and can highly recommend this beautiful park. Anabezi has three fantastic lodges along this stretch of the river and is a great place to start planning your trip. Another Zambian park you should add to your list is the Lower Zambezi National. It’s one of the best safaris in Africa today, as it has recovered from poaching , although its rhino population was erased. The Lower Zambezi is home to various animals and birds, including the big five and several other species. There are also many bird species that you can find here, including: Blacksmith Lapwings Southern ground hornbills African jacanas Keep in mind that you won’t find any campsites in the area, just mid-range and luxury lodges, as well as tented camps. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana If you’re looking for an incredible game reserve in Botswana, then the Moremi Game Reserve is the best destination for you. This safari is part of the Okavango Delta, known as the world’s 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site . This game reserve is renowned for four of the big five, and you’ll probably see plenty of them during your safari. It also houses more than 400 bird species. Game viewing is also popular here. The best time to visit this game reserve is during the dry season, from June to September. You can also explore the wilderness on a mokoro canoe safari or a walking safari. As you gaze upon the floodplains and baobab trees, you’ll feel the grandeur of nature. Coming in at number six, Moremi Game Reserve is a protected wildlife area in Botswana. It lies on the Okavango Delta’s eastern side and was named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. Moremi was designated as a game reserve, rather than a national park, when it was created, which meant that the BaSarwa or Bushmen who lived there were allowed to remain in the reserve. Among other animals, the reserve is home to cheetah, white and black rhinoceros (rarely seen), wild dogs, lions, and over 500 bird species. This ecosystem is amongst the richest in Africa. Island Safari Lodge is an ideal jumping-off point for a trip into Moremi, and they also offer fantastic mobile safaris into the reserve, which I have done with my family and thoroughly enjoyed. Let this small but diverse area blow you away with its wildlife. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia South Luangwa National Park is one of the ultimate destinations in Zambia if you want to witness the wildlife, which includes endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra. There are also lions, leopards, and elephants in the area. The park houses tons of beautiful tented camps, lodges, and other accommodations, which can get busy during peak season. If you want to see this park, be sure to plan and book in advance. This park is famous for its walking safaris led by expert guides. The best time to visit is from July to October during the dry season. This period is when animals come out from the high-temperature bush areas to look for water in the rivers. In eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park plays host to huge concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo — over 450 species of bird and 60 species of mammal! South Luangwa is also arguably the best place in Africa to see leopards. South Luangwa is known for incredible walking safaris that give you the chance to get up close to the park’s wildlife. There is something incredibly special about a safari on foot — no noise from vehicles, just the crunch of dry grass underfoot. Your senses are heightened; you see and hear things that you have never noticed before. You become conscious of how loud your breath sounds in your ears as you try hard to walk silently through the bush. For an expertly guided walking safari in South Luangwa, you can’t go wrong with Surefoot Safaris . Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two or three million years ago, creating a crater 2,000 feet deep and a 64,000-acre floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an exceptional concentration of fauna; it is estimated that over 25,000 large animals live here (I’m not including birds, insects, or reptiles in this count!), including huge herds of wildebeests and zebras. There is also no shortage of predators, with the crater being home to lion, hyena, cheetah, jackal, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and more. A definite highlight is the healthy population of black rhino and some of the largest tusker elephants on the continent. The lake at the center of the crater hosts huge flocks of rose-colored flamingos, while Maasai tribespeople still live within the conservation area. Given its size, the Ngorongoro Crater really only needs a day or two of your travel time, and is best as part of a larger East African itinerary, perhaps combining the wildlife wonders of the Crater w with the migration spectacle of the Serengeti or the laid-back beaches of Zanzibar. I often take a day trip to Ngorongoro as a break at the end of a Kilimanjaro climb. As a taste of luxury, perhaps try Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for a special visit to this fantastic place. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located near the southern Kruger and is a cluster of private reserves. This wide-open savannah is a big attraction for game drives and walks. The big five are among the most common animals you’ll see in the reserve. Sabi Sand Game Reserve is also a top spot for those who want to experience close encounters with: White rhinos Lions Cheetahs Moreover, this reserve is popular because of its amazing night drive experiences, where you’ll see nocturnal animals, such as: Civets Aardvarks Bushbabies The game reserve is also known for its outstanding birdlife. If you like bird watching, you’ll be in for a treat here. It’s recommended to visit this destination during the winter or low season, from May to September. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve pioneered by local landowners in the 1950s and shares a 31-mile-long unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Known for delivering excellent Big Five game viewing, with some extraordinary close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard, this area is considered one of the best safari areas in South Africa. Sabi Sands offers a variety of accommodation options to suit everyone and every budget. As there are several lodges to choose from in the game reserve, visit Sabi Sands to start planning your trip. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Masai forest is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Located in the Great Rift Valley, this expansive wilderness hosts the Big Five, as well as a large population of cheetahs and wild dogs. The game drives are amazing here because the area is known for its high density of animal population. There are plenty of safari lodges in this national reserve, and people usually book months or even years in advance. If you want to see a few of the big five in their natural habitat, then the Masai Mara national reserve is worth considering. Aside from animals, you’ll also love its majestic rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and grasslands. Make sure to visit between August and October if you want to witness the wildebeest migration as they cross to Kenya from Tanzania. Last but not least, and located in the extreme southwest of Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Covering over 580 square miles, this quintessential safari destination is home to the Big Five and is famous for its thriving big cat populations. Special Maasai Mara experiences include hot air balloon safaris, visits to local Maasai villages, and of course, the Great Migration, which is when the Mara is a pit stop for almost two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope crossing from Tanzania across the mighty Mara River on their death-defying, 1,800-mile circular journey. In fact, these herds are so big they can be observed from space. The Maasai Mara is a photographer’s paradise, with year-round game viewing, incredible big cat sightings, and large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe. Governors’ Camp was the first permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara, and it occupies some of the best wildlife viewing locations in the reserve. There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African safari. The stillness of the early morning, before the heat of the sun covers the land. The sound of wild creatures calling in the night. The sense of adventure that comes from being surrounded by untamed wilderness. Above all, it’s the excitement of being in the bush, never quite knowing what new sights, sounds, and experiences the day will bring. I’ve given you a tiny taste of 10 of the most popular safari destinations on the continent. Choose one of these for your next African adventure and you won’t be disappointed. Kruger National Park If this is your first-time safari, you don’t want to miss the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, which is precisely what you’ll find in the Kruger National Park . At over 7,500 square miles, this park is roughly the size of a small country! Known as one of the world’s greatest game-viewing areas, the Kruger National Park offers a truly unique experience. The big five thrive in this national park, but there are plenty of other animals to see, including: Cheetahs Hippos Nile crocodiles The rare black rhino The best time to visit this park is from June to September. Etosha National Park Namibia may not be on the top list for most travelers in Africa, but once you’ve visited the Etosha National Park, you’ll change your mind. It was proclaimed a national park in 1907 . It’s named after the Ovambo word that means “the place where no plants grow,” an ode to the Etosha Pan, which is a part of a lake that has dried out. It’s so large that you can see it from space! One of the best activities for safari-goers in this national park is to stake out in a spring-fed waterhole and wait for animals to arrive. The Etosha National Park boasts a beautiful panorama of the dolomite hills and the arid savannas. This park is also renowned for the big five and its rhino conservation, both for the reintroduced white rhino and the indigenous black rhinoceros. At Etosha National Park, you’ll also see cheetahs, caracals, jackals, and hyenas. Laikipia Plateau If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll love the Laikipia Plateau. The Laikipia Plateau is an expansive plain home to plenty of wildlife, including: Grevy’s zebras Wild dogs Giraffes Black rhinos The best way to explore this expansive piece of land is by riding on a camel, which is a fun way to see the vast plains. You can also explore the park by riding a horse or during guided walking safaris. During the dry season, there’s plenty of water that fills watering holes for animals to come and drink. This attraction makes this safari particularly interesting for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the animals in their natural habitat. Hluhluwe Game Reserve The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is located in South Africa, and it’s one of the oldest reserves in the area. The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a good safari destination to take in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna. The game reserve is best known for its amazing plants and wildlife. It is home to the “Big Five,” and dozens of other mammals, reptiles, and birds. A highlight of this safari is the Hluhluwe River, which is a popular spot for game viewing. There are plenty of animals in this 96,000-hectare reserve, and you can also visit the nearby Mkhuze Game Reserve. For adventurers, make sure to ride 4x4s along its dusty roads. The park also offers boat safaris. Queen Elizabeth National Park The Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Uganda. It’s one of the most diverse parks in the country and is located near the famous Murchison Falls . The park is known for encompassing different landscapes, which are all home to various species of wildlife. These landscapes include: Mountains Swamps Crater lakes Tropical forests Open savannahs Wetlands The park is home to elephants, buffalos, giant forest hogs, and the African skimmer, which is a unique bird with a lengthy wingspan. The park also has boat cruises for those who want to see crocodiles and hippos. If you want to see chimpanzees, you can take a hike in the park’s rainforest. Ruaha National Park This Tanzanian park was proclaimed a national park in 1964 . This off-the-beaten-track destination takes its name from the Hehe word for “river,” which serves as its lifeline. This park is home to: Impalas Waterbucks Gazelles You may even see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals looking for prey. This safari is a great option to see large predators because it is home to ten percent of Africa’s lions. It’s also home to many bird species, such as: The crested Barbet The pale-billed Hornbill The Dickinson’s kestrel The racket-tailed roller All of these incredible features make this park one to add to the travel bucket list. Central Kalahari Game Reserve Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the most popular game reserves in Botswana. It was established in 1961 as a home for the Bushman tribes. It covers an area of 52,800 square kilometers, which is over ten percent of the country’s area. This expansive space of land makes it the second-largest game reserve globally. This game reserve is a great option for those who want to see the big five. You’ll probably see a few wild dogs as well. The reserve is also home to an amazing variety of bird species. Nyerere National Park The Nyerere National Park, formerly called Selous Game Reserve, is found in Tanzania. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 thanks to its diverse wildlife, including: The African bush elephant African Lion Hippopotamus East African wild dog The black rhino There is no permanent human habitation in the park, and all human entry is controlled by the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s wildlife division. When you visit this park, you can expect to see crocodiles and hippos during your boat safari. There are also many species of birds here for avid birdwatchers, so bring your binoculars! Katavi National Park If seeing large herds of buffalo ranks high on your list, the Katavi National Park is a must-visit. This huge park is located in northern Tanzania, and the park is known for its large population of buffalo. Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest national parks, and despite being a safari mecca for those who want to see wildlife, it doesn’t get as much traffic as other safaris. Because of this, the park authorities grant guests freedom, especially those who crave adventure. You can even go on a walking safari with an armed ranger, as well as try self-drive tours. Northern Damaraland This part of Africa is remote and mostly uninhabited by humans. Northern Damaraland is home to lions, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, black rhinos, and awe-striking rare desert-adapted elephants. This variety of animals makes it one of the top safari choices in Africa for people who are craving a unique experience they won’t forget. Despite the remoteness of northern Damaraland, you can still find safari lodges that will suit your needs that are perfect for experienced travelers. If you visit this safari, make sure not to miss the famous rock art at Twyfelfontein, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Things to Consider To ensure your experience in the best safari in Africa is top-notch, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. First, you must consider the animals you want to see, especially if you want to see the famous “Big Five.” You should consider the time of year you want to visit. If you don’t like crowds and want a relaxing safari, you should consider going during the off-season. Keep in mind that the weather may not be as good during those times of the year. It’s also a good idea to get professional tour guides, who will ensure you get the most out of the safari. Most safaris offer professional guides, but it’s a smart move to double-check before you book. Don’t forget to bring a camera and binoculars so you can snap great pictures and observe wildlife from a distance. Most importantly, bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as some comfortable clothes. Other things you should not forget to pack include: Sunscreen Flashlight Insect repellent Prescription medications Extra batteries for your camera Comfortable closed shoes Sunglasses Hat If you’re traveling during winter, you should throw a windbreaker in your suitcase. Frequently Asked Questions THP Creative/Shutterstock Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by travelers who want to experience the best safaris in Africa: Which African country has the best safari? There are a lot of safaris in Africa that offer a unique experience. The best safari in Africa is usually based on the animal you want to see. However, many people think that Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa have the best safaris on the continent. What safari is best for families? Many families enjoy traveling to the Kruger National Park, but most safaris are very family-friendly. Whether you want to go for a family vacation or want a romantic getaway, safaris offer a wide variety of activities for everyone. Which is the best month to go on an African safari? It depends on what you are looking for during your getaway. Different safaris could offer different experiences. Generally, the dry season is recommended. The dry season is from June to October and is perfect if you want to see animals looking for water sources. What is the average cost of an African safari trip? It depends on what your budget is. Many safaris offer per person pricing of $150 to $1,500 per day. Mid-range safaris usually fall between $250 to $350. Is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari? Kenya is a more popular and affordable safari destination, although both countries offer a great safari experience. However, there are a lot of luxury safaris in Tanzania if you prefer a vacation that feels more glamorous. BACK TO TOP

The Great Trek The Great Trek (Afrikaans : Die Groot Trek was a northward migration of Dutch-speaking settlers who travelled by wagon trains from the Cape Colony into the interior of modern South Africa from 1836 onwards, seeking to live beyond the Cape's British colonial administration. The Great Trek resulted from the culmination of tensions between rural descendants of the Cape's original European settlers, known collectively as Boers , and the British Empire . It was also reflective of an increasingly common trend among individual Boer communities to pursue an isolationist and semi-nomadic lifestyle away from the developing administrative complexities in Cape Town . Boers who took part in the Great Trek identified themselves as voortrekkers , Afrikaans: , meaning "pioneers", "pathfinders" (literally "fore-trekkers") in Dutch and Afrikaans . The Great Trek led directly to the founding of several autonomous Boer republics , namely the South African Republic (also known simply as the Transvaal), the Orange Free State , and the Natalia Republic . It also led to conflicts that resulted in the displacement of the Northern Ndebele people , and conflicts with the Zulu people that contributed to the decline and eventual collapse of the Zulu Kingdom . Background Trekboers making camp (1804) by Samuel Daniell . Before the arrival of Europeans, the Cape of Good Hope area was populated by Khoisan tribes The first Europeans settled in the Cape area under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company (also known by its Dutch initials VOC), which established a victualling station there in 1652 to provide its outward bound fleets with fresh provisions and a harbour of refuge during the long sea journey from Europe to Asia In a few short decades, the Cape had become home to a large population of "vrijlieden", also denoted as "vrijburgers" (free citizens), former Company employees who remained in Dutch territories overseas after completing their contracts. Since the primary purpose of the Cape settlement at the time was to stock provisions for passing Dutch ships, the VOC offered grants of farmland to its employees under the condition they would cultivate grain for the Company warehouses, and released them from their contracts to save on their wages. Vrijburgers were granted tax-exempt status for 12 years and loaned all the necessary seeds and farming implements they requested. They were married Dutch citizens, considered "of good character" by the Company, and had to commit to spending at least 20 years on the African continent. Reflecting the multi-national character of the VOC's workforce, some German soldiers and sailors were also considered for vrijburger status as well, and in 1688 the Dutch government sponsored the resettlement of over a hundred French Huguenot refugees at the Cape. As a result, by 1691 over a quarter of the colony's European population was not ethnically Dutch. Nevertheless, there was a degree of cultural assimilation through intermarriage, and the almost universal adoption of the Dutch language. Cleavages were likelier to occur along social and economic lines; broadly speaking, the Cape colonists were delineated into Boers , poor farmers who settled directly on the frontier, and the more affluent, predominantly urbanised Cape Dutch . Following the Flanders Campaign and the Batavian Revolution in Amsterdam , France assisted in the establishment of a pro-French client state, the Batavian Republic , on Dutch soil. This opened the Cape to French warships. To protect her own prosperous maritime shipping routes, Great Britain occupied the fledgling colony by force until 1803. From 1806 to 1814, the Cape was governed as a British military dependency, whose sole importance to the Royal Navy was its strategic relation to Indian maritime traffic. The British formally assumed permanent administrative control around 1815, as a result of the Treaty of Paris . 01 Causes Causes At the onset of the British rule, the Cape Colony encompassed 100,000 square miles (260,000 km2) and was populated by about 26,720 people of European descent, a relative majority of whom were of Dutch origin. Just over a quarter were of German ancestry and about one-sixth were descended from French Huguenots, although most had ceased speaking French since about 1750. There were also 30,000 African and Asian slaves owned by the settlers, and about 17,000 indigenous Khoisan . Relations between the settlers – especially the Boers – and the new administration quickly soured. The British authorities were adamantly opposed to the Boers' ownership of slaves and what was perceived as their unduly harsh treatment of the indigenous peoples. The British government insisted that the Cape finance its own affairs through self-taxation, an approach which was alien to both the Boers and the Dutch merchants in Cape Town. In 1815, the controversial arrest of a white farmer for allegedly assaulting one of his servants resulted in the abortive Slachter's Nek Rebellion . The British retaliated by hanging at least five Boers for insurrection. In 1828, the Cape governor declared that all native inhabitants but slaves were to have the rights of "citizens", in respect of security and property ownership, on parity with the settlers. This had the effect of further alienating the colony's white population. Boer resentment of successive British administrators continued to grow throughout the late 1820s and early 1830s, especially with the official imposition of the English language. This replaced Dutch with English as the language used in the Cape's judicial and political systems, putting the Boers at a disadvantage, as most spoke little or no English. Britain's alienation of the Boers was particularly amplified by the decision to abolish slavery in all its colonies in 1834. All 35,000 slaves registered with the Cape governor were to be freed and given rights on par with other citizens, although in most cases their masters could retain them as apprentices until 1838. Many Boers, especially those involved with grain and wine production, were dependent on slave labour; for example, 94% of all white farmers in the vicinity of Stellenbosch owned slaves at the time, and the size of their slave holdings correlated greatly to their production output. Compensation was offered by the British government, but payment had to be received in London , and few Boers possessed the funds to make the trip. Bridling at what they considered an unwarranted intrusion into their way of life, some in the Boer community considered selling their farms and venturing deep into South Africa's unmapped interior to preempt further disputes and live completely independent from British rule. Others, especially trekboers , a class of Boers who pursued semi-nomadic pastoral activities, were frustrated by the apparent unwillingness or inability of the British government to extend the borders of the Cape Colony eastward and provide them with access to more prime pasture and economic opportunities. They resolved to trek beyond the colony's borders on their own. Opposition Although it did nothing to impede the Great Trek, Great Britain viewed the movement with pronounced trepidation. The British government initially suggested that conflict in the far interior of Southern Africa between the migrating Boers and the Bantu peoples they encountered would require an expensive military intervention. However, authorities at the Cape also judged that the human and material cost of pursuing the settlers and attempting to re-impose an unpopular system of governance on those who had deliberately spurned it was not worth the immediate risk. Some officials were concerned for the tribes the Boers were certain to encounter, and whether these tribes would be enslaved or otherwise reduced to a state of penury . The Great Trek was not universally popular among the settlers either. Around 12,000 of them took part in the migration, about a fifth of the colony's Dutch-speaking white population at the time. The Dutch Reformed Church , to which most of the Boers belonged, explicitly refused to endorse the Great Trek. Despite their hostility towards the British, there were Boers who chose to remain in the Cape of their own accord. For its part, the distinct Cape Dutch community had accepted British rule; many of its members even considered themselves loyal British subjects with a special affection for English culture. The Cape Dutch were also much more heavily urbanised and therefore less likely to be susceptible to the same rural grievances and considerations as those held by the Boers. 02 Exploratory treks to Natal In January 1832, Andrew Smith (an Englishman) and William Berg (a Boer farmer) scouted Natal as a potential colony. On their return to the Cape, Smith waxed very enthusiastic, and the impact of discussions Berg had with the Boers proved crucial. Berg portrayed Natal as a land of exceptional farming quality, well watered, and nearly devoid of inhabitants. In June 1834, the Boer leaders of Uitenhage and Grahamstown discussed a Kommissietrek ('Commission Trek') to visit Natal and to assess its potential as a new homeland for the Cape Boers who were disenchanted with British rule at the Cape. Petrus Lafras Uys was chosen as trek leader. In early August 1834, Jan Gerritze Bantjes set off with some travellers headed for Grahamstown 220 kilometres (140 mi) away, a three-week journey from Graaff-Reinet . Sometime around late August 1834 Jan Bantjes arrived in Grahamstown, contacted Uys and made his introductions. In June 1834 at Graaff-Reinet, Jan Gerritze Bantjes heard about the exploratory trek to Port Natal and, encouraged by his father Bernard Louis Bantjes, sent word to Uys of his interest in participating. Bantjes wanted to help re-establish Dutch independence over the Boers and to get away from British law at the Cape. Bantjes was already well known in the area as an educated young man fluent both in spoken and written Dutch and in English. Because of these skills, Uys invited Bantjes to join him. Bantjes's writing skills would prove invaluable in recording events as the journey unfolded. On 8 September 1834, the Kommissietrek of 40 men and one woman, as well as a retinue of coloured servants, set off from Grahamstown for Natal with 14 wagons. Moving through the Eastern Cape , they were welcomed by the Xhosa who were in dispute with the neighbouring Zulu King Dingane ka Senzangakhona , and they passed unharmed into Natal. They travelled more or less the same route that Smith and Berg had taken two years earlier. The trek avoided the coastal route, keeping to the flatter inland terrain. The Kommissietrek approached Port Natal from East Griqualand and Ixopo , crossing the upper regions of the Mtamvuna and Umkomazi rivers. Travel was slow due to the rugged terrain, and since it was the summer, the rainy season had swollen many of the rivers to their maximum. Progress required days of scouting to locate the most suitable tracks to negotiate. Eventually, after weeks of extraordinary toil, the small party arrived at Port Natal, crossing the Congela River and weaving their way through the coastal forest into the bay area. They had travelled a distance of about 650 kilometres (400 mi) from Grahamstown. This trip would have taken about 5 to 6 months with their slow moving wagons. The Drakensberg route via Kerkenberg into Natal had not yet been discovered. They arrived at the sweltering hot bay of Port Natal in February 1835, exhausted after their long journey. There, the trek was soon welcomed with open arms by the few British hunters and ivory traders there such as James Collis, including Reverend Allen Francis Gardiner , an ex-commander of the Royal Navy ship Clinker, who had decided to start a mission station there. After congenial exchanges between the Boers and British sides, the party joined them and invited Dick King to become their guide. The Boers set up their laager ('wagon fort') camp in the area of the present-day Greyville Racecourse in Durban , chosen because it had suitable grazing for the oxen and horses and was far from the foraging hippos in the bay. Several small streams running off the Berea ridge provided fresh water. Alexander Biggar was also at the bay as a professional elephant-hunter and provided the trekkers with information regarding conditions at Port Natal. Bantjes made notes suggested by Uys, which later formed the basis of his more comprehensive report on the positive aspects of Natal. Bantjes also made rough maps of the bay - although this journal is now missing - showing the potential for a harbour which could supply the Boers in their new homeland. At Port Natal, Uys sent Dick King, who could speak Zulu, to uMgungundlovu to investigate with King Dingane the possibility of granting them land. When Dick King returned to Port Natal some weeks later, he reported that King Dingane insisted they visit him in person. Johannes Uys , brother of Piet Uys, and a number of comrades with a few wagons travelled toward King Dingane's capital at uMgungundlovu, and after making a laager camp at the mouth of the Mvoti River , they proceeded on horseback, but were halted by a flooded Tugela River and forced to return to the laager. The Kommissietrek left Port Natal for Grahamstown with a stash of ivory in early June 1835, following more or less the same route back to the Cape, and arrived at Grahamstown in October 1835. On Piet Uys's recommendation, Bantjes set to work on the first draft of the Natalialand Report. Meetings and talks took place in the main church to much approval, and the first sparks of Trek Fever began to take hold. From all the information accumulated at Port Natal, Bantjes drew up the final report on "Natalia or Natal Land" that acted as the catalyst which inspired the Boers at the Cape to set in motion the Great Trek. 03 First wave The first wave of Voortrekkers lasted from 1835 to 1840, during which an estimated 6,000 people (roughly 20% of the Cape Colony's total population or 10% of the white population in the 1830s) trekked. Hendrik Potgieter at Delagoa Bay , c. 1851–52 The first two parties of Voortrekkers left in September 1835, led by Louis Tregardt and Hans van Rensburg . These two parties crossed the Vaal river at Robert's Drift in January 1836, but in April 1836 the two parties split up, just 110 kilometres (70 mi) from the Zoutpansberg mountains, following differences between Tregardt and van Rensburg. A party led by Hendrik Potgieter trekked out of the Tarka area in either late 1835 or early 1836, and in September 1836 a party led by Gerrit Maritz began their trek from Graaff-Reinet. There was no clear consensus amongst the trekkers on where they were going to settle, but they all had the goal of settling near an outlet to the sea.: 162, 163  In late July 1836 van Rensburg's entire party of 49, except two children who were saved by a Zulu warrior, were massacred at Inhambane by an impi (a force of warriors) of Manukosi . Those of Tregardt's party that had set up around Soutpansberg moved on to colonise Delagoa Bay , with most of the party, including Tregardt, perishing from fever. Conflict with the Matebele In August 1836, despite pre-existing peace agreements with local black leaders, a Ndebele (Matebele) patrol attacked the Liebenberg family part of Potgieter's party, killing six men, two women and six children. It is thought that their primary aim was to plunder the Voortrekkers' cattle. On 20 October 1836, Potgieter's party was attacked by an army of 4,600 Ndebele warriors at the Battle of Vegkop . Thirty-five armed trekkers repulsed the Ndebele assault on their laager with the loss of two men and almost all the trekkers' cattle. Potgieter, Uys and Maritz mounted two punitive commando raids. The first resulted in the sacking of the Ndebele colony at Mosega , the death of 400 Ndebele, and the taking of 7,000 cattle. The second commando forced Mzilikazi and his followers to flee to what is now modern day Zimbabwe .[17] : 163  By spring 1837, five to six large Voortrekker colonies had been established between the Vaal and Orange Rivers with a total population of around 2,000 trekkers. Conflict with the Zulu Blood River King Dingane ordering the killing of Retief and his Boer representatives with the words "Bulalani abathakathi" ('kill the witches'). They were killed outside the royal kraal on the execution rock called Matiwane. Depiction of a Zulu attack on a Boer camp in February 1838. The Weenen Massacre was the massacre of Voortrekkers by the Zulu on 17 February 1838. Main article: Battle of Blood River In October 1837 Retief met with Zulu King Dingane to negotiate a treaty for land in what is now Kwa-Zulu Natal . King Dingane, suspicious and untrusting because of previous Voortrekker influxes from across the Drakensberg, had Retief and seventy of his followers killed . Various interpretations of what transpired exist, as only the missionary Francis Owen 's written eye-witness account survived. Retief's written request for land contained veiled threats by referring to the Voortrekker's defeat of indigenous groups encountered along their journey. The Voortrekker demand for a written contract guaranteeing private property ownership was incompatible with the contemporaneous Zulu oral culture which prescribed that a chief could only temporarily dispense land as it was communally owned. Most versions agree that the following happened: King Dingane's authority extended over some of the land in which the Boers wanted to settle. As prerequisite to granting the Voortrekker request, he demanded that the Voortrekkers return some cattle stolen by Sekonyela , a rival chief. After the Boers retrieved the cattle, King Dingane invited Retief to his residence at uMgungundlovu to finalise the treaty, having either planned the massacre in advance, or deciding to do so after Retief and his men arrived. King Dingane's reputed instruction to his warriors, "Bulalani abathakathi!" (Zulu for "kill the wizards") may indicate that he considered the Boers to wield evil supernatural powers. After killing Retief's delegation, a Zulu army of 7,000 impis were sent out and immediately attacked Voortrekker encampments in the Drakensberg foothills at what later was called Blaauwkrans and Weenen , leading to the Weenen massacre in which 532 people were killed, including 282 Voortrekkers, of whom 185 were children, and 250 Khoikhoi and Basuto accompanying them. In contrast to earlier conflicts with the Xhosa on the eastern Cape frontier, the Zulus killed women and children along with men, wiping out half of the Natal contingent of Voortrekkers. The Voortrekkers retaliated with a 347-strong punitive raid against the Zulu (later known as the Flight Commando), supported by new arrivals from the Orange Free State . The Voortrekkers were roundly defeated by about 7,000 warriors at Ithaleni , southwest of uMgungundlovu. The well-known reluctance of Afrikaner leaders to submit to one another's leadership, which later hindered sustained success in the Anglo-Boer Wars , was largely to blame. In November 1838 Andries Pretorius arrived with a commando of 60 armed trekkers and two cannon to assist in the defence. A few days later on 16 December 1838, a force of 468 trekkers, 3 Britons , and 60 black allies fought against 10,000 to 12,000 Zulu impis at the Battle of Blood River . Pretorius's victory over the Zulu army led to a civil war within the Zulu nation as King Dingane's half-brother, Mpande kaSenzangakhona , aligned with the Voortrekkers to overthrow the king and impose himself. Mpande sent 10,000 impis to assist the trekkers in follow-up expeditions against Dingane.[17] : 164  After the defeat of the Zulu forces and the recovery of the treaty between Dingane and Retief from Retief's body, the Voortrekkers proclaimed the Natalia Republic . After Dingane's death, Mpande was proclaimed king, and the Zulu nation allied with the short-lived Natalia Republic until its annexation by the British Empire in 1843. The Voortrekkers' guns offered them a technological advantage over the Zulu's traditional weaponry of short stabbing spears, fighting sticks, and cattle-hide shields. The Boers attributed their victory to a vow they made to God before the battle: if victorious, they and future generations would commemorate the day as a Sabbath . Thereafter, 16 December was celebrated by Boers as a public holiday, first called Dingane's Day, later changed to the Day of the Vow . Post-apartheid , the name was changed to the Day of Reconciliation by the South African government, in order to foster reconciliation between all South Africans. Impact Conflict amongst the Voortrekkers was a problem because the trek levelled out the pre-existing class hierarchy which had previously enforced discipline, and thus social cohesion broke down. Instead the trek leaders became more reliant on patriarchal family structure and military reputation to maintain control over their parties. This had a large and lasting impact on Afrikaans culture and society. Centenary celebrations Centenary celebrations Afrikaans horsemen celebrating the centenary of the Great Trek in 1938. A group of Afrikaans women at the centenary celebrations in 1938 dressed in Voortrekker clothing most notably the white kappie on their heads. The celebration of the Great Trek in the 1930s played a major role in the growth of Afrikaans nationalism . It is thought that the experiences of the Second Boer War and the following period, between 1906 and 1934, of a lack of public discussion about the war within the Afrikaans community helped set the scene for a large increase in interest in Afrikaans national identity. The celebration of the centenary of the Great Trek along with a new generation of Afrikaners interested in learning about the Afrikaans experiences of the Boer War catalysed a surge of Afrikaans nationalism. The centenary celebrations began with a re-enactment of the trek beginning on 8 August 1938 with nine ox wagons at the statue of Jan van Riebeeck in Cape Town and ended at the newly completed Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria and attended by over 100,000 people. A second re-enactment trek starting at the same time and place ended at the scene of the Battle of Blood River. Monuments to the Great Trek such as this one in Clanwilliam were erected in small towns across the country during the centenary celebrations. The commemoration sparked mass enthusiasm amongst Afrikaners as the re-enactment trek passed through the small towns and cities of South Africa. Both participants and spectators participated by dressing in Voortrekker clothing, renaming streets, holding ceremonies, erecting monuments, and laying wreaths at the graves of Afrikaner heroes. Cooking meals over an open fire in the same way the Voortrekkers did became fashionable amongst urbanites, giving birth to the South African tradition of braaing .  An Afrikaans language epic called Building a Nation (Die Bou van 'n Nasie) was made in 1938 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Great Trek.The film tells the Afrikaans version of the history of South Africa from 1652 to 1910 with a focus on the Great Trek. A number of Afrikaans organisations such as the Afrikaner Broederbond and Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging continued to promote the centenary's goals of furthering the Afrikaner cause and entrenching a greater sense of unity and solidarity within the community well into the 20th century. 04 Political impact The Great Trek was used by Afrikaner nationalists as a core symbol of a common Afrikaans history. It was used to promote the idea of an Afrikaans nation and a narrative that promoted the ideals of the National Party . In 1938, celebrations of the centenary of the Battle of Blood River and the Great Trek mobilised behind an Afrikaans nationalist theses. The narrative of Afrikaner nationalism was a significant reason for the National Party's victory in the 1948 elections . A year later the Voortrekker Monument was completed and opened in Pretoria by the newly elected South African Prime Minister and National Party member Daniel Malan in 1949. A few years later, "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika " ('The Voice of South Africa'), a poem written by Cornelis Jacobus Langenhoven referring to the Great Trek, was chosen to be the words of the pre-1994 South African national anthem. The post-1997 national anthem of South Africa incorporates a section of "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" but it was decided to omit the section in "reference to the Great Trek ('met die kreun van ossewa'), since this was the experience of only one section of our community". When apartheid in South Africa ended and the country transitioned to majority rule, President F. W. de Klerk invoked the measures as a new Great Trek BACK TO TOP

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