Afrikaans Language Monument

The basics

Although Afrikaans first emerged from enslaved West African people, it rapidly became the language of oppression and a symbol of the apartheid government. During the 70s, schools only taught in Afrikaans and English, despite neither language being the mother tongue of the majority—this led to the Soweto Uprising in 1976, when school children rose up, and the police shot and murdered hundreds of peaceful protestors.

Today, Afrikaans remains one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and travelers who visit the monument can learn about its history and ongoing impact.

Things to know before you go

• Bring a camera—the monument’s viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

• The small cafe across the road is good for a snack or a cool drink.

• There is a small admission fee charged at the gate.

How to get there

It’s a 45-minute drive from Cape Town via the N1—take exit 55 and get onto Gabbema Doordrift St. Once you pass the gate leading to the monument, you’ll find a cafe and car park on the left side of the road, and the memorial just across from it. If you don’t have a car, opt for a tour of the region that stops at the monument.

When to get there

The monument is open seven days a week, from morning until night (although the nearby cafe has slightly shorter hours.) Aim for a weekday visit to skip the crowds and arrive in the morning so you can explore the region for the rest of the day. The Western Cape is lovely in August and September when the weather starts to warm, but the rains haven’t yet started.

Afrikaans Language Museum

For a more extensive experience, stop at the nearby Afrikaans Language Museum in Paarl. Located in the house where the Fellowship of True Afrikaners was formed, the museum has period-typical furnishings and exhibits that explore the constant development of the language.