An unusual plant, the coral tree, found here on the monument grounds, flowers early in the spring, before the first leaves appear. Its flowers signal the beginning of malaria season in the lower elevations.

The pioneer migration in South Africa was similar to the Westward migration of America in the same century. The Voortrekker monument in Pretoria celebrates the conflicts and achievements of these pioneers in establishing outposts along European lines. The natives of the area resisted and cooperated by turns much as did those met by Oregon Trail travelers. A monument to the women pioneers (below) is included in the historical memorial.