The second of four forts built by the South African republic around their capital — Pretoria, just before the outbreak of the second Anglo-Boer war.
The original plan was to build eight armoured turrets around the city, though this was later changed to forts — of which only four were built due to financial constraints.
This fort was one of three built by German engineering firm
Krupp, and was equipped with electricity, a telephone and running water — considered modern at the time.
The original structure was shaped like a half octagon, five sides with a large courtyard at its centre, and the smaller sides facing away from the city — the likely direction of the enemy's approach.
Inside were a telegraph room, stable, ammunition store, officer's quarters, provisions store, machine room, kitchen, soldier's quarters, with positions for artillery around its perimeter — using the hillside as cover.
What remains today are the ruins.
What to do thereExplore the fort's ruins, hiking, picnics,cycling, bird watching — all with amazing views of Pretoria.
Best time to visitAny time of the year not during the winter months of March to July every year.
Location of Fort Wonderboompoort museumInside the Wonderboom nature reserve and at the top of a ridge that lies north of the oldest part of the Pretoria — the CBD.
The ridge is part of the Magaliesberg range.
How to get thereBy walking, cycling, bus, train, vehicle, taxi, cycling.
There is a train station nearby and an airport within the city's limits.
References1. By Yeudakn - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43426410
