Problems encountered by the Boers during the Great Trek

Problems encountered by the Boers during the Great Trek

Shortage of food, which constantly led to famine.

The long tiring journey.

They were attacked by tropical diseases, e.g. malaria, dysentery, etc.

They were attacked by wild animals like lions.

The hostility from some African groups like the Zulu, Ndebele and Xhosa.

They lost their property, for example sheep and cattle.

It was hard to care and look after the wagons, which often broke down.

The Boers ran short of ammunitions e.g. gunpowder.

There was shortage of consumer goods and food.

Their domestic animals fell sick.

As for the Trigardt Trek, it took long period of time for them to reach the coast. Out of the original 100, only 27 survived to see Lourenco Marques where they settled.

It was impossible to get members of Volksraad to travel to meetings due to long distances.

The Boers were not united.

There were conflicts with Africans due to many wars like the Basuto, Zulu and Ndebele.

There were religious divisions among the Boers between those who wanted reforms and those who wanted to continue with the old ideals of the Dutch Reformed Dutch.

Most Boers Republics were extremely poor.

There was pressure from the British who wanted to annex their areas.