Top 5 Musuem Reviews

As an entertainer guide, we start our top museum reviews with the Cape Town South African Museum, which is the oldest museum and certainly one of the best museums to visit in South Africa. Its Exhibits, include the only preserved specimen in Africa of the extinct indigenous quagga, depictions of reptile inhabitants of the Karoo and some brilliant specimens of ancient rock art.

The essence of the museum is found in the diversity of exhibits which are housed in a magnificent old building to which modern facilities have been added. The museum showcases the natural history of South Africa, as well as the early human inhabitants of the sub-continent, an impressive array of rare rock specimens, marine life and much more to entertain any curious visitor.

The outside of the Museum is also in an idyllic setting as it is surrounded by the Cape Town CBD and a back drop of Table mountain. It is also at the helm of the iconic and beautiful VOC (Dutch Colonists) company gardens which in its self is a site to behold and worth a visit.

It is also the only museum in South Africa with an adjoining planetarium, with regularly changing daily shows, which makes this an experience not to be missed.

Address:
25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town CBD
Tel: 021 424 3330

• Operating hours: Tuesdays –      Sundays from 10:00 – 14:30
• Closed on: Workers’ Day and Christmas Day
• Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3800
• Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Adults: R30.00
• 6-17 years: R15.00
• 5 years & under: R5.00
• School Groups: Booked- R5.00;  Unbooked R8.00
• South African pensioners and students (valid cards): R15.00/ Free entry on Fridays
• Free entry on Commemorative days

The Johannesburg South African National War Museum was officially openedJon 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa’s involvement in World War II. In 1975, the museum was renamed the South African National Museum of Military History and its function changed to include all conflict involving South African forces. In 1999 it was merged with the famous Pretoria-based Transvaal Museum.

The museum is laid out in two halls and an outdoor display focusing on South Africa’s role in the major conflicts of the 20th century, with a particular focus  on World War II. On display are original Spitfire and Messerschmidt fighters including an exceptionally rare ME110 jet fighter which is the only night fighter version in existence. Various tanks and a wide array of artillery. There are also weapons used in the conflict against the Cuban-backed Angolan army in the 1980s. More recent exhibits include the military art collection, and an exhibit on the history of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the African National Congress’s (ANC) military arm. 

In fact the museum has a collection of more than 44 000 items which are divided into 37 separate categories and include the official South African war art and photograph collections.

Other categories include, armoured fighting vehicles, medals, uniforms, small arms, edged weapons, barrack & camping equipment, rations, religion, gifts & comforts, military music, graves & memorials, military insignia, communications, medicine and propaganda to name but a few.
Displays not only reflect historical aspects but also illustrate technological development in warfare which is reflected most in2 historic Bellman Hangars house a variety of thematic displays such as the Anglo-Zulu War, the Anglo-Boer War, South Africa’s role in the First and Second World Wars, resistance movements, medicine in war, the development of combat uniforms and equipment, and the development of firearms.

Contact details
Tel: +27 011 646 5513
Fax: +27 011 646 5256

The Museum is situated in Erlswold Way in the northern Johannesburg suburb of Saxonwold adjacent to the Johannesburg Zoo and close to the recreational area of Zoo Lake. There is ample parking for the motorist.

Opening hours: Daily from 09.00 to 16.30 (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day)