Me-262 Schwalbe, twim-seater night fighter
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South African National Museum of Military History Johannesburg

Explore South Africa's military past with tanks, aircraft, and historical exhibits. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and families.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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Me-262 Schwalbe, twim-seater night fighter

South African National Museum of Military History Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore South Africa's military past with tanks, aircraft, and historical exhibits. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and families.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Awe-inspiring collection of military hardware, especially the G6 Rhino and unique armoured vehicles!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Combine with the Zoo

Save time and energy by visiting the Johannesburg Zoo on the same day. :world_map: Easy to access both!

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

Adults R50, Children R30. Great value for a comprehensive historical experience. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mighty G6 Rhino

The Mighty G6 Rhino

Exhibition Hall

Marvel at the imposing G6 Rhino self-propelled howitzer, a testament to South African ingenuity in military design.

Armoured Vehicle Collection

Armoured Vehicle Collection

Outdoor Display

Explore a fascinating array of tanks and armoured cars, showcasing South Africa's unique modifications for combat.

Anglo-Boer War Memorial

Anglo-Boer War Memorial

Museum Grounds

Admire the ornate memorial topped with Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, commemorating a significant period in history.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Military Museum

The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg offers a deep dive into the nation's armed forces. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're interested in a more in-depth exploration of the extensive collections. Check their website for any special events or exhibitions.

Combine with Nearby Attractions

Located near the Johannesburg Zoo, this military museum is a great addition to a day of exploration. Many visitors suggest combining a visit to the museum with a trip to the zoo, making for a full day of activities in the Saxonwold area. This can be a cost-effective way to experience multiple attractions.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The South African Airways Museum Society is based at Rand Airport in Germiston. The museum opens Tuesday-Sunday from 9 am - 3:30 pm. There's no need to make a booking if it's not a group. Entrance is R50 for Adults and R30 for Children. #aviationmuseum #saa #thingstodoontheweekend #affordablethingstodo #museuminsouthafrica #aircraft #southafricanairways #placestovisitinjoburg #explorejoburg #e...
@tinyiko_nwasithole
58.5K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 Combine with the Zoo

Save time and energy by visiting the Johannesburg Zoo on the same day. :world_map: Easy to access both!

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

Adults R50, Children R30. Great value for a comprehensive historical experience. :moneybag:

SAAACA Arms Fair today at the South African National Museum of Military History. #SAAACA #history #war #military #museum #WheneverWherever #Joburg #momof3boys #fitmom #warhistory #aviation #southafrica #johannesburg
dis_ek_chel
2 likes • 461 views
reddit.com

Today my son and myself visited the Military History museum in Johannesburg.

📸 Capture the Scale

Don't miss the chance to photograph the massive G6 Rhino; it's truly impressive next to a person for scale. :camerawithflash:

🧐 Explore Tank Details

Appreciate the unique modifications on South African armoured vehicles, reflecting their combat needs. :military_vehicle:

reddit.com

Johannesburg - Do’s and Don’ts

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combine with the Zoo

Save time and energy by visiting the Johannesburg Zoo on the same day. :world_map: Easy to access both!

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

Adults R50, Children R30. Great value for a comprehensive historical experience. :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Scale

Don't miss the chance to photograph the massive G6 Rhino; it's truly impressive next to a person for scale. :camerawithflash:

🧐 Explore Tank Details

Appreciate the unique modifications on South African armoured vehicles, reflecting their combat needs. :military_vehicle:

📅 Check for Events

The museum sometimes hosts events like the SAAACA Arms Fair. :calendar:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the South African National Museum of Military History for its impressive collection of military hardware, particularly the tanks and the imposing G6 Rhino. The affordability and the opportunity to combine the visit with the nearby Johannesburg Zoo are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors note that while the exhibits are extensive, additional context or interactive elements could enhance the experience.

"I was more than pleasantly surprised.

The place is well kept, there is a wide variety of exhibits, and there are many facinating exhibits and information to complement it.

If you have an interest in history, military history, development of technology, engineering or just general knowledge, you will not be able to appreciate this place in one visit.

I decided to institutionalise my visits to this museum - 2 to 4 times a year in order to see all the exhibits and appreciate its context(s).

I left this museum with a new appreciation for the ingenuity, skill and potential of man, and have a renewed respect for those that went before us, internationally and nationally.

There are many stories of experiences by individuals or groups that gives it that personal touch that you and I can (maybe) relate to. It makes the experience sort of "real" not "Hollywood" or "TV - "we are standing on the shoulders of giants" in so many ways.

A salute to those that spent time and money to keep this treasure of history and human potential alive.🫡

PS: Unfortunately, in some of the indoor settings (where most of the facinating exhibit's are) photography is not allowed. (Likely, one of the reasons - some of it must be worth a small fortune!)"

Kaptein Nemo

"Saw the history of WWI and WWII and marvelled at how powerful some countries really were back then!
The people at the ticket office at the gate were exceptionally River Hill exceptionally nice! Recommended to come!"

haili lee

"Highly impressed with the museum, everything is preserved and maintained, all the exhibits have really good explanations along with the displays. Definitely worth a visit"

Kayla Milne

What People Like

Impressive vehicle collection
Affordable entry fees
Proximity to Johannesburg Zoo

What People Dislike

Could use more interactive exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is conveniently located next to the Johannesburg Zoo in Saxonwold. You can reach it by car, and there is parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking ride-sharing services or local bus routes is advisable. Many visitors find it easy to combine with a trip to the zoo. Reddit

Yes, it's situated in a well-known area of Johannesburg, adjacent to the Johannesburg Zoo. Its location makes it a straightforward destination for tourists exploring the city. Reddit

Driving your own vehicle or using a ride-sharing service is generally recommended for ease of access. While public transport might be available, it's less direct compared to other options. Reddit

Absolutely! The South African National Museum of Military History is right next to the Johannesburg Zoo, making it a perfect combination for a day out. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available at the museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees are R50 for adults and R30 for children. This offers great value for the extensive exhibits. TikTok

For individuals or small groups, booking in advance is generally not required. However, if you are planning a group visit, it's advisable to contact the museum beforehand. TikTok

The museum typically opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours. TikTok

Children have a reduced entry fee of R30, making it an affordable outing for families. TikTok

Information on payment methods can vary. It's best to confirm directly with the museum or be prepared with cash, as some smaller attractions may prefer it. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a vast collection including aircraft, army vehicles, tanks, artillery, medals, and exhibits on military medicine and history. Highlights include the G6 Rhino and various armoured vehicles. Reddit+1

Yes, children often find the large vehicles like tanks and aircraft fascinating. The museum offers an engaging way to learn about history. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as the SAAACA Arms Fair, which can offer unique viewing opportunities. It's worth checking their schedule. Instagram

Take your time to walk through the indoor exhibits and the outdoor displays of vehicles. Reading the information panels will provide context to the impressive collection. Reddit+1

While many exhibits are accessible, some outdoor displays might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive displays of military hardware and historical artifacts. Reddit

The outdoor collection of tanks and armoured vehicles, especially the G6 Rhino, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The Anglo-Boer War Memorial is also a picturesque spot. Reddit+1

While personal photography is usually allowed, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors. Reddit

Try capturing the sheer scale of the vehicles, close-ups of unique modifications, and the historical context of the exhibits. Shots with people for scale can be very effective. Reddit+1

A wide-angle lens can be very useful for capturing the full scope of the larger vehicles like tanks and aircraft, especially in outdoor displays. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The South African National Museum of Military History is a fantastic outing for families. Kids are often captivated by the large tanks and aircraft, offering a hands-on visual learning experience. The sheer scale of vehicles like the G6 Rhino is a guaranteed hit, providing great photo opportunities and sparking imagination. Reddit The museum's affordability, with lower ticket prices for children, makes it an accessible option for a family day out. Consider pairing the visit with the adjacent Johannesburg Zoo for a full day of exploration and fun.

🤓 History Buffs & Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in military history, this museum is a treasure trove. You can spend hours exploring the armoured vehicle collection, appreciating the unique South African modifications and the technical details of each piece. Reddit The exhibits on various conflicts, including the Anglo-Boer War, offer deep insights into the nation's past. The museum's curators often have extensive knowledge, and special events like arms fairs can provide even more specialized content. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Armoured Might

The South African National Museum of Military History boasts an impressive collection of armoured vehicles, a highlight for many visitors. Redditors often rave about the unique modifications made by South Africa to adapt vehicles for their specific combat needs, emphasizing a 'speed over everything' approach. Reddit You'll find a variety of tanks and armoured cars, each with its own story and design evolution. The museum's Sherman tank, an M4 Composite (or Sherman I Hybrid), is a particularly interesting example, showcasing a blend of welding and casting techniques from its era. Reddit

One of the most striking exhibits is the G6 Rhino self-propelled howitzer. Visitors are consistently awestruck by its sheer size, with many noting how photos don't do justice to its imposing scale. Reddit Standing next to one of its massive tires provides a real sense of its power and engineering. This collection offers a tangible connection to South Africa's military history and its innovative approach to defence technology.

Aviation and Historical Artifacts

While the museum is renowned for its ground vehicles, it also houses a significant collection of aircraft and other historical artifacts. Although the South African Airways Museum Society is at Rand Airport, the Military History Museum itself features aviation exhibits that complement its broader military narrative. TikTok These displays often include models, historical photographs, and information about the role of air power in South African conflicts.

Beyond the hardware, the museum delves into the human element of warfare with exhibits on military medicine, medals, and the personal stories of soldiers. These displays provide a more intimate understanding of the sacrifices and experiences of those who served. The Anglo-Boer War Memorial on the grounds, topped with a figure of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, is a poignant reminder of a pivotal period in South African history. Reddit

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