
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
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

South African National Museum of Military History Johannesburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore South Africa's military past with tanks, aircraft, and historical exhibits. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and families.
"Awe-inspiring collection of military hardware, especially the G6 Rhino and unique armoured vehicles!"

🎯 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Outdoor Display
Explore a fascinating array of tanks and armoured cars, showcasing South Africa's unique modifications for combat.

Anglo-Boer War Memorial
Museum Grounds
Admire the ornate memorial topped with Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, commemorating a significant period in history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Military Museum
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are R50 for adults and R30 for children. This offers great value for the extensive exhibits.
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.
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.
Children have a reduced entry fee of R30, making it an affordable outing for families.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, children often find the large vehicles like tanks and aircraft fascinating. The museum offers an engaging way to learn about history.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as the SAAACA Arms Fair, which can offer unique viewing opportunities. It's worth checking their schedule.
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.
While many exhibits are accessible, some outdoor displays might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive displays of military hardware and historical artifacts.
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.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🤓 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Armoured Might
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. 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
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit