Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
Explore prehistoric life and African wildlife through impressive fossil and skeleton displays at this Pretoria museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore prehistoric life and African wildlife through impressive fossil and skeleton displays at this Pretoria museum.
"A peaceful and educational place with well-curated exhibits, offering a comprehensive understanding of our rich history."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but a full day is easily spent here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossilized Wonders
Exhibition Halls
Marvel at ancient fossils, including a remarkably preserved skull, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
African Wildlife Skeletons
Taxidermy Displays
See impressive skeletons of African animals, bringing the continent's diverse fauna to vivid, albeit static, life.
Bird Collection
Ornithology Section
Explore a fascinating collection of birds, showcasing the region's avian biodiversity.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but a full day is easily spent here.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be tricky; research options in advance.
💡 Interactive Fun
Look for interactive exhibits, though some may be out of order.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but a full day is easily spent here.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be tricky; research options in advance.
💡 Interactive Fun
Look for interactive exhibits, though some may be out of order.
📚 Bilingual Info
Exhibits often have inscriptions in both English and Afrikaans.
✨ Free Admission Alert
Check for International Museum Week for free entry!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History offers a mixed but often educational experience. While some visitors find it a bit dusty and dated with inconsistent signage, others praise its kid-friendly atmosphere, informative exhibits, and friendly staff. It's a place that evokes nostalgia for its past glory while still providing a valuable learning opportunity, especially for families.
"The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria gave me the feeling of a melancholy crypt of bygone glory. Getting there was difficult. A shell game with parking spaces. According to the cashier, there's one somewhere in the middle of nowhere, but unfortunately, we couldn't find it. Inside, one experienced the grand funeral of museum culture: dark as limbo, dirty as a bus stop, and exhibitions that sometimes look as if they were cobbled together by a bored intern. Signage and explanations are lacking. The most bizarre highlight was the "before and after" show of a pigeon that had flown into a running airplane turbine. The pulverization experiment was a success. You can sense that there was once plenty of money here, passion, and pride. Today, one can write studies on decay in fast-forward. Three stars because it used to be beautiful and I like museums – but the rest is unfortunately just fossils from a better time."
Tilman Benecke
"Nice place to visit with your children. Not too big, just enough not to get tired, but full of interesting exhibits. It was a bit dusty, and in few spots it was dark, but overall experience was good."
Marina Timchenko (MarTimAr)
"Ditsong National Museum of History is a great and peaceful place to visit, not forgetting the educational part of it. The exhibits were well-curated and informative, with clear signage and engaging storytelling. The staff were friendly and helpful, making sure that visitors had a comfortable and enriching experience. I appreciated the variety of exhibits, from natural history to cultural heritage, which provided a comprehensive understanding of our rich history.
The museum's facilities were clean and well-maintained, making for a pleasant visit. The atmosphere was calm and conducive to learning, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the exhibits. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in history and science. Whether you're a student, a history buff, or just curious about the world around you, Ditsong National Museum of History is a must-visit destination.
The museum's ability to balance entertainment and education makes it an excellent choice for families and groups. Overall, my visit to Ditsong National Museum of History was an enriching experience that I will always treasure. What i love the moat about Ditsong museum is that it is kids friendly,they get to see all the inhabitants and their history. The memories of the exhibits and the knowledge gained will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to visiting again and exploring more of what the museum has to offer"
TSHOLOFELO TSHOLOFELO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to the museum can be a bit challenging, with some visitors reporting difficulty finding parking. It's recommended to research parking options in advance or consider public transport if available in Pretoria.
Parking availability can be inconsistent. One reviewer mentioned a 'shell game with parking spaces' and difficulty finding it. It's best to inquire about current parking arrangements before your visit.
The museum is generally open 7 days a week until 4 PM, but it's always a good idea to confirm the exact hours before your visit, especially on public holidays.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but given the parking challenges, exploring local bus or taxi routes in Pretoria might be a viable option for reaching the museum.
Yes, the museum is typically open on weekends, making it a popular destination for families. Be prepared for potentially higher crowd levels during these times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While admission fees can vary, a significant highlight is International Museum Week, during which admission to all Ditsong museums is free. Keep an eye out for this event for a budget-friendly visit.
Specific discount information for students or seniors is not widely available. However, checking the museum's official website or inquiring at the ticket counter upon arrival is recommended.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors, but it's always wise to check the museum's policy, especially if planning a group visit.
Tickets are typically purchased at the museum's entrance. For special events like International Museum Week, no tickets are needed as admission is free.
Information on fees for special exhibitions is not readily available. It's advisable to inquire at the museum upon arrival about any additional costs for temporary displays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive African animal skeletons, the fossilized skull, and the diverse bird collection. Visitors also find the 'before and after' pigeon turbine exhibit uniquely memorable, though perhaps unsettling.
Yes, it's considered very kid-friendly! Children enjoy seeing the different animals and learning about them. It's a great place for school holiday entertainment.
You'll need at least 2 hours, but many visitors find they can easily spend a whole day exploring the exhibits.
The museum features interactive exhibitions, though some visitors have noted that not all interactive buttons are functional.
Reviews are mixed. Some mention it being a bit dusty and dark in places, with exhibits showing their age. Others describe it as clean and well-maintained with clear signage.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The large animal skeletons and the detailed fossil displays offer great photographic opportunities. The unique exhibits, like the pigeon turbine, also make for memorable shots.
While specific photography tours aren't advertised, the museum offers various tour options that might provide insights for photographers.
Some areas of the museum can be dimly lit, so using a camera with good low-light performance or adjusting your settings accordingly will be beneficial for capturing clear photos.
Visitors often share photos and videos of the animal skeletons, fossils, and unique exhibits. Handprints and nostalgic themes are also popular on platforms like TikTok. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some areas might be a bit dusty, the overall experience is educational and memorable for younger visitors. Plan for at least a couple of hours, but be prepared for kids to want to spend longer exploring. The museum offers a great balance of entertainment and education, ensuring that your little ones will come away with new knowledge about the natural world.
📚 Budget Travelers
This is a prime opportunity to experience the museum's extensive collections without any cost. Even outside of this special week, the entrance fees are generally reasonable, offering a full day of exploration for a modest price. 🏛️ History & Science Enthusiasts
While some exhibits might show their age, the sheer volume of information and the historical significance of the artifacts make it a compelling visit for serious enthusiasts. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Exhibits
Beyond the animal kingdom, the museum delves into deeper history with its fossil collections. Visitors can marvel at ancient remains, including a notable fossilized skull, which offers a window into prehistoric life and geological eras. These displays are crucial for understanding the evolutionary journey of life on Earth.
While the core exhibits are educational, some visitors note that the presentation can feel dated, with occasional issues like dustiness, dim lighting, and signage that could be improved.
Visitor Experiences: The Good and The Not-So-Good
However, a recurring theme in some reviews is a sense of 'bygone glory' and decay. Visitors have noted that the museum can feel dusty, dimly lit, and that some exhibitions appear cobbled together, lacking clear signage and explanations.
Despite the criticisms, the museum's staff are often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a more positive experience.
Ultimately, the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History offers a mixed bag, with its educational content and family appeal often outweighing the drawbacks for many visitors. 
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