Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, formerly the Transvaal Museum, is South Africa’s leading natural history museum and provides an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
The museum has a vast range of displays and exhibits that are of great educational and human interest value. It curates a fossil skull nicknamed “Mrs Ples”. The fossil was discovered in the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. It is believed “Mrs Ples” lived about 2.1-million years ago. Paleontologist Dr Robert Broom discovered the fossil in 1947. He thought “Mrs Ples” was female on account of her small canine tooth sockets.
The origin of life on earth is told in narrative form. A visitor is taken on a journey through the development of the animal kingdom from single-celled organisms up to the appearance of early man. The collection of fossils includes many from the Karoo – dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
One of the key features at the museum is the Austin Roberts Bird Hall. Visitors will find an astonishing collection of 875 species of birds indigenous to South Africa. The general information on migration, feeding and flight can also be studied in the well-arranged hall.
The museum has an information department that can be accessed through a library or digitally. The museum shop has a variety of informative books, posters and curios for sale.
There is also the interpretive Discovery Centre on the property that provides a hands-on experience for children. It affords easy access for wheelchairs and display texts are also transcribed in Braille. The centre is ideal for school groups and family visits.
The museum is well used by researchers from across the globe working to understand the diversity of wildlife in Southern Africa.
Admission
The museum is open every day
Opening time 08h00 to 16h00 (except Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Admission fees: R25 for adults, R10 for children