South African National Museum of Military History
Lovers of military history are sure to enjoy a tour of the South African National Museum of Military History. The museum, located on an 80ha site next to the Johannesburg Zoo, houses weapons used in the wars South Africa has been involved in over the years, from the fierce Anglo-Boer War and Anglo-Zulu War, through the two world wars, up to operations in what was South West Africa (present-day Namibia).
Military Museum. Photo courtesy stuart001uk
The military museum, opened in 1947 by South Africa’s then-prime minister, Jan Smuts, offers a fascinating display of past weaponry. Among the museum’s hardware are some of the first modern weapons, such as the Maxim machine gun, the howitzer, automatic handguns, magazine-fed rifles and guns used in the Anglo-Boer War in the 19th century. Armoured fighting vehicles, uniforms and medals from the first and second world wars and the wars in Angola and Namibia are also among the 40 000 items on display.
A popular feature of the museum is the many aircraft on display, including aircraft used in the two world wars, some of which are the only ones of their kind left in the world.
In the museum’s library, visitors can view items from the war against apartheid, journals and other military history books.
Admission
Adults: R22
Pensioners and children: R11
Visiting hours
Daily from 09h00 to 16h30
Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day
Directions
Saxonwold, Johannesburg. Next to the Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake