South African Museum

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The Iziko South African Museum is one of the most well-known museums in Cape Town, and offers a fantastic collection of historical artefacts and dioramas. The oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa, the South African Museum showcases incredible exhibits of rock art, preserved animal specimens, and elaborate reconstructions of South Africa’s natural history.

The South African Museum is housed in a magnificent building at the foot of Table Mountain, situated at the far end of the Company Gardens. It is also home to the Planetarium, where visitors can discover the secrets of the night sky through fascinating daily shows and discussions.

Visiting the South African Museum
The South African Museum is a top tourist attraction in Cape Town, and recommended for all visitors to the Cape. Children love the dramatic dinosaur displays, while the preserved wild animals, extensive insect collections and fossilised remains are intriguing to visitors of all ages.

Founded by Lord Charles Somerset in 1825, the Iziko South African Museum offers the most extensive insight into the country’s natural history. It is South Africa’s oldest scientific institute, and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing 400,000 visitors annually.

Make a day of it when you visit Cape Town’s top attractions
The Company Gardens, in which the museum is located, is a sprawling collection of rose gardens, aviaries, historic statues and lush lawns. It’s the ideal spot from which to enjoy the beautiful Cape Town weather, and take in views of Table Mountain.

Make a day of your trip to the South African Museum by spending time in the Gardens, visiting its charming tea room, and exploring the National National Gallery and South African Jewish Museum along its avenue. Also be sure to visit the famous St George’s Cathedral at the bottom of the Gardens.