Military Museums in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
South Africa National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, South Africa Air Force Museum in Swartkop, Pretoria.
Military and Aviation history in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Ekala Tours cover these Military Museums as single or multiple Museums as day tours.
South African National Museum of Military History
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa’s only military museum covering all of our past military conflicts. Not only conflicts on home soil, but also where South Africa have been involved (First and Second World War). The museum opened only in 1947 as the South African National War Museum, changing to South African National Museum of Military History in 1975.
The collection of over 44 000 items covers over 100 years of South Africa’s military history including the Anglo-Zulu war, Anglo-Boer war and the resistance movements in South Africa. Divided into 37 categories including a collection of over 800 artworks depicting South Africa’s role in the First World War. National Museum of Military History has a large selection of planes including the Spitfire, Mosquito Bomber and more modern aircraft from South Africa’s own Air force.
Collection also includes a one of a kind in the world – the ME 262, first two-seater jet engine night fighter, manufactured by the Germans in the latter stage of the Second World War. Also tanks, guns, naval hardware and armoured vehicles, including tanks used by South African Defense Force in Angola. An extensive military archive of Uniforms, medals, photographs, journals and books.
If it relates to the South African military, chances are you will see it here.
On the grounds of the South African National Museum of Military History is the Anglo-Boer war Memorial. Originally called the Rand Regiments Memorial. Dedicated to all the people who died during the second Boer war.
Far more than this on our battlefield tour.
The SAAF Museum – South African Air Force Museum, Swartkop
The establishment of the South African Air Force Museum only came about in 1973. Before this time, all historical aircraft were kept by the South African War Museum. Due to limited space, many extremely rare aircraft were disposed of. One of these was a Hawker Hurricane, sold as scrap in 1971. The South Africa Air Force Museum is the largest military aviation museum in South Africa.
All exhibits and displays are well identified and use both chronological and subjective layouts, telling an exciting story of aviation development in South Africa. Some aircraft presently on display include both military planes and commercial planes, including: The Buccaneer, Cheetah, Impala and S55. Also a South African Air Force Mirage F1 and a Russian Mig 21 used in Angola.
Vehicles and Artifacts include:
A jumbo size engine that powered the ME262 – the first German two-seater Jet fighter.
Tunic worn by Heinz Migeod, Stuka Pilot in the Battle of Britain.
40mm Bofor AA Gun.
South African Armored Reconnaissance Car.
Variety of missiles Military Uniforms, log books, aircraft parts, photographs, art works and aviation related books.
Largest military aviation museum in South Africa.
Private – Professional – fully guided tours – 7 days a week.
Different tour/safari options available – historical/cultural/wildlife – structured around your requirements and timing to create a multi day local tour package:
- Cullinan Diamond Mine Surface Motorised Tour – Shafts, Kimberlite dumps, slimes dam, big hole to new operations.
- Cullinan Diamond Mine Historical Tour – village to early operations including the black worker compound.
- Cullinan Diamond Mine Underground tour – only opportunity for an underground tour in a working mine – underground with the working shift.
- Gold Mine tours – Johannesburg gold history – over 130 years of Johannesburg as one of the biggest gold producers in the world.
- Ann van Dyk – De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary – cheetah and wild dog experience.
- Elephant Sanctuary – an interaction tour that is compatible with wildlife conservation.
- Monkey Sanctuary – Experiencing primates in a natural environment – NO interactions with these primates.
- Ekala Eco Bird tours – South Africa – one of the most desirable birding areas in the World.
- Soweto Township Cultural tour – Ekala does not invade people’s privacy.
- Alexandra Township tour – part walking tour and part tour in an Alexandra Taxi.
- Lesedi cultural village – Living African Culture – Colourful Culture Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Sotho and Ndebele.
- Soweto Historical tour – early 1900’s establishment, through the Apartheid struggle with the major events that played an important part of our history – not only for Soweto but South Africa as a whole.
- Johannesburg Historical tour – from farm land to the world’s biggest gold producer to the backbone of South Africa.
- Freedom Route – South Africa’s Journey to Freedom tour including the life of Nelson Mandela and the struggle against Apartheid.
- Gandhi Tour – Mahatma Gandhi’s Johannesburg heritage tour.
- Liliesleaf historical site including Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Rivonia Trial. Nelson Mandela and others involved in the Rivonia trail and general opposition to Apartheid.
- Pretoria – Historical tour -Colonialism – Boer/British to democracy tour.
- Battlefield tours – South Africa Battlefield Route Tour – Anglo/Boer and Anglo/Zulu and Voortrekker/Zulu
- Pilanesberg Safari – full day private safari or overnight/multi day safari
- Kruger Safari – private safaris with the greater Kruger National Game park.
Other Profeshional tours:
- Constitution Hill including Constitutional Court – Old Fort to Prisons and the Constitutional Court Complex.
- Paleontology tour – Cradle of Humankind including both Maropeng and Sterkfontein Cave with current finds and activities.
- Panoramic route tour – en-route to or from the Kruger.
Commercially run “parks” as the “lion type parks” we do not supply. Far better natural options that are more ecologically friendly and an experience that will be remembered for the right reason. These “parks” may be the cheapest options, but at what cost to the wildlife, specifically the lions.
Ekala Family & Guides
Ekala Family & Guides
We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of South Africa’s history, culture and wildlife.
With our vast experience and expertise, we will ensure you leave with a camera full of memories.
We will endeavour to personalise your tour according to individual time and requirements.
We personally conduct and organise all our tours and safaris as highly experience and professional guides.
Get an enhanced understanding of South Africa’s wildlife, history and diverse cultures.
Enjoying and respecting South Africa’s national assets - wildlife, environment and the people.
An Eco Tour and Safari to remember for the right reason