With the holidays fast approaching, a visit to South Africa’s leading natural history museum with your children is a must. The museum is situated in the historic centre of Pretoria and was founded as the Staatsmuseum of South Africa on the 1 December 1892.

The museum has a vast range of displays and exhibits that are of great educational value including hundreds of taxidermied birds and animals, amazing collections of insects and butterflies and a valuable geological collection. The story of life on earth and of the unique geological foundations of the African continent is outlined and the theory of evolution is explained in detail, illustrated with fossils of prehistoric creatures that once roamed across South Africa and detailed diagrams.

One of the key features of the museum is the Austin Roberts Bird Hall. Visitors will find an astonishing collection of 875 species of stuffed birds indigenous to South Africa including eagles, owls and even vultures. Information on the migration, feeding and flight patterns of South Africa’s different bird species can also be studied in the well-arranged hall. Educational programmes A comprehensive series of programmes and conducted tours is offered to schools, students and tourists in various South African languages. Booking is essential to participate in these activities. Discovery Centre A hands-on activity centre, where the five human senses are used to discover the wonders of nature, offering an invaluable educational adventure. It affords easy access for wheelchairs and display texts are also transcribed in Braille. This centre is ideal for younger learners that are eager to explore with their hands.

Public Programmes - Throughout the year talks are held at the Museum by various established researchers and scientists.

Contact Details: Physical Address: 432 Paul Kruger Street Pretoria 0001 Contact numbers: 012 322 7632, 012 000 0040 Admission: Daily: 08:00 – 16:00 (Except Christmas Day and Good Friday) 

Admission Fees: Adults R30.00 p/p Learners  R15.00 p/p SA Senior Citizens R10.00 p/p Guided Tour for learners R20.00 p/p Guided Tour for adults R35.00 p/p Discovery Centre R20.00 p/p Behind the scenes tour R50.00 p/p

Featured in the November issue of the Arcadian