South African Naval Museum
South African Naval Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Simon’s Town Navy museum is easy to miss despite the large billboard advertising its presence. The reason is that there’s a discreet entrance and limited parking which means you will probably drive past it before you’re aware. The navy base will redirect you and you will park along the road and enter the museum through a pedestrian gate. Once you’re in though, you’re in for a treat as this is an amazing maritime museum that follows South African exploits in World War I and II. It’s also filled with war kit like torpedoes, helicopter, several ship guns, model ships, and – wait for it – a chapel. There was a lot of thought put into a number of the displays and it’s logically well-organised. It doesn’t hide the ugliness of war, and naval warfare in particular, but it’s brilliant. Shoutout to Officer Precious for her excellent guidance and help in the museum. Entrance is free, there’s a guestbook and you can buy original navy epaulettes. They close at 15:00
Duncan AlfredsDuncan Alfreds
30
I have been to one other military related museum - Johannesburg military museum by zoo lake. It is more focused on land whereas this museum gave me such insight and appreciation towards the sea military. We actually went the day before, unknowingly 5 minutes before it was closing. Mark, I think was the name of the elderly and whom met us at the door and encouraged us to return the next day in the morning for more time to enjoy it and so we did. Even brought him a beer to say thank you for saving us from disappointment of possibly having to rush through an amazing and insightful experience. From submarines to plans, to vehicles and to room setups. It was such an insightful and fun experience and showed me that there is such a deep and prideful history in not only Simons Town but in their Naval military.
Scotty JonScotty Jon
10
I appreciated the thoughtful attention curators devoted to exhibits at the SA Navy Museum. They managed to fit in many interesting artifacts of South Africa's unique naval history, from colonial days to post-apartheid. When I visited in mid-October I was the only visitor. As a US citizen and WWII buff, I was intrigued by South Africa's contributions during the war, including sinking a German U-boat and repairing a US cruiser damaged while fighting the Japanese in the Java Sea. Museum staff fit quite a bit into a small space, part of which is under an adjoining church, including many models of South African Navy ships, naval guns, and a navy helicopter. Well worth a visit if you are near Simons Town.
Christian De AngelisChristian De Angelis
20
The museum is quite big and on multiple levels, in multiple buildings and some displays outside. It includes a big collection of authentic historical items as well as remodeled items. There is a submarine section too, which I quite enjoyed. A complete firefighter truck and tank is also in display, only to name a few. Entry is free, they do accept donations. The Chapel is also still in use and has services and communion on Sundays (Anglican). A lot of care has been taken to assemble and display this collection in a family friendly way, leaving enough to enjoy for the whole family. Not pet friendly. Not acces for disabled persons.
Ellen BekkerEllen Bekker
20
This museum is a gem in the middle of Simonstown. Interesting snippets into South African naval and general history. My favorite feature are the beams in the bell tower that were taken from sailing ships of old and have the names of their donors written on them. It's interesting to think of a mighty oak beam being fitted to a sailing ship in 1836 now being used to hold the roof up in 2017.
Derek MartinDerek Martin
00
Excellent museum with a massive collection of items. Entry is free but you can make a donation. They have old marine items like telegraphs, radios, signalling devices and amazing paintings. Don't stop at the top floor, enter the church and go down for another huge collection of guns, canons, shells, torpedoes, helicopters. It even includes a small section of a submarine.
Rick RohanRick Rohan
20
Nearby Attractions Of South African Naval Museum
Simon's Town Museum
Apex Shark Expeditions - Great White Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
African Shark Eco-Charters- Shark Cage Diving
Jubilee Square & Jetty
Shark Explorers
Able Seaman Just Nuisance
Shark Diving Cape Town
The Heritage Museum

Simon's Town Museum
4.5
(143)Click for details

Apex Shark Expeditions - Great White Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
4.8
(123)Click for details

African Shark Eco-Charters- Shark Cage Diving
4.6
(101)Click for details

Jubilee Square & Jetty
4.4
(80)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of South African Naval Museum
Bertha's Restaurant Simon's Town
Fran's Place
SAVEUR Restaurant
The Lighthouse Cafe
The Salty Sea Dog
The Harbourview Restaurant
Cafe Pescado
Minari Korean Kitchen
I Love Waffles - Quayside
The Hickory Shack

Bertha's Restaurant Simon's Town
4.0
(1.3K)$$
Click for details

Fran's Place
4.4
(835)$
Click for details

SAVEUR Restaurant
4.3
(600)$$
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The Lighthouse Cafe
4.5
(665)$$
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Basic Info
Address
St George's St, Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa
Map
Phone
+27 21 787 4686
Call
Website
sanavymuseum.co.za
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(413 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
The South African Naval Museum is a maritime museum in Simon's Town, South Africa. It contains collections and artefacts related to the maritime history of South Africa and the South African Navy.
attractions: Simon's Town Museum, Apex Shark Expeditions - Great White Shark Cage Diving Cape Town, African Shark Eco-Charters- Shark Cage Diving, Jubilee Square & Jetty, Shark Explorers, Able Seaman Just Nuisance, Shark Diving Cape Town, The Heritage Museum, restaurants: Bertha's Restaurant Simon's Town, Fran's Place, SAVEUR Restaurant, The Lighthouse Cafe, The Salty Sea Dog, The Harbourview Restaurant, Cafe Pescado, Minari Korean Kitchen, I Love Waffles - Quayside, The Hickory Shack

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