Fort Klapperkop — Attraction in Tshwane Ward 59

On 18 May each year, Museums around the world celebrate International Museum Day. The City of Tshwane Metro hosts has a significant number of museums of various descriptions, including art, history, science, or natural history. Fort Klapperkop Military Museum was my first option. Located within the Klapperkop Nature Reserve, it is easily accessible. The Fort has apparently been restored, but needs more TLC. Historical artifacts are mostly in good nick, and the premises are under Municipal supervision. The history of the "Pretoria Forts" is interesting. Wikipedia is helpful to gain insight. In the years preceding the Anglo-Boer War (1899 -1901) the then ZAR government, commissioned engineers to construct four forts (of the eight that were apparently planned) around Pretoria to defend their capital city: Fort Wonderboompoort (completed Sep 1897) in the north, Fort Daspoortrand, also called Westfort (Nov 1898) towards the west of the city. The military fort should not be confused with 'Westfort Village', which is a settlement that grew up around it and was associated with a leprosy hospital. Fort Klapperkop (Jan 1898) and Fort Schanskop (April 1897) a short distance on the hill opposite Klapperkop, and in close proximity to the Voortrekker Monument (VTM), were built to defend the key southern entrance into Pretoria. Fort Klapperkop was built using stone from the site itself and has an empty moat around it. Fort Daspoortrand (a.k.a. Westfort) was hexagonal (French design) in shape, while the other three were pentagonal (German design). Despite the fortifications being built, Pretoria was taken by British forces, and occupied on 5 June 1900. In 1938, the two southern forts were declared provincial heritage sites. Fort Klapperkop was restored in 1966 and converted to a military museum, and Fort Schanskop followed in 1978. Both are open (2025) under supervision to visitors. The other two forts have sadly fallen into disrepair. Had a warm reception at the fort, and felt safe. Stairs to the top might be daunting, but staff offer those with mobility challenges the alternative of driving up close to the huge steel doors. Had a great visit, and shall...

The Fort Klapperkop Museum is located in the Groenkloof suburb of Pretoria and is part of the Fort Klapperkop Nature Reserve. Amazingly, the building has survived all these years. Inside, visitors can see cannons, also referred to as guns, and explore the fort itself. The rooms have displays showcasing what the fort was used for in the past.

If you enjoy museums and history, this can be a good outing for you. Additionally, there are some nice high points of view to take in.

It's not expensive to visit the museum. Admission is less than R50 per person. Just confirm opening hours before going.

Some brief history... Fort Klapperkop was built in the late 1800s to protect Pretoria from invasion. It had a moat, drawbridge, and artillery turrets. At its peak, 30 troops manned the fort, but it was never fired upon. Today, it is a military museum with a statue honoring members of the South African Defense Force who lost their lives.

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Definitely an interesting experience with the kids. This fort is one of the restores and neatest forts in Pretoria. Has great history, displays and lots of information to share with the visitors. Has an old ammunition room with wide variety of guns on display from Lee Anfield, Mauser, Martini & Henry and various bullets.

Huge Canons outside Creusot Canon 150mm and 2 x 37mm. Also a 37mm Maxim Norden veldt Canon.

Displays for the kitchen with glass and utensils from the time and even uniforms.

There is even an old tramshed and steam engine on display.

To out surprise their is even a braai area where you can picnic. Unfortunately no restaurant or shop on site, so make sure to pack water and everything you need. There are public toilets.

Everything is outdoors so wear comfortable shoes and hats and don't forget sunblock.

It was reactively affordable to go inside R25 per adult and less than that per kid. Open weekends 9am to 5pm. Not sure...