Activities - Museums in South Africa
Check out some of South Africa's museums, wher you can find out the
what's, wher's, how's and who's relating to our collerfull and
culturaly rich history.
Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum
The need to create a surf museum in Jeffreys Bay was for many reasons. Essentially, Jeffreys Bay is one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world, so to have a surf museum in this typically surf driven town was always a must. The world renowned "Super Tubes", a famous point break right-hander is the pinnacle of Jeffreys Bay and the destination that every young surfer throughout the world aspires to one day being able to ride. It is the perfect wave surrounded by dolphins and the occasional whale. Nature at her best... This is also one of the venues for the current WCT world contest surfing tour, where the top 44 international surfers compete in July every year. The tour stretches over 14 different surfing locations culminating in the final event held at "Pipeline" in Hawaii for the prestigious world surfing crown. The museum is also about remembering the history of surfing and paying tribute to the many surfing pioneers and legends that have developed the sport over a span of several years. This is not only about the people and personalities but also about the evolution of the actual surfboard from wooden boards to the ultra light foam and glass fibre surfboards that exist today. The Jeffreys Bay museum encompasses all this and more. It imbibes the spirit of surfing. Walking through the museum immediately makes one aware of that special magic which exists between the surfer and the ocean, the realization that only a surfer truly knows the feeling...
Durban Natural Science Museum
The Durban Natural Science Museum is one of the oldest and most popular museums in South Africa. An Ideal destination for a family outing, the highly informative museum focuses not only on the natural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal, but also on the Earth's general natural history.
The museum features a selection of superb dioramasdepicting mammals, birds, insects reptiles and fish in natural habitats. Some of the highlights include an Egyption Mummy and a life size dinosaur.
The KwaZulu-Natal Science centre is a practical hands-on initiative providing some interesting educational opportunities. Visitors can also relax in the Waterhole Coffee shop.
Botshabelo / Ndebele Open-air Museum
When you see the striking Ndebele murals and the way they are created, you begin to understand why this artform and culture are so easily recognised and admired throughout the world.
Botshabelo is not simply a one building museum, but an entire village complex comprising several historic buidings. This museum complex is one of the most fascinating in the country, and is situated on a 2300 hectare nature reserve
Excellent hiking trails and accomodation facilities areavailable. At the Ndebele Open-air Museum visitors ca experience the Ndebele lifestyle and culture. Colourful beadwork and other traditional crafts can be purchased on site. The beautiful painted Ndebele are widelt renowned.
Swellendam Drostdy Museum
Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature and outdoor activities. Situated on the N2, approximately 240km from both Cape Town and George, Swellendam is the perfect choice for a halfway stopover or as a base from which to explore the area.
Swellendam offers a variety of accommodation to suit every taste. This range includes one hotel, luxury guest houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments, chalets, caravan and camping facilities as well as self-catering cottages on farms in the area.
Rainfall is spread over the year (55% winter and 45% summer). There is little wind and temperatures are moderate. There is no shortage of water and gardens are lush and luxuriant. The cost of living is reasonable and the town is clean and efficiently and well run.
The people are friendly and there is no political strife with a virtual absence of serious crime.
Albany Museum
Established 1855. The Albany Museum Complex comprises five museums and is the second oldest museum in the country. The Museum Complex has an Education Department which provides resources and educational programmes in cultural studies, history and the natural sciences. A Mobile Museum service offers portable exhibits, resource packs and objects for curriculum-based studies. An education programme is printed yearly and is available on request. Identification services, public lectures, film shows, open days, walking tours and special events are offered throughout the year. The original Albany Museum was established in 1855 by the Graham's Town medical-Chirurgical Society (later the Literary, Scientific and medical Society). The Museum has grown into a complex of separate museums which document the full spectrum of the social and natural environment, with particular reference to the Eastern Cape. The components of the Complex are : the Natural Science Museum, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, the Provost Prison and Fort Selwyn.
Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum
The need to create a surf museum in Jeffreys Bay was for many reasons. Essentially, Jeffreys Bay is one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world, so to have a surf museum in this typically surf driven town was always a must. The world renowned "Super Tubes", a famous point break right-hander is the pinnacle of Jeffreys Bay and the destination that every young surfer throughout the world aspires to one day being able to ride. It is the perfect wave surrounded by dolphins and the occasional whale. Nature at her best... This is also one of the venues for the current WCT world contest surfing tour, where the top 44 international surfers compete in July every year. The tour stretches over 14 different surfing locations culminating in the final event held at "Pipeline" in Hawaii for the prestigious world surfing crown. The museum is also about remembering the history of surfing and paying tribute to the many surfing pioneers and legends that have developed the sport over a span of several years. This is not only about the people and personalities but also about the evolution of the actual surfboard from wooden boards to the ultra light foam and glass fibre surfboards that exist today. The Jeffreys Bay museum encompasses all this and more. It imbibes the spirit of surfing. Walking through the museum immediately makes one aware of that special magic which exists between the surfer and the ocean, the realization that only a surfer truly knows the feeling...
Durban Natural Science Museum
The Durban Natural Science Museum is one of the oldest and most popular museums in South Africa. An Ideal destination for a family outing, the highly informative museum focuses not only on the natural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal, but also on the Earth's general natural history.
The museum features a selection of superb dioramasdepicting mammals, birds, insects reptiles and fish in natural habitats. Some of the highlights include an Egyption Mummy and a life size dinosaur.
The KwaZulu-Natal Science centre is a practical hands-on initiative providing some interesting educational opportunities. Visitors can also relax in the Waterhole Coffee shop.
Botshabelo / Ndebele Open-air Museum
When you see the striking Ndebele murals and the way they are created, you begin to understand why this artform and culture are so easily recognised and admired throughout the world.
Botshabelo is not simply a one building museum, but an entire village complex comprising several historic buidings. This museum complex is one of the most fascinating in the country, and is situated on a 2300 hectare nature reserve
Excellent hiking trails and accomodation facilities areavailable. At the Ndebele Open-air Museum visitors ca experience the Ndebele lifestyle and culture. Colourful beadwork and other traditional crafts can be purchased on site. The beautiful painted Ndebele are widelt renowned.
Swellendam Drostdy Museum
Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature and outdoor activities. Situated on the N2, approximately 240km from both Cape Town and George, Swellendam is the perfect choice for a halfway stopover or as a base from which to explore the area.
Swellendam offers a variety of accommodation to suit every taste. This range includes one hotel, luxury guest houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments, chalets, caravan and camping facilities as well as self-catering cottages on farms in the area.
Rainfall is spread over the year (55% winter and 45% summer). There is little wind and temperatures are moderate. There is no shortage of water and gardens are lush and luxuriant. The cost of living is reasonable and the town is clean and efficiently and well run.
The people are friendly and there is no political strife with a virtual absence of serious crime.
Albany Museum
Established 1855. The Albany Museum Complex comprises five museums and is the second oldest museum in the country. The Museum Complex has an Education Department which provides resources and educational programmes in cultural studies, history and the natural sciences. A Mobile Museum service offers portable exhibits, resource packs and objects for curriculum-based studies. An education programme is printed yearly and is available on request. Identification services, public lectures, film shows, open days, walking tours and special events are offered throughout the year. The original Albany Museum was established in 1855 by the Graham's Town medical-Chirurgical Society (later the Literary, Scientific and medical Society). The Museum has grown into a complex of separate museums which document the full spectrum of the social and natural environment, with particular reference to the Eastern Cape. The components of the Complex are : the Natural Science Museum, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, the Provost Prison and Fort Selwyn.
