One of Cape Town's astonishing hidden treasures is the Gold of Africa Museum, situated in a beautiful historic residence in the City Bowl.

This fabulous museum is dedicated to the preservation of African gold artistry and will tell you all about the history of gold in African continent and the different value it has had at different times in history.

Did you know that the shiny metal was not much appreciated by the Africans in the old days? They believed that touching gold caused leprosy. Later it was thought that if nothing happened to after you had touched gold, the gods protected you. That is why African kings chose to wear so much heavy golden jewellery.

Well-informed and entertaining guides give either day or a night tours through the museum, answering all you possible questions. Choose between the Lion Walking Tour during daytime and the Pangolin Tour at night.

The last one is without a doubt unique. Walk through dark hallways and passages, while golden artefacts glow up when you shine your torch on them. Enjoy this special tour with a glass of wine, sprinkled with gold leaf.

The museum is the personification of thousands of years of gold craftsmanship in Africa, and boasts an incredible collection of gold artefacts. You will see golden jewellery, sculptures and even a room with its walls covered with real gold. Just imagine what that looks like...

Modern golden artefacts from all over the world are at display in exhibitions that vary every couple of months.

The Gold of Africa Museum is not one of the best things to do in Cape Town on a rainy dayTown. This tranquil oasis in the heart of the city is the perfect musuem to sit back and relax on one of those hot days in summer.


Open: Mon-Sat: 09h30 - 17h00. Make an appointment for the night tour.
Closed: New Years, Christmas Day, Good Friday

The culture & heritage section in things to do Cape Town section offers a great overview of museums in Cape Town.