South African Air Force Museum – visit for free

See a collection of aircrafts, weapons, engines and uniforms

Last updated: Tuesday, 15 August 2023 

Here’s a place you’ve probably never heard of before (or forgot existed) – and it’s free. See everything from aircrafts and uniforms to aviation magazines at The South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum at Satellite Ysterplaat. It’s like Top Gun in Cape Town. Plus, there’s free tours on Saturdays and a café for refreshments. 

The museum is totally free to enter. Image: @chloehuttonxx

LEARN ABOUT SA AVIATION HISTORY

The SAAF Museum at Satellite Ysterplaat is the second-largest military aviation museum in South Africa. The museum houses a varied collection of exhibits covering the full period of the SAAF's existence (starting from the 1920s when it was first founded) as well as military and civil aviation history in the Western Cape. 

See aircrafts in the museum. Image: @chloehuttonxx
 

SEE AIRCRAFTS, WEAPONS AND UNIFORMS

Any flying enthusiast should visit The SAAF Museum. But it’s also a great family day trip spot, or unique date idea. In addition to the aircraft, weapons, engines and uniforms exhibits is a small display of Royal Flying Corps memorabilia. 

There’s also a library that holds a large collection of aviation-related books, research material, technical manuals, aviation magazines and photographs. 

The reference materials are available to researchers on weekdays by prior appointment. Image: @chloehuttonxx

GO ON A FREE TOUR

The actual museum display aircrafts are located inside the security area of the base. Tours are conducted on Saturday mornings, free of charge, for those who wish to learn more about the history behind the SAAF and aviation. 

The tours are available every Saturday. Image: @chloehuttonxx

HOW TO GET TO THE MUSEUM

Drive out of the city via Nelson Mandela Boulevard and keep left at the fork to continue onto FW De Klerk Boulevard. Follow signs for Paarl/Bellville. Take Exit 4 for R27 towards Paarden Eiland. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Boundary Road. Turn right onto Koeberg Road/M5. Turn left onto Piet Grobler Street. See full directions on Google Maps. 

VISIT THE SA AIR FORCE MUSEUM

SAAF Museum is open: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pm
Find it: Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | Cape Town
Contact on: 021 508 6561, Facebook

By Lara van Zyl

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