THE AIRFORCE - THE MUSEUM
The SAAF Museum at Swartkop is the largest military aviation museum in South Africa. The museum uses both chronological and subjective layouts to tell the exciting story of aviation development from the days of the Paterson Aviation School at Kimberley to modern-day jets. Exhibits include a variety of aircraft and missiles, as well as family-orientated and historically interesting aeronautical displays.
All exhibits and displays are well identified to permit touring without guides. Photography is encouraged, although flash equipment will be required for most of the interior shots.
A gift shop selling books, models and posters is operated by the Friends of the SAAF Museum and all profits are used to assist the Museum. Limited refreshments are available, but food is not allowed in the display halls. Facilities for the handicapped include special parking, ramps and restroom facilities.
The Library holds a large selection of aviation related books, refrences and research material, technical manuals, aviation related magazines, logbooks and photographs. These reference materials are available to serious researchers on weekdays from 09h00 to 15h30 by prior appointment. A copy service is available at a nominal fee. Appointments may be arranged by phoning (+27) 12 351-2318. Visiting hours
Visiting hours
Note that the SAAF Museum at AFB Swartkop is currently closed to the public until further notice due to maintenance and construction activities.
Please phone the Museum prior to visiting to see if they can acommodate your visit.
The Museum is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday from 08h30 to 16h00. The Museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Phone prior to visiting on other public holidays.
Location
By Car:
From the north (Pretoria): From the Ben Schoeman Highway (M1/R28), take Exit 332 (Trichardt Road/Lyttleton) off-ramp. Turn left at the T-junction (direction Valhalla) onto Snake Valley Road and continue up the hill past the SAAF Memorial on your left. At the first traffic light turn left into Old Johannesburg/Pretoria Road (R101). The entrance to the Museum is situated about 500m down on the left.
From the south (Johannesburg): From the Ben Schoeman Highway (M1/R28), take Exit 330 (M10/Wierda Rd/Sunderland Ridge) off-ramp. Turn right at the T-junction onto Wierda Road. At the traffic lights, turn right into Old Johannesburg Road (R101), direction Pretoria. The entrance to the Museum is situated about 3km down on the right.
By Public Transport:
From Pretoria: Take the Valhalla bus from Church Square. From Johannesburg: Take the Inter-City bus or train to Pretoria and then the Valhalla bus.
Contact details
Postal address: SAAF Museum, Swartkop, PO Valhalla, 0137, South Africa
Telephone: (+27) 12 351-9111 / Fax: (+27) 12 351-2346
