Standard self-guided admission to the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria costs R50 for local adults, R25 for children and South African pensioners, and R80 for international adult tourists (R40 for international children). The museum is open daily from 07:30 to 16:00, offering affordable access to world-renowned palaeontological discoveries, including the famous “Mrs. Ples” hominid fossil, extensive wildlife galleries, and interactive sensory displays.
Ditsong Natural History Museum Entrance Fees & Pricing
Admission fees at the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History (formerly known as the Transvaal Museum) are structured to remain accessible to local residents, school groups, and international visitors.
Standard Admission Rates (Self-Guided Tours)
| Visitor Category | Ticket Price (ZAR) | Details |
| South African Adults | R50 | Standard self-guided entry for ages 18+ |
| Children (Ages 3–17) | R25 | Self-guided entry |
| South African Pensioners | R25 | Valid SA ID or pensioner card required |
| Learners (School Groups) | R25 | Self-guided educational visit |
| Educators / Teachers | R30 | 1 educator enters free per group of 30 learners |
| International Adults | R80 | Standard foreign tourist admission |
| International Children | R40 | Foreign tourist child admission |
Note: Entry is generally free for children under 3 years of age. Prices are subject to change by DITSONG Museums of South Africa management.
Special Tours, Programmes & Add-On Fees
Visitors seeking a deeper educational experience can arrange specialised guided tours or access dedicated sensory and behind-the-scenes programmes.
Guided Tours & Interactive Exhibits
- School / Learner Guided Tour: R30 per learner. Includes an informative walkthrough facilitated by a museum educator.
- Discovery Centre Only: R30 per person. A tactile, hands-on sensory learning centre where displays are paired with Braille descriptions and interactive physical specimens.
- Discovery Centre + Museum Combo: R50 per person. Grants full access to both the main galleries and the Discovery Centre.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: R65 per person. A specialized curated tour through the museum’s scientific research collections and archive storage.
- Special Guided Tour (International Visitors): R70 per person.
- Special Night Tours (Torchlight Tours): R160 per person. An exclusive evening tour exploring the museum galleries by torchlight, ideal for private bookings, school excursions, and family groups (prior reservation required).
Opening Hours and Visiting Schedule
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History is open seven days a week, making it a reliable destination for weekday school outings and weekend family trips.
- Monday to Sunday: 07:30 – 16:00
- Public Holidays: Open on most national public holidays
- Closed: Christmas Day (25 December) and Good Friday
To fully explore all permanent halls and exhibitions, plan for a visit lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours.
Key Highlights & What to See
As Gauteng’s only natural history museum and one of the oldest heritage institutions in South Africa (founded in 1892 as the Staatsmuseum of the ZAR), the facility houses millions of scientific specimens.
1. Fossil Hominid Vault & “Mrs. Ples”
The museum’s palaeontology collection is globally acclaimed, holding thousands of hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai). Its most celebrated display is the 2.1-million-year-old skull of Australopithecus africanus, affectionately known as Mrs. Ples, discovered by Dr. Robert Broom in 1947.
2. The Austin Roberts Bird Hall
Dedicated to the renowned South African ornithologist Austin Roberts, this hall features more than 800 mounted indigenous southern African bird species. Interactive audio stations allow visitors to listen to the distinct calls of various bird families.
3. Genesis of Life I & II
These exhibits chronicle the evolutionary timeline from primordial organisms to modern mammals and reptiles. They showcase massive marine mammal skeletons (including whale skeletons suspended from the rafters), mounted terrestrial animals, and fossilized dinosaur tracks.
4. The Discovery Centre
Designed especially for children and visually impaired guests, this hands-on space encourages visitors to engage with nature through touch, smell, and hearing rather than the traditional “do not touch” museum rule.
Location, Directions, and Visitor Facilities
- Physical Address: 432 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Landmarks: Situated directly opposite the Pretoria City Hall, south of Church Square.
- Parking: On-site parking and designated street parking areas are available around the museum precinct.
- Accessibility: Main gallery floors and the Discovery Centre accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
- Contact Information:
- Telephone: +27 (0)12 492 1358 / +27 (0)12 492 5708
- Email: [email protected]
- Official Website: www.ditsong.org.za
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard entrance fee for the Ditsong Natural History Museum?
Local South African adults pay R50 for self-guided entry, while children and pensioners pay R25. International visitors pay R80 for adults and R40 for children. Combo tickets including the Discovery Centre cost R50.
Do pensioners and school learners qualify for discounted entry?
Yes. South African pensioners pay a reduced fee of R25 upon presenting valid identification. School learners on self-guided tours pay R25 (or R30 for a guided tour), and one educator is admitted free of charge for every 30 learners in an organized group.
Can tickets be purchased at the gate, or is advance booking necessary?
General admission tickets can be bought directly at the museum reception desk on arrival using cash or debit/credit card. However, group bookings, guided tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and nocturnal torchlight tours must be reserved in advance via email or telephone.
Are international tourists charged higher admission rates?
Yes, international adult tourists pay R80 and international children pay R40 for self-guided museum admission. Special guided tours for international visitors are available at R70 per person.
How much do the famous Ditsong Museum Night Tours cost?
The museum’s popular Night Tours (Torchlight Tours) cost R160 per person. These after-hours guided excursions require advance booking and a minimum group size to take place.
Is the Ditsong Natural History Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum facilities, primary exhibit halls, and the interactive Discovery Centre are wheelchair accessible. In addition, the Discovery Centre includes Braille transcriptions and tactile exhibits designed for visually impaired visitors.