The best museums in South Africa in March 2026

These are the top 5 best museums in South Africa, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2026. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in South Africa, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in South Africa.

You may need to reserve time slots for some museums in South Africa. Check here to see which places and tickets you can already book in advance. ๐Ÿ‘‰
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Looking for the best museums in South Africa? These are the best ones:

  1. South African Jewish Museum1

    South African Jewish Museum

     Cape Town
    The South African Jewish Museum, located in the downtown neighbourhood of Gardens in Cape Town, is a museum dedicated to South African Jewish life, history, and identity. It is situated in the grounds of Gardens Shul and is part of the same complex as the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre and the Gardens Jewish Community Centre. The museum is also in close proximity to the Iziko South African National Gallery and Houses of Parliament.
  2. Castle of Good Hope2

    Castle of Good Hope

     Cape Town
    The Castle of Good Hope, also known as Fort de Bonne-Espรฉrance, is a star fort located in Cape Town, South Africa. It was built on the original coast of Table Bay, which is now in the city center due to land reclaimed from the sea. This historical site was constructed by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679, making it the oldest European-built structure in South Africa.
  3. World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park3

    World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park

     Cape Town
    World of Birds is a bird park nestled in Hout Bay, a district of Cape Town in the South African province of Western Cape. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of bird species in a serene and natural environment.
  4. 4

    Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

     Cape Town
    The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, also known as MOCAA or Zeitz MOCAA, is a contemporary art museum situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. It holds the distinction of being the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world.
  5. Apartheid Museum5

    Apartheid Museum

     Johannesburg
    The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a comprehensive historical complex that provides an in-depth look into the country's 20th-century history. The museum's primary focus is on the apartheid era from 1948 to 1991, the negotiations and constitutional transition that took place in 1992, and the first South African general elections in 1994, which were conducted without racial distinction. This museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the socio-political landscape of South Africa during these significant periods.

All museums in South Africa