

Pretoria, 0001
info@ditsong.org.za
National Museum of Natural History
The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History formerly known as the Transvaal Museum was founded as the Staatsmuseum of the ZAR on the 1st of December 1892.
It has, since then, been acting as the custodian and documentation centre of South Africa’s natural heritage. The Museum’s collections and exhibits include hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and associated fauna, including Mrs Ples [the nickname attributed to a fossil skull believed to represent a distant relative of all humankind]; fossils, skeletons, skins, and mounted specimens of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and mammals. These collections make up the Museum’s educational programmes.
The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum in Gauteng and one of the largest in South Africa. It is unique in that it is the only institute in South Africa that offers the local, national and international community the opportunity to view its collections, including original fossil material usually denied by the public. These collections make up the Museum’s educational programmes. Research is done, and the information is communicated to all people of South Africa and the international community.
Educational Programmes
Schools, students and tourists are offered a comprehensive series of programmes and conducted tours in various South African languages, and all education programmes follow CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement). Booking is essential to participate in these activities. For bookings, send an email to: bongi@ditsong.org.za.
Discovery Centre
A hands-on activity centre where the five human senses are used to discover the wonders of nature, offering an invaluable educational adventure. It affords easy access for wheelchairs and displays texts transcribed in Braille. This centre is ideal for younger learners eager to explore with their hands.
Public Programmes
Throughout the year, talks are held at the Museum by various established researchers and scientists. Please regularly check the “Upcoming Events” page or contact the Public Programmes Department.
Publications Part One
The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History’s researchers and scientists from other institutions doing research can submit scientific papers to the annals. The major publications are the Annals of the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History and the Monograph series.
Publications Part Two
The Museum has exchange agreements with many scientific institutions, both abroad and in South Africa and 342 copies of the Annals of the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History and 280 copies of the Monographs of the Ditsong: National Museum of Natural History are distributed annually. Up to 2010, the annals were known as the Annals of the Transvaal Museum.
PHOTOGRAPHY TARIFFS
Per hour R550 per photographer (Other).
Per hour R2000 for filming.
Per hour R250 per student photographer (Student with a Student card, matriculants) .
Per hour R500 per photographer in training (under the supervision of a professional photographer).
Daily package minimum of R16 000.
Clients are advised not to leave valuables or electronic equipment unattended on the property, as the Museum cannot be held responsible for the loss thereof.
FACILITY RENTAL FEES
Auditorium
- (Corporate Events) R1300 per hour, 3-6hours
- (NGO) R800 per hour, 3-6hours
- Capacity: 195 people
Furnsteel Capacity :50
- R1300 per day
Parking
- R400 per vehicle p/m
- R10( day visitors)
Restrooms
- R5 per person per day
Mini Amphitheatre Capacity: 10 people
- R600 per day
Guest Cottage Capacity: 8 people
- R250 per person, per night
Office Area and Tea Room
- R1000 per day
Boardroom
- R600.00 per day (30 people)
Parking Available - R10
Admission Fees
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Adults
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- Own Tour
- R 50
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Children
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- Own Tour
- R 30
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Children
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- Guided Tour
- R 35
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Pensioners
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- Own Tour
- R 30
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Educator
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- Free entry for Educator/group of 30 learners
- R 40
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Learners
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- Own Tour
- R 25
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Learners
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- Guided Tour
- R 35
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International Tourist
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- Adult
- R 100
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International Tourist
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- Child
- R 50
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International Tourist
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- Student
- R 50
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Special Guided Tours
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- Local (Behind the Scenes Tour)
- R 65
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Special Guided Tours
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- Night Tours
- R 160
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SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS
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- International Tourist
- R 70
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SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS
- Discovery Centre
- R 40
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Special Guided Tours
- DC + Museum
- R 50
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Special Guided Tours
- Local per person (Behind the scenes tours)
- R 80
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Special Guided Tours
- Night tours
- R 170
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Special Guided Tours
- International (Behind the scenes tours)
- R 120