South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town
![]()
The museum's collection includes a diverse array of exhibits related to South African naval history. (Image adapted). © South African Naval Museum![]()
The South African Naval Museum displays the history of the South African Navy from its origins in 1922 when the South African Naval Service was established, and shows its expansion during and after the Second World War (1939-1945). (Image adapted). © South African Naval Museum
South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town
The South African Naval Museum, located in Simon's Town, has a rich history that reflects the maritime heritage of South Africa. Simon's Town itself has been an important naval base since the 19th century, and the museum serves as a testament to the country's naval traditions and achievements.
Origins and Development: The origins of the South African Naval Museum can be traced back to the early 1970s when the need to preserve and showcase the history of the South African Navy became apparent. The museum was officially established to house and display a comprehensive collection of naval artifacts, models, and memorabilia that illustrate the development and evolution of the South African Navy.
Simon's Town, where the museum is located, has been a key naval port since the 1800s. It became the primary base for the South African Navy following the country’s independence from British rule in 1961. The museum was created to honor this legacy and to provide a historical context for the significant role that Simon's Town and the South African Navy have played in regional and global maritime affairs.
Exhibits and Collections: The museum's collection includes a diverse array of exhibits related to South African naval history. These exhibits cover various aspects of naval life, from historical naval vessels and submarines to uniforms, weapons, and photographs. The museum features models of naval ships, detailed displays of naval equipment, and educational materials that provide insight into the strategic, technological, and operational aspects of the Navy.
A highlight of the museum is its collection of historical ships and submarines that have been preserved and restored. These vessels offer visitors a tangible connection to the past and allow them to explore the interior and exterior of ships that have served the South African Navy.
Educational and Cultural Impact: The South African Naval Museum plays an important role in educating the public about the country's naval history and fostering an appreciation for maritime heritage. It serves as a cultural and educational resource, hosting various events, lectures, and tours that engage visitors with the history of naval warfare, technology, and strategy.
Contact Information for the South African Naval Museum:
Address: South African Naval Museum, 7 Inez Street, Simon's Town, Cape Peninsula.
Phone Number: +27 (0)21 787 1249
Email: see website
Website: https://sanavymuseum.co.za
Accommodation Near South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town
Bay Splendour
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town
1.1km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownBay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mariner Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
1.3km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownCustom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders
2.6km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownBoulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Moonglow Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
2.8km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownMoonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
4.1km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownAqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse is situated in the quiet suburb of Murdock Valley in Simon's Town and offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.Situated in a prime position 5 minutes from the beach, this landmark house overlooks the entire False …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Crags
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownCome and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.3km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownBed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Upstairs @ No. 42
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.5km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownUPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV & …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Atlantic Dream Beachfront Villa
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Scarborough
5.5km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownThis luxurious double storey beachfront villa in Scarborough (sleeps 8) offers privacy, beauty and security. If you seek a safe and peaceful beach retreat within easy reach of the Cape Town Buzz, don't miss here. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Place In Thyme
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.7km from South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape TownSituated on the mountainside in Fish Hoek, A Place in Thyme offers accommodation in three separate units: the cottage (sleeps 5); Small Thyme (sleeps 2) and Big Thyme (sleeps 2 adults & 2 children; or 3 adults.) …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Simon's Town Museum - Cape Town (0.08km)
- Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery - Simon's Town (0.48km)
- Simon's Town Waterfront - Cape Town (0.52km)
- Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town (0.54km)
- False Bay Yacht Harbour - Simon's Town, Cape Town (0.59km)
- Long Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (0.69km)
- Heritage Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town (0.74km)
- South African Navy Festival - Simon's Town, Cape Town (0.77km)
- Simon's Town Harbour - Cape Town (1.09km)
- SAS Assegaai Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town (1.17km)
- Seaforth Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (1.85km)
- Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.05km)
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town (2.29km)
- Simon's Town Country Club - Cape Town (2.69km)
- Windmill Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (3.01km)
- Glencairn Beach - Cape Town, Cape Peninsula (3.08km)
- Fishermans Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (3.13km)
- Roman Rock Lighthouse - Simon's Town, Cape Town (3.39km)
- Elsie's Peak Hiking Trails - Glencairn, Fish Hoek (5.10km)
- Fish Hoek Beach Spring Splash - Cape Town (5.20km)
