Discover the hidden treasures of the Natural History Collections

Discover South Africa’s natural heritage at DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History

Explore the wonders of South Africa’s natural heritage at the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History in Gauteng (formerly the Transvaal Museum). This is a rare opportunity to view original fossil material and research collections not normally accessible to the public.

Established in 1892, the museum houses an extraordinary range of fossils and animal specimens, including the iconic hominid skull “Mrs Ples” from the Cradle of Humankind. As one of the country’s largest natural history museums, it offers rich opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Delegates can go beyond the exhibits with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the museum’s scientific collections. Highlights include:

• The Ornithology Collection, one of Africa’s largest, with over 40,000 bird specimens
• The Broom Room, a secure fossil vault featuring early hominid discoveries
• The Palaeontology Collection, showcasing dinosaurs, ancient reptiles, and the rare coelacanth fish
• The Archaeozoology Research Laboratory, where ancient animal remains reveal the deep history of southern Africa

Itinerary

08:30 Pick up at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC)
09:00 Arrive at DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History
09:15 Welcome and tour of the Museum and exhibits
10:15 Behind-the-scenes tour of the Palaeontology collection
11:15 Behind-the-scenes tour of the Broom Room
12:15 Light lunch and refreshments
13:00 Behind-the-scenes tour of the Ornithology collection
14:00 Behind-the-scenes tour of the Archaeozoology collection
15:15 Depart for the CSIR ICC