What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 15:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00 Thursday 09:00 - 15:00 Friday 09:00 - 13:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:00

SAAF Museum Ysterplaat, Piet Grobler Street, Ysterplaat Airbase, Cape Town (2026)

23/02/2026

HELLO CAPE TOWN.

WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY OTHER THAN PREPARE TO WITNESS THE ROAR OF FREEDOM AND THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE.

FIRST TIME FOR 2026 WE BRING YOU THE AMAZING SHACKLETON GROUND RUN THIS COMING SATURDAY 28th FEBRUARY 2026 WHERE YOU WILL FEEL THE FORCE OF THE WIND AND THE SMELL OF AVIATION.

The “Friends of the SAAF museum” Ysterplaat have the pleasure and honour of inviting every aviation enthusiast and others to witness another one of our spectacular OPEN DAYS with a twist at Ysterplaat Air Force Base. This is something you do not want to miss as it’s an iconic aircraft with 4 engines and with contraroatating propellers. She is one of only 2 left in the world that feeds the wind through her propellers where ours is by far the most active. The sound and the smell is just goosebump material.

You will be welcomed on arrival by the passionate volunteers showing you were to park and where to enter the museum. You will need to sign in and then we ask you from the bottom of our hearts to please give a donation no matter how small. Our Grand Old Lady is a very thirsty lady and she continuously needs topping up of her tanks so we can keep hearing the roars of her RR/Griffon engines. We have card machines so no need to scratch around for cash at the last minute.

Whats available you may ask. Well. Barista Coffee to begin with, cooldrinks, juices, snacks and then later on Craft Beer from the Shackleton Breweries company and award winning wine from Stettyn Family Vineyards for you to taste and purchase. Then of course our world famous boerewors rolls and delicious gourmet beef and cheese burgers will be on sale for a steal.

Just please try to be at museum by 9.15 am. It does take a while to get a large excited crowd through the museum before we all head off to watch our Shackleton break the morning silence. Once the Ground Run is complete, you will get a chance to take a walk through her and other SAAF museum aircraft.

That’s pretty much it. Thanks so much, take care and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. If you have a questions, you can give Norman a call on 083 698 1943 or myself John on 082 922 7099. Till then, have an awesome week. Ciao.

23/01/2026

OPEN DAY THIS SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM AT YSTERPLAAT AIR FORCE BASE. Entrance is on Piet Grobler street.

Entrance is free. Just a small donation would be very much appreciated.

Our world famous boerewors rolls and delicious genuine 200g hamburgers will once again be on sale on Saturday with plenty other snacks, cooldrinks and adult beverages available too.

We are open from 8.30 am till 2pm with tours to the “Big boys” hangars every 20 minutes or so depending on the large crowds we welcome. This is something you dont want to miss as who knows how much longer we have to show off our heritage. We really do have some exciting exhibits for all to see.

Thanking you all and hope you enjoy the rest of your week. Can’t wait to meet you on Saturday. Ciao for now and stay safe. Any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to what’s app Norman on 083 698 1943 Kindest Regards John Wilson

09/12/2025

GREETINGS CAPE TOWN. THE END IS NIGH FOR OUR SIGNIFICANT OPEN DAYS AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM.
YUP. THE FINAL OPEN DAY FOR 2025 IS UPON US THIS COMING SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER.

School holidays are already in full swing and this will be your last chance this year so if you looking to spend a few unique hours somewhere special, why don’t head over to our “Hidden Gem” in the heart of Cape Town this coming Saturday.

Over 4500 m2’s of hangars and museum halls to explore will keep you smiling. Its not just an impressive sight but also a hub of South African history and heritage. From Vintage aircraft to military artefacts, there’s so much on display that you can take your time and soak up all the sights without any added pressure.

Don’t forget that the real highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Museum’s team of enthusiastic and passionate volunteers. Our passion and big smiles will make you feel right at home the minute you step out of your car till the time you leave, leaving you with everlasting memories. Why not join us and become a volunteer. We a great “family”. Just ask for Janis.

The museum is open from 9
8.30am till 2 pm with the last “Big boys” hangar tour leaving around 1 pm. If you worried about getting peckish, don’t. We offer a range beverages from our Barista coffee, beer, wine and all soft drinks and then our snacks which include our saught after amazing German boerewors rolls and incredible hamburgers. If you don’t approve of them, will give your money back to you. ( don’t try your luck though....lol 😉). We have card facilities.

Entrance is free of course but a small donation to help keep this incredible museum alive would be hugely appreciated. Any questions or queries, please call or message Norman on 083 698 1943 or Adrian on 082 491 1370.

Thanks very much and we look forward to meeting you coming Saturday. Till then , keep well and stay safe. 🙏

PS. We will be in our Xmas attire and hope you all come dressed up too. Best dressed adult will win a really cool bottle of wine and best dressed kid will win a beautiful model aircraft..

25/11/2025

SHACKLETON 1722 GROUND RUN THIS COMING SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER.
YES YOU READ CORRECTLY AND ITS ALL HAPPENING AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM AT YSTERPLAAT AIR FORCE BASE IN CAPE TOWN THIS COMING SATURDAY.(29th November)

In fact it is the last Ground Run for 2025 so you cannot afford to miss it. We going to bow 2025 out in spectacular fashion.

We do however have a change to the time of the Ground Run. 12 NOON. Its a first for us but been suggested that it is a good move so let us give it a bash.

Everyone must be at Museum by 11am if you going to join us for the Ground Run. We will still be open from 9am so if would like to come early, you are most welcome.

ENTRANCE IS FREE but just a small donation would be very much appreciated as we need all the help we can get to make sure we continue with Ground Runs into 2026.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by our parking attendants who will show you where to park and where the entrance is to sign in and be given a quick run down where everything is and what’s going to happen while you visit us.

Our famous boerwors rolls and hamburgers will be on sale of course with plenty other snacks, cooldrinks, outstanding Shackleton Craft beer, award winning Stettyn wines and our barista coffee. Our memrobilia stand will also have everything on display to buy as well as museum t shirts and caps.

We the passionate volunteers look forward to your arrival on Saturday. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Anyone who would like to join our team, then please ask for Norman or Janis and they will get you sorted to become a member.

Thanks very much CT. Enjoy the week and see you on the 29th. Any questions or queries, just comment here or whats app me John on 0829227099.

13/11/2025

THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM OPEN DAY THIS SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER AT YSTERPLAAT AIR FORCE BASE IN CAPE TOWN.

If you still not sure what to do with the family on thid coming Saturday, then there is only one place to be and that’s our SAAF Aviation museum. We look forward to welcoming you all to our amazing “hands on” hidden gem museum. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

We are open from 9am till 2pm with the last tour to the Big Boys hangar leaving at 1pm. ENTRANCE IS FREE, just a small donation would be very much appreciated.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by our parking attendants who will show you where to park and where the entrance is to sign in and be given a quick run down where everything is and what’s going to happen while you visit us.

Our famous boerwors rolls and hamburgers will be on sale of course with plenty other snacks, cooldrinks, Shackleton beer, Stettyn wines and our barista coffee. Our memrobilia stand will also have everything on display to buy as well as museum t shirts and caps.

We the passionate volunteers look forward to your arrival on Saturday morning. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Anyone who would like to join our team, then please ask for Norman or Janis and they will get you sorted to become a member.

Until then, enjoy this evening and tomorrow. Please take care and stay safe.

07/10/2025

THE NIGHT WILL IGNITE AND THE AIR WILL BE CHARGED.

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, ITS TIME TO FEEL THE RAW ENERGY OF THE VERY FIRST SHACKLETON NIGHT GROUND RUN. BE THERE...

The atmosphere is going to be electric under the cover of darkness. It’s way more than a display, it’s a symphony of steel, rivits, sound and sheer power of an engineering marvel with vibrant navigation lights, landing lights and exhaust heat plumes lighting up the sky.

You cannot make this “stuff” up. It is something that needs to be witnessed right in front of you eyes.

So now that I have your undivided attention, here is the full story coming your way from the Friends of the SAAF museum.

So when is it all happening you say... Friday 24th October. (Not far away). Arrival time will be 6pm. You will be welcomed by our parking attendants showing you where to park and pointing out where the entrance to the museum is.

So the plan is as follows. Once everyone has arrived around 6pm, we will spend time looking around museum having something to drink and eat. Then at about 6.45pm we will take a tour to the museum hangars where we have 13 aircraft and other displays for you to spend time with. Around 7.20 pm we will then walk to the place where the Shackleton will be waiting for us. If I have timed it correctly, dusk will be upon us and as the light fades, the nav lights will be switched on and the roar of the Griffon engines will catch your attention. The actual Ground Run will last about 20 minutes and once shut down has happened, we will all then proceed back to the main museum where we will then have plenty boeries and burgers for everyone to purchase at a steal and with some adult beverages of course. We will have live music, hangars will be lit up and we just going to have fun with your support.

Entrance is free, but just a small donation would be very much appreciated. We have card machines so no need to worry about trying to find cash at the last minute.

So lastly, this is really going to be a spectacle which you do not want to miss and really is one for the books and for a bucket list tick.

Thanks everyone, until the 24th, keep well and see you then. CIAO....

07/10/2025

THE NIGHT WILL IGNITE AND THE AIR WILL BE CHARGED.

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, ITS TIME TO FEEL THE RAW ENERGY OF THE VERY FIRST SHACKLETON NIGHT GROUND RUN. BE THERE...

The atmosphere is going to be electric under the cover of darkness. It’s way more than a display, it’s a symphony of steel, rivits, sound and sheer power of an engineering marvel with vibrant navigation lights, landing lights and exhaust heat plumes lighting up the sky.

You cannot make this “stuff” up. It is something that needs to be witnessed right in front of you eyes.

So now that I have your undivided attention, here is the full story coming your way from the Friends of the SAAF museum.

So when is it all happening you say... Friday 24th October. (Not far away). Arrival time will be 6pm. You will be welcomed by our parking attendants showing you where to park and pointing out where the entrance to the museum is.

So the plan is as follows. Once everyone has arrived around 6pm, we will spend time looking around museum having something to drink and eat. Then at about 6.45pm we will take a tour to the museum hangars where we have 13 aircraft and other displays for you to spend time with. Around 7.20 pm we will then walk to the place where the Shackleton will be waiting for us. If I have timed it correctly, dusk will be upon us and as the light fades, the nav lights will be switched on and the roar of the Griffon engines will catch your attention. The actual Ground Run will last about 20 minutes and once shut down has happened, we will all then proceed back to the main museum where we will then have plenty boeries and burgers for everyone to purchase at a steal and with some adult beverages of course. We will have live music, hangars will be lit up and we just going to have fun with your support.

Entrance is free, but just a small donation would be very much appreciated. We have card machines so no need to worry about trying to find cash at the last minute.

So lastly, this is really going to be a spectacle which you do not want to miss and really is one for the books and for a bucket list tick.

Thanks everyone, until the 24th, keep well and see you then. CIAO....

03/10/2025

You know that saying “don’t fix something that’s not broken” True to it’s words “Don’t mess with sucess” and that’s exactly what i am talking about when it comes to our South African Air Force Museum Open Days on Saturdays at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base in Cape Town. Piet Grobler street will take you straight to main entrance to the base.

If you looking to spend a few unique hours somewhere special, why don’t head over to our “Hidden Gem” in the heart of Cape Town this coming Saturday the 4th October.

Over 4500 m2’s of hangars and museum halls to explore will keep you smiling. Its not just an impressive sight but also a hub of South African history and heritage. From Vintage aircraft to military artefacts, there’s so much on display that you can take your time and soak up all the sights without any added pressure.

Don’t forget that the real highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Museum’s team of enthusiastic and passionate volunteers. Our passion and big smiles will make you feel right at home the minute you step out of your car till the time you leave, leaving you with everlasting memories. Why not join us and become a volunteer. We a great “family”. Just ask for Janis.

The museum is open from 9am till 2 pm with the last “Big boys” hangar tour leaving around 1 pm. If you worried about getting peckish, don’t. We offer a range beverages from our Barista coffee, beer, wine and all soft drinks and then our snacks which include our saught after amazing German boerewors rolls and incredible hamburgers. If you don’t approve of them, will give your money back to you. ( don’t try your luck though....lol)

Entrance is free of course but a small donation to help keep this incredible museum alive would be hugely appreciated. Any questions or queries, please call or message Norman on 083 698 1943 or Adrian on 082 491 1370.

Thanks very much and we look forward to meeting you coming Saturday. Till then , keep well and stay safe. 🙏

26/09/2025

OPEN DAY TOMORROW SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM AT THE YSTERPLAAT AIR FORCE BASE IN CAPE TOWN..

If you still not sure what to do with the family on Saturday, then there is only one place to be. We look forward to welcoming you all to our amazing “hands on” hidden gem museum. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

We are open from 9am till 2pm with the last tour to the Big Boys hangar leaving at 1pm. ENTRANCE IS FREE, just a small donation would be very much appreciated.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by our parking attendants who will show you where to park and where the entrance is to sign in and be given a quick run down where everything is and what’s going to happen while you visit us.

Our famous boerwors rolls and hamburgers will be on sale of course with plenty other snacks, cooldrinks, Shackleton beer, Stettyn wines and our barista coffee. Our memrobilia stand will also have everything on display to buy as well as museum t shirts and caps.

We the passionate volunteers look forward to your arrival tomorrow morning. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Anyone who would like to join our team, then please ask for Norman or Janis and they will get you sorted to become a member.

Hope you enjoyed Heritage Day yesterday with a lekker braai and until Saturday, enjoy the rest of the week, well what’s left of it.

19/09/2025

OPEN DAY TOMORROW SATURDAY 20th SEPTEMBER AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM AT YSTERPLAAT AIR FORCE BASE IN CAPE TOWN.

If you still not sure what to do with the family on Saturday, then there is only one place to be. We look forward to welcoming you all to our amazing “hands on” hidden gem museum. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

We are open from 9am till 2pm with the last tour to the Big Boys hangar leaving at 1pm. ENTRANCE IS FREE, just a small donation would be very much appreciated.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by our parking attendants who will show you where to park and where the entrance is to sign in and be given a quick run down where everything is and what’s going to happen while you visit us.

Our famous boerwors rolls and hamburgers will be on sale of course with plenty other snacks, cooldrinks, Shackleton beer, Stettyn wines and our barista coffee. Our memrobilia stand will also have everything on display to buy as well as museum t shirts and caps.

We the passionate volunteers look forward to your arrival tomorrow morning. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Anyone who would like to join our team, then please ask for Norman or Janis and they will get you sorted to become a member.

Until then, enjoy this lovely Friday,take care and stay safe.

18/09/2025

Are you ready for this years Silver Queen night run? Well we certainly are so make sure to pop in for our out of this world boeries and burgers! Only available at the Friends of the SAAF Museum Ysterplaat.

Wednesday 8 October 2025 18:00

AFB Ysterplaat, Brooklyn, 7405

12/09/2025

Rugby Open Day at the South African Air Force Museum at Ysterplaat Air Force Base.

What do the two have in common. Well, you might say not much and yes you would be correct but there is always a first time for everything. The humour in it is Rugby is played by men with odd shaped balls and we have odd shaped aircraft.

So enough with the odd chatting. Basically what we are saying we are having our FIRST museum OPEN DAY WITH LIVE RUGBY. Yes correct. We have a big screen all kitted out so you can visit our awesome museum, let the kids run around and enjoy the museum and you can sit down with an ice cold beer or a hot Cappuccino even with a little whiskey and cream if you like and then decide between our world famous German Boerie roll or a mindblowing 200g hamburger with or without cheese. It’s sooooo yummy.

This is all happening this coming SATURDAY the 13th September. We are open as always from 9am till 2pm with last “Big Boys “ hangar tour leaving at 1pm.

Entrance is free. Just a small donation would be very welcome and appreciated. If you not sure were the museum is then just Google map” Ysterplaat Air Force Base, Piet Grobler Street and it will take you straight to the base’s main entrance.

Thanking you for taking the time out to read this ad and hopefully it excites you enough to pop down on Saturday for a morning of fun. Our jumping Castle will also be out for thr kids.

Enjoy the rest of the week and we look forward to welcoming you to our “Hidden Gem”. Till then CIAO.

SAAF Museum Ysterplaat

23/02/2026

23/01/2026

09/12/2025

25/11/2025

13/11/2025

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

03/10/2025

26/09/2025

19/09/2025

18/09/2025

12/09/2025

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Monday	09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 15:00
Thursday	09:00 - 15:00
Friday	09:00 - 13:00
Saturday	08:00 - 13:00