!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre preserves and shares the heritage of the San people on an 850 hectare nature reserve around 70 km north of Cape Town. Guided by San guides, it offers heritage tours, museum exhibitions, trails and a restaurant.
South Africa's living San heritage
!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is one of South Africa's most important cultural attractions, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage, traditions and knowledge of the San people, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa.
Around 70 km north of Cape Town on the R27 West Coast Road, the centre offers an immersive experience through guided tours, museum exhibitions and storytelling led by San guides. Set on an 850 hectare nature reserve, it combines cultural education with spectacular West Coast scenery, including indigenous gardens, walking trails and wildlife.
Museum entry costs R130 and includes a self guide map collected at Reception. San guided tours each last 45 minutes and cost R275 per person, and can be booked at Reception when you arrive. Entry to the museum is free on the first day of every month.
Whether you are interested in history, nature or indigenous knowledge, !Khwa ttu provides one of the Western Cape's most meaningful and memorable visitor experiences.
Highlights
- San guided tours led by San guides, 45 minutes each
- Museum of San history, language and knowledge
- 850 hectare nature reserve with wildlife
- Walking and mountain biking trails
- On-site restaurant with reserve views
- Free museum entry on the first day of each month
Tips
Allow enough time for both the museum and the reserve. Tours can be booked at Reception on arrival, but groups of ten or more should book ahead. Visit in the morning for cooler walking conditions, and bring water, sun protection and binoculars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Museum entry is R130 and includes a self guide map. San guided tours are R275 each. Day access to all the trails is R130. Museum entry is free on the first day of every month.
Do I need to book in advance?
No. Individual visitors can buy tickets and book tours at Reception on the day. Groups of ten or more, and anyone staying overnight, should book in advance.
What are the opening hours?
!Khwa ttu is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry 45 minutes before closing.
What does "!Khwa ttu" mean?
It means water pan in the San language, reflecting the importance of water in the area's natural environment.
Is !Khwa ttu suitable for children?
Yes. Families enjoy the museum exhibits, the wildlife, the walking trails and the guided tours.
How long should I spend there?
Allow at least half a day to combine the museum with a guided tour and time in the reserve.
