Closed tomorrow for Boxing Day!

Unveiling The Secrets Of The Deep: Welcome To The SAS Assegaai Museum!

Centered around the SAS Assegaai, we offer an immersive journey into South Africa’s submarine history and technological past.

We are more than a static exhibit—our mission is to preserve history while sparking curiosity in science and innovation for visitors of all ages.

2003: Facing Disposal

In 2003, the SAS Assegaai, a once-proud vessel that served the South African Navy for many years, was earmarked for disposal. This news sparked a passionate response from a group of naval enthusiasts. They couldn't accept the idea of such a historic submarine simply disappearing and envisioned a brighter future for the Assegaai - a future where it could serve as a museum, educating and inspiring generations to come.

2005: A Second Life Granted

Their efforts paid off! In 2005, the Assegaai was granted a second life. It was approved to become the Navy's first museum vessel, a significant achievement. However, there was a significant challenge attached to this honor - the project had to be self-funded. This meant that the burden of raising the necessary money to transform the Assegaai into a museum would fall on the shoulders of these dedicated individuals.

2005 - 2010: The Rise of the NHT and a Temporary Solution

Undeterred by the financial hurdle, a dedicated group of volunteers formed the Assegaai Preservation Team in 2005 under the umbrella of the Naval Heritage Trust (NHT). The Assegaai Preservation Team took on the responsibility of managing the Assegaai museum project. Fundraising became a top priority, as did planning for the complex task of moving the 700-ton submarine ashore. As a temporary solution to generate public interest and gather much-needed funds, the Assegaai opened as a floating museum in the East Dockyard of Simons Town.

2010 - 2015: A More Permanent Setting and Growing Popularity

In 2010, the project took a major step forward by securing a berth alongside a pontoon, reached by boat and a dedicated bus service. This improved accessibility sparked a period of immense popularity. By 2015, over 56,000 visitors from around the globe had stepped aboard to witness the Assegaai’s impressive technology firsthand.

2015-2022: A Setback and Renewed Determination

Unfortunately, in 2015, the Assegaai museum encountered a setback. The hull of the submarine required maintenance, forcing the museum to close its doors. However, the NHT remained determined to see their vision through. In 2020, they approached the Navy with a renewed proposition - a plan to establish a permanent museum site for the Assegaai at Cole Point in Simons Town, which was formally signed by the Chef of The Navy on the 11th of May 2022

2020-2024: Assegaai Finds Its Permanent Home

After years of planning, fundraising, and overcoming numerous challenges, the SAS Assegaai finally reached its permanent home at Cole Point in Simon's Town on July 20, 2024. This monumental achievement marked the culmination of tireless efforts by the Naval Heritage Trust and countless supporters, as the complex operation involving specialized equipment navigated weather conditions, logistical hurdles, and other obstacles with remarkable dedication and expertise.

2024 and beyond: Open to the Public

With the SAS Assegaai securely in place, attention turned to transforming the submarine into a world-class museum. The NHT worked diligently on the restoration process, which included developing the exhibits and visitor amenities. An unofficial opening to establish procedures took place on 16 December 2024, followed by the formal opening on 30 April 2025, attended by Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, and the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis. By the end of July 2025, just under 17,000 visitors had passed through the submarine.

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