About Us

Learn more about the Wilbur Smith Museum

Explore the life and legacy of Wilbur Smith​

History

The Wilbur Smith Museum is a dedicated tribute to the life and legacy of one of the world’s most celebrated authors. Wilbur Smith-a master storyteller and passionate advocate for Africa-was born in 1933 in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). From an early age, he explored the wild bush on his father’s farm, experiences that would later inspire the vivid landscapes and thrilling adventures of his novels. Through iconic titles such as When the Lion Feeds, The Burning Shore, and River God, Wilbur transported readers into the heart of Africa, celebrating its beauty while igniting a deep appreciation for its rich history and diverse cultures.

After his passing in 2021, the responsibility of preserving his legacy fell to his beloved and devoted wife, Niso Smith. With unwavering dedication, Niso embarked on a journey to create a space that would honour his extraordinary life and work. Inspired by their many shared adventures, she envisioned a place where visitors could immerse themselves in Wilbur’s world. Through Niso’s tireless efforts, this vision has become a reality, ensuring that the museum reflects Wilbur’s enduring spirit of adventure and preserves the literary legacy that defined his life.

Visiting the Wilbur Smith Museum

Located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, our museum offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of Wilbur Smith and lovers of adventure, history, and literature.

The Museum's Mission:

Our mission is to:

  • Preserve the literary heritage of Wilbur Smith.
  • Educate visitors about his life, work, and impact on popular culture.
  • Inspire future generations of writers and readers.

Join us on a journey through time and space, and discover the magic of Wilbur Smith.

Wilbur Smith:

Wilbur Addison Smith (9 January 1933 – 13 November 2021) was a renowned British-South African novelist specialising in historical fiction. Born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Smith’s novels are often set in Southern Africa and feature epic tales of adventure, love, and historical conflict.

His debut novel, When the Lion Feeds (1964), launched an illustrious career spanning over 40 books, including iconic series like the Courtneys, Ballantyne and Ancient Egypt sagas.

Wilbur is known for his unique writing ability, blending historical detail with gripping plots and twists, captivating his readers with tales of adventure, exploration and survival. His novels have sold over 140 million copies worldwide, capturing the imagination of millions of readers

Wilbur's Legacy

The Wilbur Smith Museum is honoured to be part of the enduring legacy of Wilbur Smith, celebrated author and storyteller. As a key aspect of this legacy, we are closely aligned with the following organisations, which continue to carry forward Wilbur’s mission and impact:

Wilbur Smith Books: The official website for Wilbur Smith’s literary works, where fans can explore his extensive catalogue of adventure novels, get updates on new releases, and learn more about his storytelling.

The Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation: Founded by Wilbur and his wife Niso, the Foundation supports emerging writers and promotes literacy initiatives, ensuring that Wilbur’s passion for adventure and storytelling lives on.

Adventure awaits

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