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 fierce advocate for Africa, was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1933, Zambia. From his early days he spent exploring the wild bush on his father’s farm, drawing inspiration for his captivating novels that whisk readers away on thrilling adventures. With iconic titles such as When the Lion Feeds, The Burning Shore and River God, Wilbur immerses us in the beauty of Africa, igniting a passion for its rich history and cultures.

After his passing in 2021, his legacy needed someone to keep it alive, and that person is Niso Smith, his beloved and devoted wife. With unwavering dedication, Niso embarked on a journey to create this sacred space that would honour his extraordinary life and work. Inspired by their shared adventures, Niso Smith initiated the task of creating a space where shared adventurers could dive into the stories that shaped Wilbur’s Africa through his eyes.

As the museum comes to life, it becomes a living tribute to Wilbur. Niso’s tireless efforts transformed this vision into reality, ensuring that the museum reflects Wilbur’s spirit for adventure and the literary legacy that defined his life. 

Step into the Wilbur Smith museum... literary genius, lover of Africa

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.

Explore our captivating exhibitions, featuring rare artefacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Delve into the world of Wilbur Smith’s iconic characters and the historical events that inspired his thrilling stories.

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

News and Announcements

Join us for our grand opening in March! Stay up to date on news, events and exhibitions.

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