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Waterkloof Air Force Base

Waterkloof Air Force Base (Image: Airforce) That airbase is just outside Pretoria in South Africa. It is the most active airbase within the South African Air Force. Waterkloof is an Afrikaans and Dutch word that translates to "water ravine". So called, the base is actually not even in Waterkloof. It is to the south of Pretoria, near Centurion. Its base is at a height of 1506 meters or 4940 feet. Their motto, "Acquirit Qui Tuetur," translates to "He Obtains Who Defends." Waterkloof Air Force Base is a key location in the aviation landscape of South Africa.

Live Air Traffic

Waterkloof Air Force Base is a busy airbase located in South Africa. It's on the far outskirt of Pretoria. The Base is significant to the South African Air Force. Waterkloof meaning ravine of water comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch languages. The base is not actually in Waterkloof, despite the name. Located to the south of Pretoria in close proximity to Centurion. Base is at an elevation of 1506 metres (4940 ft). The base's motto translates to "He Who Dares Wins." Acquirit Qui Tuetur. Based on the value of this airbase in the region, travelers can appreciate it.

air Arrivals
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Basic information about airport

Airport code: FAWK
Type: medium
Continent: AF
Country code: ZA
Country: South
City Pretoria
IATA: WKF
Longitude: 28.222499847399998
Latitude: -25.829999923699997

Waterkloof Air Force Base on Google Maps

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Gateway to the South African Skies — Waterkloof Air Force Base

Introduction

Located on the eastern edge of Pretoria, Waterkloof Air Force Base (IATA: WKF) is a veritable hive of aviation activity in South Africa. Waterkloof is one of the busiest airbases in South Africa and fulfills critical functions related to defense, transportation, etc. Due to its strategic location and world-class facilities, Waterkloof Air Force Base offers a unique experience for military troops and civilian travelers who want to avoid Charlotte Douglas or Raleigh-Durham International Airports.

Airlines and Destinations

The base is mainly used by the South African Air Force and houses a number of different armed forces who use military aircraft in their functions. The base does not permit commercial passenger flights but it allows certain private and charter operations. It is used to identify the airport in the aviation industry with its IATA code as WKF and ICAO code FAWK.

Number of Passengers and Flights

Waterkloof, a military airbase, has very limited operations mediating flights for commercial passenger airliners. Practically all traffic passing through the airport is of military aircraft and operations (e.g., training, logistics) with national importance. It is unclear how many passengers and flights pass through the base because its operations are mostly classified.

How to Get Here

It is situated about 4.34 nautical miles (8.04 km) northeast of Centurion, Gauteng and at its closest point it borders on the suburb Rooihuiskraal to the South East with Lyttleton Manor & Eldoraigne to the North-West along a boundary line marked by part of Old Johannesburg Road/W F Nkomo Drive (Old Church Street), specifically where Elsirine Estate meets Cabriere Estates properties at coordinates S25°50′32″ E28°03′05″, approximately half way between Pretoria and Midrand. It is located at an elevation of 1,506m (4,940 ft).

Parking

Most areas of Waterkloof Air Force Base are restricted to military personnel and authorized visitors only. There is no public parking on the base as it is restricted to authorized personnel only. Visitors might have to find different parking arrangements in the vicinity.

Transportation

Public transportation to the military installation of Waterkloof Air Force Base is limited. The base might not be reachable through public transportation, and travelers will have to hire private taxis or rental cars. The prices for the services may vary depending on the provider and distance.

Terminal Layout

Waterkloof Air Force Base has one terminal building used by authorized civilian operations and the SAAF. It is a terminal where different administrative offices are located and also have other support facilities, etc., those offering various methods for military actions. Its terminal layout is designed specifically to meet the needs of the South African Air Force.

Navigate the Airport

The Waterkloof Air Force Base is not very familiar to civilian visitors as it mainly deals with military operations. Commercial access to the airport is prohibited, which leads to secure visits and permits before entering the restricted premises. This can be compounded by the lack of signage and wayfinding within the terminal, as it is designed to satisfy military requirements.

Getting Between Terminals

A single terminal building serves the Waterkloof Air Force Base, with no requirement for passengers to transfer between terminals. The terminal structure houses all the Airport Facilities and Services.

Services and Amenities

With Waterkloof Air Force Base being a military airbase, most of its services and facilities are oriented towards the requirements of the South African Air Force. The terminal might be equipped with bare amenities for civilian visitors, such as makeshift waiting areas and clerical assistance. The vast majority do not have access to more specialized services like lounges, restaurants, and shopping.

Restaurants and Shops

There are few, if any, restaurants or retail facilities outside the base gates. Most of the facilities on base are part of Matagorda Island State Park and primarily exist to support military operations and personnel; civilian access is limited.

Security and Customs

Waterkloof Air Force Base, being a military institution, has security as its topmost priority. Security measures are in place to enter the airport. The nature of the visit and the traveler's nationality might also require customs and immigration formalities.

Accessibility

Please bear in mind that Waterkloof Air Force Base is an active military base and may have restricted access to visitors from the civilian community. The infrastructure and facilities at this air force base are not dedicated for use by the public, and services may cater to personnel of, or associated with, the SAAF. Availability is strictly restricted on a case-by-case basis. Assistance has been extended to many disabled persons/prosthetic patients as part of their rehabilitation programs, though accommodation was limited due primarily to the fact that those guest accommodations provided were originally built in the 1940s/1970s and can only provide benefits under conditions agreeable according to South African National Defence Force requirements.

Travel Tips

  • You must get the required permissions/clearances before going to the base.
  • First of all, be ready to pass through several security checkpoints and take your time entering the complex.
  • Also, wear something appropriate and follow any dress code since this base is a military installation.
  • Please bring any required identification with you to be allowed in.
  • Remember that the airport has few public facilities and services.

By remembering a few simple tips, visitors can significantly assist the base in conducting smooth and safe visits around its precincts.