Johannesburg Zoo
Explore diverse African wildlife, including majestic white lions, at the 55-hectare Johannesburg Zoo. A family-friendly destination with beautiful gro...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Johannesburg Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse African wildlife, including majestic white lions, at the 55-hectare Johannesburg Zoo. A family-friendly destination with beautiful grounds.
"The Johannesburg Zoo is a blast for the kids and a worthwhile visit for animal lovers."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking at the Johannesburg Zoo is generally better and more accessible than at Pretoria Zoo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
African Wildlife Encounters
Various enclosures
See a diverse range of African animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. A must-see for animal lovers!
White Lion Breeding Program
Lion enclosure
Witness the majestic white lions, a testament to the zoo's successful conservation efforts.
Spacious Grounds and Lake
Zoo Lake area
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Zoo Lake, offering a tranquil escape.
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Johannesburg Zoo
Tickets and Entry Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking at the Johannesburg Zoo is generally better and more accessible than at Pretoria Zoo.
👨👩👧👦 Golf Cart Rentals
Consider renting a golf cart for families with young children to navigate the extensive grounds.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Verify the zoo's operating hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking at the Johannesburg Zoo is generally better and more accessible than at Pretoria Zoo.
👨👩👧👦 Golf Cart Rentals
Consider renting a golf cart for families with young children to navigate the extensive grounds.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Verify the zoo's operating hours before your visit, as they can vary.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera to photograph the diverse array of animals and beautiful scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Johannesburg Zoo is generally well-regarded, particularly for its family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to see a variety of African wildlife, including its famous white lions. While some visitors note occasional enclosure closures, the overall condition of the zoo and its enclosures is considered good, offering a worthwhile experience for a few hours of exploration.
"With much trepidation, we visited the zoo and were pleasantly surprised at what a great time we had. It's not the zoo in all its glory of yesteryear but it's still a great place to visit and enjoy family time. The animals look healthy and the grounds well maintained-and this in winter too! Amazing sights of the cheetahs, leopard, lions, wild dogs, the Amazon, chimpanzees, hippos, rhino, array of bucks, giraffes, elephants, the stunning bird enclosure which you can walk through....the list goes on!"
tasneem akoojee
"Always a good visit, my boys liked it and from and adult perspective,it was sad to see the state, this was after a couple of years not having visited this zoo. The problems starts with parking at the entrance, the new parking seems to have been made with small cars in mind. The lower part after the entrance is clean and taken care off, as you move up, there are more cages that are empty, with signs of under repair. There is no grass for the white rhino's, some bucks looked unhealthy, areas full of leaves , sign of not being cleaned throughout the winter months, dirty water pools, the fishes near the lion's where gasping for air. The ankole cattles and only a handful of healthy looking animals were interesting, but sad to see lots of distressed and unhealthy looking animals.There seems to be not enough water and seeing a leaking toilet close to the white rhino's enclosure was not good, toilets are not taken care off too. They have a R21 entrance fee on the 21'st of every month."
Gary Sibanyoni
"We rented a golf cart which didn’t help as much as I thought it would. Probably would have been a better experience in the summer since a lot of the animals were put away. Our souvenir magnet cost as much as the entry ticket."
Jacob Kizer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Johannesburg Zoo is accessible by car and is a popular stop on the Joburg Red Bus Tour. Parking is generally considered better and more convenient than at the Pretoria Zoo.
The Johannesburg Zoo is located at 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, the Joburg Red Bus Tour offers a convenient way to reach the zoo as part of a city sightseeing experience.
Parking at the Johannesburg Zoo is generally considered good, with more availability and undercover options compared to other zoos.
Yes, the zoo is a well-known landmark and easily accessible, especially if using navigation or following signs for Zoo Lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are approximately R110 for adults and R80 for children. It's advisable to check the latest prices as they can change.
Yes, you can purchase Johannesburg Zoo tickets online in advance, though tickets are also available at the gate.
Operating hours for the Johannesburg Zoo can vary, so it's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date times before your visit.
Information on current specials or discounts for Johannesburg Zoo tickets is not detailed here, but it's worth checking their official channels for any promotions.
The entry price for the Johannesburg Zoo is around R110 for adults and R80 for children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Johannesburg Zoo houses a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and white lions. While some enclosures might be closed, there are still many animals to observe.
Yes, the Johannesburg Zoo is generally considered a great place for kids, offering a fun and educational experience. Many visitors report their children had a blast.
You'll likely need at least 3 hours to explore the entire Johannesburg Zoo, and potentially longer if you want to see everything thoroughly.
Beyond the animal enclosures, the zoo offers a family-friendly environment. While not explicitly mentioned, the overall experience is geared towards family enjoyment.
Recent reviews suggest that the enclosures at the Johannesburg Zoo are generally well-kept, though some may occasionally be closed for maintenance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Johannesburg Zoo has food options available, with one visitor mentioning they have great food.
Specific details on the types of food available are not provided, but the mention of 'great food' suggests a decent selection for visitors.
Information on whether outside food is permitted at the Johannesburg Zoo is not available in the provided content. It's best to check their policies directly.
While not explicitly stated, the zoo's large grounds and family-friendly nature suggest that picnic areas might be available.
For dining options outside the zoo, the surrounding areas of Johannesburg offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to explore.
📸 📸 Photography
The best spots for photography include the animal enclosures, especially for the white lions and other African wildlife, as well as the scenic Zoo Lake area.
Yes, photography of the animals is generally permitted at the Johannesburg Zoo, allowing you to capture memorable moments.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned for the Johannesburg Zoo, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and animal welfare.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots around Zoo Lake.
Depending on the enclosure design and animal behavior, you may be able to get close-up shots. However, maintaining a safe distance is always paramount.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo is designed to be family-friendly, and many visitors report their children had an absolute blast during their visit. To make the most of your family outing, consider renting a golf cart to navigate the expansive grounds, especially if you have younger children who might tire easily. This allows you to cover more ground and see more animals without the stress of long walks.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, although specific policies on outside food should be confirmed. Visiting on a weekday can also mean fewer crowds, potentially leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience without additional costs for special tours or activities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The picturesque Zoo Lake area also provides beautiful backdrops for landscape and portrait shots. To capture the best images, a camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for getting clear shots of the animals from a distance. Be mindful of lighting conditions, especially during midday, and consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light and potentially more active animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Johannesburg Zoo
Getting to the zoo is generally straightforward, with good parking facilities that are often considered superior to those at the Pretoria Zoo. It's also a stop on the Joburg Red Bus Tour, offering a convenient way to incorporate a zoo visit into a broader city sightseeing itinerary.
While the zoo is a popular destination, some visitors have noted that certain enclosures might be closed for maintenance. It's always a good idea to check for any updates or advisories before your visit to manage expectations.
Conservation and Animal Welfare at JHB Zoo
While the concept of animals in captivity can be a sensitive topic, recent reviews indicate that the enclosures at the Johannesburg Zoo are generally well-kept and the animals appear healthy. Visitors have noted that the zoo is in good shape and the enclosures are well-maintained, contributing to a positive experience for both animals and guests.
Despite its efforts, the zoo has faced periods of lower visitor numbers, leading some to feel a sense of desolation in certain areas. However, for those who do visit, the experience is often described as worthwhile, especially for families looking for an engaging outing.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Practicalities
It's crucial to check the operating hours of the zoo before you go, as these can vary depending on the day of the week and season. This ensures you make the most of your visit without arriving to find the gates closed.
Beyond entry, consider the practicalities of your visit. The zoo is a large space, so comfortable shoes are a must. For families with younger children, renting a golf cart is a popular option to cover the extensive grounds more easily.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit