National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
A sprawling 210-acre zoo and research hub featuring a reptile park, aquarium, and diverse animal collections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 210-acre zoo and research hub featuring a reptile park, aquarium, and diverse animal collections.
"The animals seem well-cared for and are active, with large enclosures replicating their natural environment."
🎯 Check for Free Entry Dates
Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Lion and Tiger Enclosures
Witness the power of lions and tigers up close, with special lookout points offering great views.
Aquatic Wonders
Aquarium
Explore diverse marine life, including sharks and penguins, though feeding times can be unpredictable.
Reptile Park Encounters
Reptile Park
Discover a variety of reptiles, including impressive lizards like the Komodo dragon.
Lush Natural Landscape
Throughout the Zoo
Enjoy the beautiful grounds with a river, open spaces for picnics, and scenic views of Pretoria.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Understanding Zoo Conditions & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Free Entry Dates
Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the open grass areas by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic.
⏰ Be Flexible with Feeding Times
Animal feeding times can be inconsistent; don't be disappointed if a scheduled event doesn't happen.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Free Entry Dates
Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the open grass areas by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic.
⏰ Be Flexible with Feeding Times
Animal feeding times can be inconsistent; don't be disappointed if a scheduled event doesn't happen.
🚗 Safe Parking Available
The R30 parking is considered safe, with hawkers restricted from entering the premises.
📱 Cashless Transition
The zoo is moving towards a cashless environment, so be prepared for card payments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa to be a pleasant place to visit, with animals that appear well-cared for and active. The zoo's natural landscape is beautiful, and there are ample spaces for picnics. However, some enclosures are under construction, and information boards could be more detailed. Inconsistent animal feeding schedules and some aging infrastructure are noted drawbacks.
"It is always wonderful to walk around the zoo. There are plenty of animals to see, there are however some enclosures that does not have any animals in as they are under construction. All animals are well looked after. There is information boards on some of the enclosures, I really wished there was more information boards regarding the animal that is kept in the enclosure. There are enough toilets which are neat and clean. There are big open grass areas where you can have a picnic. There are also benches all over the zoo where you can sit and look at the animals. I did however wait for the shark feeding time and talk, but no one showed up and I left after 15min. Was a bit disappointed as I was looking forward to seeing how the sharks gets feeded. The shops only have basic items like cooldrink, water, ice cream and small packet of chips. The restaurant has a view items on the menu that you can choose from.
The parking R30 is very safe as no hawkers are allowed inside the gate. They are transitioning into a cashless environment. Overall I had a great time and it was wonderful to see these amazing creatures up close."
Carina Agenbag
"Attended the recent Friends of the Zoo fun walk with a friend and we really enjoyed ourselves.
The information boards can do with some upgrades, and I would have liked to know the stories behind who the animals are and why they are there.
All things considered the animals seem well-cared for and I will definitely be going there again."
Dene Visser
"Although I’m typically not a fan of zoos, the Pretoria zoo was a day well spent.
It is clear that the wellbeing of the animals is being prioritized as they all appear healthy and are active and animated. Most have large enclosures that replicate their natural environment (and most appear to have company or “friends” with very few lone animals).
Considering the circumstances, it’s understandable that the zoo does not have many refreshment options, and the infrastructure is a little worn (some peeling paint, and apparent age of some of the structures).
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, the bathrooms are clean, and the zoo is well kept.
The natural landscape of the zoo is stunning and the river flowing through the zoo is a sight to behold. There’s a lovely path behind the lion enclosures that take you to lookout points that show the Pretoria skyline and a good view of the Lion and Tiger enclosures.
We went in spring so we were lucky enough to see quite a few baby animals.
I hope they receive the support needed to restore the zoo! They are clearly doing the best they can with the unfortunate circumstances they’ve been dealt."
Naafiah Mahomed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is located in Pretoria. Visitors can drive and park within the zoo premises for a fee. Some Reddit users suggest that parking at the Johannesburg Zoo might be easier, but the Pretoria Zoo offers a safe, ticketed parking option.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in social media, it's advisable to check local transport schedules for buses or trains that service the Pretoria area.
The zoo offers a R30 parking fee which is considered safe, as hawkers are not permitted inside the gate.
Yes, golf carts are available for rent to help you navigate the expansive zoo grounds if you prefer not to walk.
While not explicitly detailed, the zoo's natural landscape and paths might present challenges. Golf cart rentals could be a helpful option for those with mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are R100 for adults and R70 for children. However, there are occasional free entry periods, such as National Gardens Week, so it's worth checking for announcements.
Yes, free entry days are sometimes offered, like during National Gardens Week in March. Keep an eye on social media for these announcements.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or social media channels closer to your visit date.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's official website for online ticketing options to save time.
Some enclosures may be under construction or temporarily without animals. Visitors have noted that while animals are well-cared for, some areas are undergoing upgrades.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals, including big cats like lions and tigers, various reptiles, farm animals, and marine life in the aquarium.
The zoo features a reptile park, an aquarium, and exotic tree collections. Lookout points behind the lion enclosures offer views of the Pretoria skyline.
Yes, the zoo offers many opportunities for photography, especially of the animals and the natural landscape.
The zoo is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Golf carts are also available for rent to cover more ground.
There are benches located throughout the zoo, and large open grass areas are perfect for picnics.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Refreshment options are limited, typically including cooldrinks, water, ice cream, and small snacks. The restaurant offers a select menu.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which can be enjoyed in designated open grass areas.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but bringing your own food provides the most flexibility.
Basic items like cooldrinks and snacks are available. Prices are not specified, but it's generally advisable to bring your own for budget-friendliness.
Yes, there is a restaurant with a limited menu available for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for vantage points near the lion and tiger enclosures, the aquarium, and the reptile park. The natural landscape also offers scenic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use. Always be mindful of other visitors and zoo regulations.
While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them.
A zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots and larger enclosures.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoological gardens to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Check with the zoo directly for specific policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Utilize the designated lookout points for the best shots of lions and tigers. Remember to pack a zoom lens for animal portraits and a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscapes. Be considerate of the animals and avoid flash photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Enclosure Conditions
Despite the efforts, there's a desire from some visitors for more detailed information about the animals' stories and origins.
Navigating the Zoo and Visitor Experience
Visitor experiences can vary. While many enjoy the variety of animals and the pleasant environment, some have noted inconsistencies, such as missed animal feeding talks.
Photography Opportunities
Visitors often highlight the tigers and lions as favorite subjects, with specific lookout points providing excellent vantage points. Beyond the animals, the zoo's natural beauty, including the river and lush greenery, provides a picturesque backdrop for photography.
A zoom lens can be beneficial for getting close-up shots of animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive enclosures and landscapes. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit