
The Carnival The Grove
Experience the thrill of rides and vibrant atmosphere at The Grove Mall Carnival, a fun-filled destination for families and friends in Pretoria.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits

The Carnival The Grove
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of rides and vibrant atmosphere at The Grove Mall Carnival, a fun-filled destination for families and friends in Pretoria.
"Great place to enjoy with family, the kids love it!"

🎟️ Ticket Strategy
Entry is free, but rides cost R20 per ticket, with most needing 3 tickets. Consider bundles if available!
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times before you visit, as they can vary. Some visitors have reported going at the wrong time.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thrilling Rides
Carnival grounds
Experience a variety of rides, from classic Ferris wheels to exciting roller coasters, perfect for all ages.

Family Fun Zone
Carnival grounds
A dedicated space for younger children with gentler rides and entertainment, ensuring smiles all around.

Carnival Atmosphere
Carnival grounds
Soak in the vibrant energy, colorful lights, and lively music that define the quintessential carnival experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Strategy
Entry is free, but rides cost R20 per ticket, with most needing 3 tickets. Consider bundles if available!
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times before you visit, as they can vary. Some visitors have reported going at the wrong time.
💰 Budget Wisely
Rides and food can be expensive. Set a budget beforehand to manage costs effectively.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids with rides for all ages. A fun family outing, especially during school holidays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Strategy
Entry is free, but rides cost R20 per ticket, with most needing 3 tickets. Consider bundles if available!
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times before you visit, as they can vary. Some visitors have reported going at the wrong time.
💰 Budget Wisely
Rides and food can be expensive. Set a budget beforehand to manage costs effectively.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids with rides for all ages. A fun family outing, especially during school holidays.
🚗 Parking & Access
Located next to The Grove Mall. Some visitors initially got lost finding it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Carnival at The Grove Mall offers a lively atmosphere and a variety of rides that are a hit with families and friends, providing a fun day out. However, some visitors find the ride ticket prices to be expensive, and there are recurring complaints about rude staff behavior and excessive noise pollution affecting nearby residents.
"Great place to enjoy with family ❤️ the kids love it"
Patsy Brandreth
"It was a beautiful day with the kids, there are rides for kids and adults."
Judith Shudulithihi Mulaudzi
"Sadly one of the most noisy places in the whole of Pretoria East. All their neighbours are made to suffer their unbearable blaring music noise every afternoon - and they obviously don't care at all - as long as they make money. I live over a kilometre away and the noise pollution is just insane. Sad they have no thought about others."
Ashley Kemp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carnival is located next to The Grove Mall in Pretoria. You can drive and park at the mall. Some visitors mentioned initially getting lost finding the exact location of the carnival itself.
Yes, ample parking is available at The Grove Mall, which is adjacent to the carnival grounds. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While specific public transport routes directly to the carnival might be limited, you can typically reach The Grove Mall via various bus routes serving Pretoria East. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Information on specific accessibility features for The Grove Mall Carnival is limited. However, The Grove Mall itself is generally accessible. It's recommended to contact the carnival organizers directly for detailed accessibility information.
Yes, the carnival is situated right next to The Grove Mall, making it easily accessible on foot from the mall's parking areas and entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the carnival grounds is generally free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for each individual ride.
Tickets for the rides are R20 each, and most rides require approximately 3 tickets per person. Some visitors find this pricing to be a bit expensive.
While not always advertised, it's worth inquiring about potential ticket bundles or discounts, especially if you plan on going on multiple rides.
Operating hours can vary, and it's recommended to check their official social media or contact them directly before your visit, as some visitors have reported going at the wrong time.
Information on advance online ticket purchases is not readily available. Typically, tickets are purchased on-site at the carnival.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The carnival offers a range of rides suitable for different age groups, including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and bumper cars. There are also gentler rides for younger children.
Yes, the carnival is very family-friendly with dedicated rides for younger children. It's a popular spot for family outings and school holiday fun.
The atmosphere is typically vibrant and lively, with music and colorful lights creating a festive carnival environment. It's a place to unleash your inner child.
Yes, food and drink options are available for purchase. However, some reviews mention that the food can be expensive.
Reviews on staff are mixed. While some visitors have found the ticket and food sellers to be kind, others have reported rude and unfriendly behavior from ride operators, with a lack of rule explanations.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant lights and rides, especially the Ferris wheel and roller coaster, for classic carnival shots. The general lively atmosphere also makes for great candid photos.
Yes, the rides provide a dynamic and colorful backdrop. Try to capture the movement of the rides for a more engaging photo.
Evening hours, when the lights are on, offer a magical carnival ambiance. However, daytime can be good for capturing clearer shots of the rides and activities.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the fun and vibrant atmosphere. The key is to be ready to snap photos of the exciting moments.
Generally, personal photography for memories is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for the ticket system: entry is free, but rides cost R20 per ticket, with most requiring 3 tickets. While the food can be a bit pricey, the overall experience is often described as a 'fun family outing' and a 'must-see' for creating lasting memories. Arriving earlier in the day can help avoid the biggest crowds and make managing younger children easier.
👫 Couples & Friends
Consider visiting in the evening when the lights create a magical setting, ideal for romantic moments or fun photo opportunities. While the ticket prices for rides can add up, the shared experience and the chance to 'unleash your inner child' make it a worthwhile outing for couples and friends looking for entertainment.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
To manage costs, consider setting a strict budget before you go. Focus on a few key rides that appeal most to you, or perhaps share tickets if possible (though this might not be practical for all rides). The food and drinks can also be pricey, so bringing your own snacks or planning to eat elsewhere might be a good strategy if you're on a tight budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rides and Costs
It's advisable to plan your ride choices and budget accordingly. Some visitors suggest inquiring about potential ticket bundles or discounts to make the experience more cost-effective. Understanding the ticket system beforehand can help manage expectations and ensure you get the most enjoyment out of the available attractions without unexpected expenses.
When considering the rides, remember that while the selection is appealing, the value for money can be a point of contention for some. Weigh the cost against the enjoyment you anticipate from each ride.
The Vibe: Fun vs. Noise
However, a significant concern raised by some local residents is the excessive noise pollution. Reports indicate that the loud music played at the carnival can be unbearable for neighbors living over a kilometer away, suggesting a lack of consideration for those in the surrounding areas. This creates a dichotomy where the carnival is a source of entertainment for attendees but a disturbance for its neighbors.
For visitors, the lively music and sounds are part of the carnival experience. But it's worth noting that if you are sensitive to noise or are staying nearby, this could be a factor to consider. The carnival aims to provide an energetic and fun environment, which inherently involves a certain level of sound.
Staff Interactions and Service
Specific complaints include staff yelling at visitors for rule infractions that were not clearly explained, such as with the bumper cars. This lack of clear communication and poor customer service can detract from the overall enjoyment of the carnival experience, making visitors feel unwelcome.
It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these mixed reviews regarding staff interactions. While the rides and atmosphere might be appealing, the service quality can be inconsistent, and some visitors have found it to be a significant drawback.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit