Johannesburg Zoo
7.5Friend Score / 10#4 of 8 Attractions in Johannesburg
Known forzoojohannesburg zoojoburg zooparkview
A 55-hectare, century-old zoo in leafy Parkview with big lawns that double as picnic space — locals treat it as a park with animals. It's decent rather than world-class, and some enclosures show their age, but at R132 for adults it's an easy, green family morning close to Zoo Lake.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 08:30–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | No rail nearby; Uber/Bolt to Upper Park Drive, Parkview. Rosebank Gautrain is about 10 minutes away by car. On-site parking available. |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings; animals are most active before the midday heat |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.5/10- Value7.5
- iconic5.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Johannesburg Zoo worth visiting?
- If you're choosing between this and a Kruger safari, obviously do the safari. But as a relaxed city morning with kids, it delivers — big shaded lawns, a good bird collection, and it's right across from Zoo Lake for an afternoon picnic.
- How long do you need at the Johannesburg Zoo?
- About 2 to 3 hours covers the main circuit at a comfortable pace. Add an hour if you're with small kids who want to linger, or if you bring a picnic — eating on the lawns is half the point.
- How much does the Johannesburg Zoo cost?
- R132 for adults and R78 for children, with discounts for seniors, students on weekdays, and school groups. There are annual memberships if you're local and plan to come often.
- What are the Johannesburg Zoo's opening hours?
- Daily from 08:30 to 17:30, with last entry at 16:00. Don't arrive after 4pm — they will turn you away at the gate.
- What animals does the Johannesburg Zoo have?
- A broad collection — big cats, primates, elephants and a strong bird section spread over 55 hectares. It's an older-style zoo, so expect some dated enclosures alongside the newer, better habitats.
- Can you take a picnic into the Johannesburg Zoo?
- Yes, picnics are allowed and it's what locals do. There are also kiosks and a cafe inside, but packing your own is better value and the lawns are lovely.
- Is parking at the Johannesburg Zoo safe?
- Yes — there's official parking at the main entrance on Upper Park Drive, and the Parkview/Saxonwold area is one of Joburg's calmer suburbs. Standard city rules apply: nothing visible in the car.
- Does the zoo do night tours or special events?
- The zoo has historically run night tours and regular family events, especially around holidays and its birthday month. Check the Joburg City Parks and Zoo website or socials for current dates before planning around one.
Nearby in Ask Johannesburg
- Zoo LakePark0.89 km · 11 min walk
- Croft & CoCafé1.3 km · 16 min walk
- The Wilds Nature ReservePark1.93 km · 24 min walk
- Rosebank Sunday MarketMarket2.12 km · 26 min walk
- RosebankNeighborhood2.16 km · 27 min walk
Where to stay near Johannesburg Zoo
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