johannesburg zoo tourism

Johannesburg Zoo

Top ways to experience Johannesburg Zoo and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

JOHANNESBURG ZOO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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South Africa Travel Blog

9 Things To Do At Johannesburg Zoo

If you love looking at and learning about animals while having a day filled with family fun in Johannesburg , a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo is something you should consider. Apart from seeing animals in their enclosures, there are other things to do at the Johannesburg Zoo. Let’s discover what these things are!

See the animals of the Johannesburg Zoo in their enclosures

If you were wondering what animals there are at the Zoo, the list includes birds, carnivores, frogs and reptiles, hoofed animals and primates. You can also get a zoo map to guide your sightseeing when you purchase your entry tickets. You can download the map here .

The Johannesburg Zoo has several exhibits, each with its own focus. These are my favourites: Amazonia houses animal species in the Amazon forests. You can visit Spider Monkeys, Coatis, Armadillos, and Pumas here. It also includes freshwater fish from the Amazon. You can find different reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrate species at the Animals of the Amazon. The farmyard is a petting zoo where children can touch farm animals such as Nguni and Bapedi Sheep. Children can play on the playground and jungle gyms.

The Johannesburg Zoo’s bird collection

Johannesburg Zoo houses 36 families of birds from 140 species. The two bird families found in the Zoo are the Anseriformes and Psittaciformes. The Anseriformes are the water birds, including ducks, swans and geese. The Psittaciformes include parrots.

The Johannesburg Zoo houses many birds in the David Lewis Aviary, which is in the Sasol Aviary. You can also find Blue Cranes, the national bird of South Africa, walking throughout the Zoo. The Zoo also has the Grey Crowned Crane, which is critically endangered.

Carnivores at the Johannesburg Zoo

The Zoo has representatives of 7 carnivore families, including :

• dogs (the Johannesburg Zoo successfully breeds endangered Wild dogs called “painted wolves or dogs”, the Fennec Fox, and the Bat-eared Fox),
• small cats (Rooikat, African Wild Cat, Puma)
• big cats (lions, Siberian/Amur Tigers, Leopards, Cheetahs)
• bears (Spectacled Bears)
• Superfamily Musteloidae (Red pandas, Ring-tailed coatis, African clawless otters and Honey badgers)
• African civet and small spotted genets (Meerkats, Genets and Civets)
• Striped hyena

Frogs and reptiles housed at the Johannesburg Zoo

The Zoo houses a large variety of frogs and reptiles, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, crocodiles, snakes (Black mambas, Gaboon vipers, Anacondas, Burmese pythons), frogs (such as the Pickergill’s Reed frogs).

Other attractions where you can see reptiles and animals in or near Johannesburg include the Montecasino Bird Gardens and the Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park . If you prefer bigger animals, why not visit the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort for a unique experience.

Hoofed animals

The Zoo has different horses and relatives (Zebras such as the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Shire horses, the Shetland pony), Rhinoceroses (white rhinos) and even-toed hoofed animals (pigs, hippopotami, giraffes, bovids, such as Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck and Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Sable, Bontebok, Eland, Sitatunga, Kudu, Springbuck, Common duiker, Arabian Oryx and Bongo, deer such as the Axis Deer). The Zoo also has other animals, including elephants and the Rock hyrax (dassie). Click here to learn how to have a unique experience with elephants near Johannesburg.

The Johannesburg Zoo’s most famous animal was Max, the gorilla. A thief jumped into his enclosure to escape the police. The police eventually also ended up in the enclosure, and Max was shot three times. The police caught the thief, and Max injured three police officers while chasing the thief. Max survived the incident. Max died in 2004 in his sleep.

The Zoo houses apes (chimpanzees, orangutans, Buff cheeked gibbons, large gibbons, Siamang gibbons), Prosimians (Ring-tailed, Black, White-Ruffed, Red-bellied, Crowned lemur, Mongoose lemurs), monkeys (Chacma, Yellow, Hamadryas baboons, De Brazza’s monkey, Diana monkey, Red-tailed guenons, Black mangabey, mona monkey, Black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Black Spider monkey).

If you want to visit the apes, the best time is after 10:00 when they are let outdoors after cleaning time. The apes spend afternoons in their night rooms.

Take part in one of the Zoo’s programs or educational activities

The Johannesburg Zoo has several Joburg Zoo 4 kids initiatives.

The School programme is available for schools at the special school entrance fee of R40 ($2,72) per learner (Mondays to Fridays between 7:00 to 16:00), and it includes bus parking at R25 ($1.70). The programme includes a worksheet that the Zoo can provide before or during a visit to amend or copy.

The “Zoo to you” programme is a presentation based on different topics focusing on conservation and general information on several animals, such as small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

The Johannesburg Zoo also offers the “Be Mad Club” aimed at Grade 8 to 12 learners. It focuses on the enrichment of zoo animals and teaches learners about the functions of a zookeeper.

Enjoy the Johannesburg Zoo’s holiday programme

The Johannesburg Zoo has a variety of activities for children during school holidays. Contact the Zoo for more information as the programme changes for each holiday.

Do your community service at the Joburg Zoo

High school students can do their community service at the Zoo and learn about the world of the zoo and the zoo animals while volunteering.

Adopt an animal at the Johannesburg Zoo

By adopting an animal at the Joburg Zoo, you will contribute to the upkeep of the animal. You can choose to adopt an animal from the list of animals the Zoo provides. The adoption price starts at R300 and can go up to R10 000. The more you pay, the more benefits you will earn. For example, an R300 adoption gives you:

• A personalised adoption certificate
• A free entrance voucher and paid parking
• A photograph of the animal you adopted
• Information on the animal species you adopted

An adoption is valid for a year and can be renewed. You can also give an adoption to a friend or family member as a gift!

Host an event at the Zoo

If you are looking for a unique venue for a birthday party, function or team-building event, consider hosting it at the Johannesburg Zoo. The Zoo offers a variety of indoor (AngloGold Ashanti Conference Centre or the Old Elephant House) and outdoor venues (Centenary Lawn, Tree of Light Lawn, Meerkat Lawn, Anglo Lapa).

Fun team-building activities to be hosted inside the Johannesburg Zoo (facilitated by other organisations) include having an amazing race type of event or a treasure hunt with teams competing.

Have a picnic at the Johannesburg Zoo

There is a range of food kiosks inside the Zoo. They offer items ranging from ice creams and cold drinks to takeaways such as hot dogs and hot chips (fries). The Johannesburg Zoo allows people to bring their own food into the Johannesburg Zoo for a picnic. There are no facilities for a braai (barbecue) at the zoo. The Zoo does not allow alcohol except for private functions held in a booked venue, but even then, the guests need to drink the alcohol at the venue.

You can also buy food at the two restaurants inside the Joburg Zoo. The two restaurants are Stages, the Zoo restaurant, and Cafe Fino.

Cafe Fino is open from 7:00 to 20:00 during the week. The reviews show Cafe Fino is expensive, but the food is excellent! Cafe Fino’s menu includes chicken schnitzel, boere breakfast, pizza and salad. You can contact Cafe Fino at +27 11 646 3931.

The Stages Restaurant is open from 8:00 to 17:00 every day of the week. The restaurant has a limited menu with items ranging from burgers to chicken strips and skewers. Based on the reviews, Stages’ hot chips are popular. Prices are higher than you would find outside the Zoo. You can contact Stages at +27 11 486 0777.

Take part in a night activity at the Zoo

The zoo looks completely different at night – a visit at night is a must-do. From time to time, the Zoo offers Zoo Snooze, where you can camp for a night at the zoo and have a unique sleepover. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes and a night tour.

Another night activity is Howl-oween, a fun evening to dress up and go trick and treating after seeing all the zoo witches and other Halloween characters.

You can book a nighttime tour of the Johannesburg Zoo any night from Monday to Saturday and get ferried to peer at the red pandas, glowing scorpions, genets, raccoons and, of course, the beautiful big cats.

The Zoo has several night tours, including the moonlight tour for children and the night tour for adults. The Zoo also offers sunset tours between 16:00 -18:00.

Keep fit doing the Zoo trot

The Zoo Trot is a 5 or 10-km fun run or walk at the Zoo every second Sunday of the month.

History of the Johannesburg Zoo

The late Hermann Eckstein donated the land for the Johannesburg Zoo to the public for recreational use in 1904. The City of Johannesburg owns the Johannesburg Zoo. Since then, the Zoo has evolved and experienced several developments, including the Bandstand (to host brass bands) in 1910, the stone elephant and rhino house (also known as the old elephant house) from 1913 to 1915, and the animal hospital in 1936.

In the 1960s, the public wanted to see animals in natural enclosures. The Johannesburg Zoo responded with a long-term plan to improve the facilities for visitors and animals. The Zoo upgraded the enclosures and developed educational and environmental programmes. The Johannesburg Zoo also joined local and international breeding programmes. The Town Council built the first enclosure for two young lions. In 1961 visitors 16 years and older started paying an entrance fee for the Zoo.

The Zoo started with an original animal collection of a lion, a giraffe, a leopard, a baboon, a genet, a Golden Eagle, a pair of Sable antelope bulls, two Rhesus monkeys and two porcupines.

The Sasol walk-through aviary was added in 1986 when an outdoor theatre structure was moved from Joubert Park to the zoo before being transformed into the aviary. The Zoo has added more aviaries since then.

Frequently asked questions about the Johannesburg Zoo

Here are some questions visitors frequently ask about the Johannesburg Zoo.

How big is the Johannesburg zoo?

The Zoo covers over 55 hectares of land. It contains over 320 species of animals and has 2000 animals.

Does Johannesburg Zoo have golf carts to hire?

No, there are only golf carts for the staff’s use. You can rent kiddies’ pushcarts if you have small children who will tire quickly. A truck transports people around the zoo at a cost of R50 per person.

Is Johannesburg Zoo safe?

Since everyone pays to enter the Zoo, it is safe inside. You still need to follow general safety principles and keep your valuables safe and with you at all times.

Is it better to visit the Johannesburg Zoo in summer or winter?

You can visit the Zoo any time during the year as Johannesburg has a moderate climate allowing the zoo animals to lie in the sun throughout the year.

Is there parking?

There is a parking garage at the Zoo with plenty of parking bays.

How can I find out about upcoming events at the Johannesburg Zoo?

To stay updated on Johannesburg Zoo’s latest news or events, check their calendar regularly.

Does the Johannesburg Zoo have an aquarium?

Yes, there is a small freshwater aquarium in the Amazonia exhibit.

When are the feeding times?

The feeding times at the Zoo over weekends only are:

Practical information for visiting the Johannesburg Zoo

If these things to do at the Zoo sparked your interest, here is some practical information to help you plan a visit to the Zoo.

How much is the entrance fee?

The price list for the 2021 admission fees to the Zoo are:

You can buy the entry tickets upon arriving at the zoo or online beforehand through Web tickets .

To save on your entrance fees, keep an eye out for special deals on Hyperli .

If you love visiting the Johannesburg Zoo, you can purchase an annual pass for a discounted price – click here to apply :

Where is the Johannesburg Zoo located?

The Johannesburg Zoo is near Rosebank. Its physical address is Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg. The main entrance for the public is on Upper Park Drive.

The best way to get to the Johannesburg Zoo is by car. Uber is the cheapest option for getting to the Johannesburg Zoo if you don’t have a car. If you are a foreign visitor to South Africa, consider renting a car to explore Johannesburg and the surrounding areas.

The Gautrain bus does not stop at the Johannesburg Zoo during the week. Also, make sure Covid has not affected the operation of the Gautrain bus service on weekends.

Alternatively, the Gautrain bus stops at the Johannesburg Zoo. The bus service runs from the Gautrain Station in Rosebank between 9:15 to 18:15 on Saturday and Sunday. The last bus leaves the Johannesburg Zoo at 18:35. If you are staying in Sandton, take the Gautrain to Rosebank Station before boarding the bus to get to the Joburg zoo.

The red sightseeing bus also stops at the Johannesburg Zoo. It is stop number 3 on the green route.

Johannesburg Zoo operating hours

The Zoo is open 364 days of the year! It is open from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s Day. It opens from 9:00 to 17:30, with the last entry at 16:30. The Zoo’s hours will be different for special events.

Contact details for the Johannesburg Zoo

The telephone number for the Johannesburg zoo is +27 11 646-2000.

The Sci Bono Discovery Centre and Gold Reef City are other attractions near the Johannesburg Zoo.

Accommodation near the Johannesburg Zoo

If you are interested in staying near the Johannesburg Zoo, have a look at the hotels and AirBnBs available in the area:

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Johannesburg Zoo

Top ways to experience Johannesburg Zoo and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Johannesburg Zoo - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Johannesburg Zoo - Activities, Animals, Entrance Fees, Info & More  

Johannesburg Zoo - Activities, Animals, Entrance Fees, Info & More

The Johannesburg Zoo is a regularly visited tourist attraction in the leafy suburb of Saxonwold. The zoo invites visitors from across the country to see natural animal behaviour in one of the closest to nature enclosures South Africa has to offer.

SAVE by purchasing DISCOUNT vouchers for activities in Johannesburg through our partner fomo .

Just 3.7 kms from the city centre and a mere 30 minute drive from the O.R Tambo Airport, the zoo is easily accessible to anyone in the Gauteng province.

If you weren’t sold on a visit to the Jozi Zoo, this might just change your mind. Little ones are fully catered for with awesome school holiday programs to keep them entertained because sometimes kids don’t come with an off switch.

Every year the zoo undergoes huge improvements and offers new displays and enclosures to better view the animals housed here, so repeat visits are always on the cards.

Don’t forget to check what’s happening in Johannesburg today and this week .

History and General Info

In 1904, the land that is the Johannesburg Zoo was graciously donated by the late Hermann Ekstein. Herman had a passion for conservation and has been crucial in the development of the suburb the zoo resides in. So passionate that he planted 3 million trees in Saxonwold.

The Joburg Zoo has grown in leaps and bounds since it was first opened, now it is registered as an active member in local and international breeding programmes, clearly displaying their aim of conservation and sustainability.

The zoo is open 365 days a year and the 55 ha property can be quite daunting to navigate, to download a printable map of the zoo click here .

Entrance Fee and Details

The zoo is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, they’re even open on Christmas.

• 8:30am - 5:30pm
• Ticket sales close at 4pm.

The entrance fee at the Johannesburg Zoo covers the entrance of all areas within the zoo.

• R100 - Adults
• R60 - Pensioners
• R65 - Students (please provide student card for viewing)

Transport to the Zoo

The Gautrain runs a safe traffic free means of transport to and from the zoo, the train departs from Rosebank Station and runs multiple trips. To view the train schedule click here .

The zoo has added an additional secure parking structure that is monitored daily for a small fee. You can reduce your carbon footprint and save a few rands by carpooling and making the outing to the zoo a reunion of sorts.

• R25 - Buses

Animals and Feeding Times

The Zoo is actively involved in the preservation of natural wildlife, they have various education tours about their conservation efforts.

Being a part of international breeding programmes, the zoo sees many exotic animals. They aim to preserve these close to endangered species. Some of the animals you can expect to see at the Johannesburg Zoo are:

• Bengal Tiger
• Various reptiles
• Variety of Game, like Eiland, Kudu, Antelope
• Polar Bears
• Pigmy Hippo

Tip: A quick inquiry to the zoo to find out what animals they have on your visit is essential if you don’t want to be disappointed.

Feeding Times

The best time to view the animals at the zoo would be when they are being fed, as they are most active and interested in visitors at this time.

Feeding times guarantee plenty of action and photo opportunities, happy clicking.

• Chimpanzees are fed at 10am.
• Vultures are only fed in view on Sundays at 11am.
• Ground Hornbills are fed at 11:15am.
• Wild Dogs and Cheetahs are fed at 12:15am.
• Crocodile talks and feeding in summer, at 1pm.
• Gorillas are fed at 2pm.

Moyo Zoo Lake

One of the most picturesque settings in the Gauteng province has to be Moyo Zoo Lake. Comfortably settled on the banks of Zoo Lake, Moyo offers its visitors an escape from everyday life by slipping into the tranquil surroundings and ethnic atmosphere.

This African inspired themed restaurant serves up the most delicious cocktails, with a menu that will have your mouth watering. They have an outside seating area that overlooks the lake, you can take in the sun while you enjoy the samplings off the very tasteful menu.

Situated just opposite the zoo, from which the lake hails it’s name, Moyo is easily accessible after an afternoon with the animals. The easy going atmosphere and fresh vibe will have anyone feeling right at home and one with their African Roots.

• Open Daily, 8am - 11pm
• Breakfast, 8:30am - 11am
• Lunch, 12pm - 4pm
• Address: 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Tip: The souvenir store below the restaurant stocks a variety of curios that make for great holiday gifts.

Events, Activities & Fun Facts

Throughout the year, the zoo hosts their Zoo Trot, which takes place almost every second Sunday. They invite visitors for an early morning walk, run or stroll along the course that meanders through the ground passing many popular enclosures.

• Trot starts at 7am
• 011 712 6817
• [email protected]
• R55 - Per person, with a 5 or 10km option.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, the fresh morning atmosphere will keep you pumped and energised.

Dare to run through the zoo at night? Pack your headlight and sign-up for the coolest night run around. The ticket includes entrance to the zoo for the day and a way to see the zoo like you haven’t seen it before. We all know predators are most active at night, but don’t worry the zoo is perfectly secure and safe.

Back To Basic Nutrition are supplying every runner with a free hydrating beverage at the halfway point and a jam packed goodie back once you reach the finish line. Night Runners are advised that headlights will be compulsory once the sun has gone down (6pm).

• Second Sunday, 5pm - 8pm
• R250 - Adults (Early Bird)
• R300 - Adults
• R100 - Kids ages 5 -15 yrs
• R30 - Spectator
• FREE - Kids U5
• Full Event Info: Gajiga Run

Tip: Gajiga Runs are a great way to keep your family healthy while at the same time creating memories you will never forget. These runs are not about winning first place, but more about sharing the day with your loved ones and having fun.

The Education Centre

The zoo boasts an exciting education centre where visitors can learn and get a little up close and personal with some wild animals, all done under the expert supervision of a trained animal handler.

Tip: Do your research on what animals will be shown and introduced at each talk, so you can ensure a show you will really be interested in.

The Farm Yard offers an interactive way you can view and touch, and sometimes even smell, the animals. They are all human friendly but please be on your best behaviour as it is after all their house.

The animals adore attention from your little ones and their are a few ponies for the kids to pet aside from the variety of African Sheep.

Tip: The Farm Yard houses the friendliest animals who would try anything you give them to eat, be sure you are only feeding animal friendly foods by asking one of the very helpful animal keepers.

The Reptile House

The Reptile House is a new edition to the Johannesburg Zoo. The brand new enclosure houses some scaly reptiles such as the venomous Puff Adder, Green Mamba and Dwarf Crocodile.

If all things cold blooded are what you are after a trip to the Reptile House is right up your alley.

Tip: Remember that reptiles are not for everyone, if someone is afraid do not force them to face this fear, let them naturally grow a love for these cold blooded cuties.

Animals Of The Amazon

The Animals Of The Amazon exhibit was built in 2014, it houses some of the creepiest creepy crawlies you could find in Africa, from various reptiles and amphibians to an array of invertebrate species.

Tip: There can be a lot a walking involved with a trip to the zoo, the massive property has to ensure each enclosure is big enough for the occupants. Plan your trip ahead of time using the easily downloadable map and work the feeding times into your route to avoid aimlessly walking around all day.

• When the zoo was first started it housed: 1 lion, 1 leopard, 1 giraffe, 2 Sable antelope bulls, 1 baboon, 1 genet, 1 pair of Rhesus monkeys, 1 pair of porcupines and 1 Golden eagle.
• It now houses the only 2 polar bears in Africa.
• The surrounding trees is the biggest man made forest in the world.
• The zoo is over a 100 years old.
• Between 1913 and 1915, the zoo bought 1 Asian elephant and 1 Bactrian which were trained for rides.

Every South African should see just how majestic this country can be, wild animals are a lot bigger in real life and sometimes a trip to a Game Reserve is not an option.

The Johannesburg Zoo provides an easier alternative to view animals up close, without intruding on their space. The zoo features new structures and attractions each year making it well-worth a repeat visit.

If you find yourself in the Pretoria area, why not take a trip down to Pretoria Zoo, to get the inside scoop check out, Pretoria Zoo - Activities, Entrance Fees, Info & More .

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• Johannesburg Zoo: A Guide To This Fun-filled Place In South Africa

A trip to Johannesburg wouldn’t be complete if you missed going to the Johannesburg Zoo . The zoo is famous not only for all the animals that one can find there but much more. They have various exhibits ranging from history to animals and even a farmyard. There is also an amusement park which happens to be one of the biggest in South Africa.

The zoo is indeed a lovely place to be! It is fun, informative and a good way to bond with your family over the next holidays.

Johannesburg Zoo Address: Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa Johannesburg Zoo Coordinates: 26.1666° S, 28.0376° E26.1666° S, 28.0376° E Johannesburg Zoo Entrance Fee: Adults – 90 R, Children – 55 R, Students – 60 R Johannesburg Zoo Timing: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, open on all days

Johannesburg Zoo Map

Johannesburg zoo animals.

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The Johannesburg Zoo is famous for its wide and inclusive species of animals. It is a treat to see so many different species in one place! There are over 365 different species in this zoo. One thing which sets the zoo apart is that all the animals have been kept in replicas of their natural habitats. Here are the few Johannesburg Zoo animals that you must not miss –

1. Pygmy Hippo, 2. Charles the Chimp, 3. Rain tailed lemur, 4. Black and White Ruffed Lemur, 5. Diana Monkey, 6. Hartmans Zebra, 7. Rhino, 8. Antelope, 9. The Tweeting Honey Badger, 10. Forest the Leopard, 11. Red-Bellied Lemur, 12. Siamango Gibbon Endangered

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Johannesburg Zoo Restaurant

There is a very nice restaurant in Johannesburg Zoo which offers a great variety of food and drinks. If you plan to eat at the restaurant, be ready to wait in lines. It does get a little crowded during meal times. However, they sell great food at affordable prices.

You can try their fast food options for a quick bite without getting into the hassle of plates and forks. There are also several smaller snack stalls in the zoo area. They mostly sell knick-knacks.

Johannesburg Zoo Activities

The zoo authorities hold various fests, plays, walks, and various other events or activities for the visitors on a weekly basis. These activities are usually based on a particular theme like Environment Day, Mothers Day and more. They also hold regular concerts during the lunch hours. All the activities are included in the Johannesburg Zoo fees.

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These are a few other things you can enjoy at the park:

1. amusement world.

The park is one of the best amusement parks in South Africa. They have the fastest, craziest rides in town. They have separate rides for children and adolescents or adults.

2. Temple of the Ancients

If you enjoy finding out about the ancient customs, beliefs and other such things then you must visit this part of the zoo. It is an informative program and you won’t get bored.

3. Walk through Aviary

The Aviary at Johannesburg Zoo has one of the largest collection of bees. You can find the most exotic species in this enclosure. It is a great opportunity to learn about bees, different kinds, the making of honey and more.

4. Historical Site

This is the perfect place for all the history lovers! You can get in and dirty with the old art pieces, artifacts, etc., on your trip to the zoo.

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Johannesburg Zoo Exhibits

The Johannesburg Zoo exhibits are one of the best ways to learn and explore more about the wildlife in various parts of the world. Here are the exhibits that you must see –

1. Amazonia

This exhibit has various animals brought from the Amazon forest. You can easily spot the Spider Monkey, Pumas, Armadillos and Gorillas.

2. AngloGold Lion Enclosure

The enclosure houses 3 Pride males and Pride females from the Amazon forests. These lions are a main attraction of the zoo. The enclosure is large enough to allow the lions to roam around freely. There are also white lions in the enclosure.

3. The Ape House

The Ape House is home to all the various species of monkeys, apes, gorillas, chimpanzee, and orangutans. The house has several males, females, adolescents and infants which keep the place lively and interesting.

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4. Cheetah Slopes

This place is one of the most thrilling exhibits. You can spot the cheetah, African wild dog, and the Ethiopian jackal.

5. Crocodile Country

The exhibit has various crocodile varieties from the Nile along with rock monitored lizards. If you visit during the summer months, you can also see the feeding patterns of the crocodiles.

6. Farm Yard

The yard has all the friendly animals where kids can go and play. It is a fun learning experience for kids as well as adults. The yard has all the sheep species like Shetland Pony and Shire Horse.

7. Madagascar

This exhibit houses all the lemurs from the thick jungles of Madagascar. You can spot the Black and White Lemur, Ring-tailed Lemur, Crowned Lemur and more. It is centrally located in the zoo.

This enclosure doesn’t only house the scary, venomous reptiles but also some freshwater fishes. Here you can find reptiles like Puff Adder, Green Mamba, Dwarf Crocodile and more. The Pygmy Hippo also inhabits this enclosure.

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9. Animals of Amazon

This is the newest enclosure which houses all the reptiles, amphibians and several invertebrate species from Amazon forest.

10. Education Centre

In the education centre you can get up close with the lions and tigers without getting harmed. These animals are stuffed toys that you can learn from. It is a great place for the children. The centre is open only on weekdays.

Johannesburg Zoo prices will give you access to all the enclosures, exhibits and more. If there are any other charges applicable, you will be informed while buying the tickets. You can also rent a Johannesburg Zoo buggy to enjoy your visit without walking too much. The rental of buggies is optional during the weekdays, but it is mandatory on the weekends.

Zoo Lake In Johannesburg

Zoo Lake in Johannesburg is a very nice picnic spot for the entire family. You can either get packed food from home or your hotel or buy food from the tiny restaurants near the lake. There is also a Zoo Lake Bowl Club which offers great options for recreational activities like boating. They also have arrangements for a couple of games like badminton.

The Lake is a good place to spend a day relaxing with friends and family. The plus point being, nothing in the area is too expensive. It is very pocket-friendly.

Further Read: 6 South Africa Travel Tips That Are A Must For Every Traveler

Johannesburg zoo is the perfect weekend getaway for your entire family. All the activities, exhibits and others are included in the fees. So, plan a trip to South Africa and visit the zoo for an amazing experience!

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The ultimate 50 best things to do in johannesburg.

1. Explore Gold Reef City Theme Park

Source: Facebook / @Gold Reef City Theme Park

2. Head to the Cradle of Humankind

Photo Courtesy of Trip Advisor

3. Hector Pieterson Memorial

4. Visit the Iconic Mandela House

5. Discover history at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

6. visit the apartheid museum.

Fun Things to do in Johannesburg

7. lion and safari park.

8. Montecasino

9. go sightseeing on the red bus tour, 10. visit soweto, 11. johannesburg zoo, popular experiences in johannesburg, 12. learn more about self defence with training n tactics, 13. gin tasting for 2, 14. knock back a few hole-in-ones at a select number of golf courses, 15. thulani game lodge & eco estate, 16. jozi vibes entertainment, 17. riverbend berg lodge, 18. copper lake breweries, 19. northgate ice rink, 20. northcliff ride eco park, 21. sterkfontein caves, 22. walter sisulu national botanical gardens, where to stay in johannesburg, accommodation deals in johannesburg, 23. arcadian spa lodge, 24. mint hotels, 25. magalies mountain lodge, things to do in johannesburg this weekend, 26. neighbourgoods market, 27. picnic at the vaal dam, 28. view classics at the james hall museum of transport, 29. thrifting at the oriental plaza, restaurants in johannesburg, 30. the grillhouse rosebank, 31. saigon rivonia, 32. pata pata, 33. marble restaurant, romantic things to do in johannesburg, 34. fourways adventure golf, 35. enjoy salsa and sunsets at rooftop salsa, things to do in johannesburg with kids, 36. let them fall in love with the planets and stars, 37. build-a-bear, 38. jump around at acrobranch melrose, 39. bioscope independant cinema, 40. zoo lake, 41. delta park, 42. have fun on the ice, 43. step into another world, fun things to do in johannesburg under r200, 44. join the bean there team, 45. have fun at a trampoline park, 46. visit croc city and reptile park.

47. Get Lost in a Maze at Honeydew Mazes

Things to do in johannesburg at night, 48. go clubbing with friends at truth night club, 49. the living room jozi, 50. beefcakes johannesburg.

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Johannesburg Zoo

Top ways to experience Johannesburg Zoo and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Johannesburg Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• (0.49 km) Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
• (0.32 km) 93 on Jan Smuts - Lifestyle Hotel
• (0.37 km) Forest Haven
• (1.89 km) Home Suite Hotels Rosebank
• (1.25 km) Village Green Guest House
• (0.48 km) Flames
• (2.84 km) The Grillhouse Rosebank
• (1.32 km) Franco's Pizzeria and Trattoria
• (2.70 km) Tashas Rosebank
• (7.01 km) Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery
• (0.79 km) South African National Museum of Military History
• (0.46 km) Four Seasons Spa Westcliff
• (0.47 km) Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre
• (0.40 km) Harem
• (1.59 km) Mystery Ghost Bus Tour

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