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Johannesburg Zoo
Zoo

Johannesburg Zoo

South Africa
4.5
(10,000 reviews)
4
Tours Available
ZAR 180
Adult Entry
4 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, August-October
Best Time

Overview

Johannesburg Zoo, located in the heart of South Africa, is a premier wildlife conservation and education facility. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are endangered, and offers visitors a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the continent.

The Johannesburg Zoo plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and education, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about and support the protection of endangered species.

Wildlife Conservation Educational

Location

Address

Jan Smuts Avenue, Randburg, Johannesburg

Neighborhood: Randburg

Coordinates

-26.081740, 28.028590

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults
ZAR 180
Children
ZAR 100 (ages 3-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, August-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, animals more active

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
2 hours
Recommended
4 hours
Full Experience
full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild and pleasant

  • • Breeding season for many species
  • • Beautiful gardens in bloom

summer

hot and humid

  • • Extended opening hours
  • • Water-based animal shows

autumn

mild and pleasant

  • • Fall foliage in the gardens
  • • Migratory bird sightings

winter

cool and dry

  • • Holiday lights and decorations
  • • Indoor animal exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets online in advance
  • Bring valid ID
  • Check weather before visiting

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle tickets

recommended

camera sunscreen hat

seasonal

jacket in winter umbrella in summer

not allowed

large bags drones pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

  • • long walks
  • • sun exposure

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

credit cards, debit cards, cash

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Typical Costs

entry ZAR 180 (adults)
parking ZAR 50
food ZAR 150
souvenirs ZAR 200

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, hat, and sunscreen, walking shoes or sneakers, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • at least 1 week
  • • official website
  • • 48 hours for full refund
  • • available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Johannesburg Zoo Official App

Size: 60 MB

Features: Map, Animal guide, Tickets, Audio guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Restaurants, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: OR Tambo International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi
ZAR 300-400 30 min
public_transport
ZAR 40 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

metro
ZAR 30 20 min
bus
ZAR 20 30 min
taxi
ZAR 150 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Important for wildlife conservation and educational value

Historical Significance: One of the oldest zoos in South Africa, established in 1904

Insider Tips

  • Free entry for children under 3
  • Best photo opportunities at the elephant and flamingo exhibits

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local cuisine at the zoo's restaurant
  • • Ask for a guide to explain conservation efforts

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Sawubona
thank_you Ngyakuyabonga
where_is Wakho
how_much Yinkani
beautiful Kulungile
ticket Itikiti

Guide Languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Elephant exhibit

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle for majestic views

Result: Great shots of elephants

#JohannesburgZoo #Wildlife

Flamingo Lake

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle for group photos

Result: Beautiful reflections and colors

#JohannesburgZoo #Birds

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, designated photo zones
prohibited areas indoor exhibits, animal enclosures
flash photography not allowed in indoor areas
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited without special permission
tripod policy restricted, check with staff
selfie sticks allowed but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

Museum Africa

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Delta Park

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Park

Cresta Shopping Centre

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Shopping

Reviews

4.5

Based on 10,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book online for discounts"
  • "Visit early to see active animals"
  • "Bring sunscreen and water"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (1)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

4

Rating

4.5 / 5.0

Reviews

10,000

Adult Entry

ZAR 180

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