Your Adventure-Filled Guide to Johannesburg Zoo

I still clearly remember my childhood visits to the Johannesburg Zoo. My family and I would spend hours exploring the enclosures, utterly mesmerized by the lions, giraffes, and elephants. Those days were very fun, memorable, and filled with adventure!

Now, as a parent, I want my kids to experience that same magic. And if you’re reading this, I bet you do too. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the zoo—helping you and your family fully embrace and explore this incredible place.

It’s your time to create some unforgettable memories together!

Things to Know

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: 30 Keyes, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank

Entrance Fees:

Adult – R126
Child – R74
Senior citizen – R74
Student (weekdays only and student card required) – R74
School groups (per person and Monday to Friday) – R47
Differently abled people – R47
Welfare groups (per person and weekdays only) – R52

Golf Cart Fees:

2-seater – R170 an hour
4-seater – R240 an hour
6-seater – R300 an hour
8-seater – R350 an hour

Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/zoo/about

Background

The Johannesburg Zoo spans 55 hectares and is home to around 2,000 animals from 320 species.

Originally part of Braamfontein farm, it was transformed into a zoo on March 22, 1904. The first exhibits included a lion, a leopard, a giraffe, two sable antelope, a baboon, a genet, a pair of rhesus monkeys, two porcupines, and a golden eagle.

In the 1960s, growing public interest in naturalistic enclosures prompted the zoo to begin long-term improvements. These updates included enhancing existing enclosures, adding new ones, and expanding educational programs.

The zoo also joined local and international breeding initiatives, strengthening its focus on conservation and animal welfare.

How to Get There

By Bus: There are multiple bus stops near Johannesburg Zoo. Take the buses 79, 01A, 42A, 46A, and 55B. The base fare is R20 with an extra charge of R12 per kilometer.

By Taxi: You can pin your drop-off at the zoo’s entrance. The base fare is R20 and an added R12 per kilometer.

By Car: There is a car park near the Upper Park Drive entrance. For those driving cars or minivans, the parking fee is R16, while for buses, it’s R30.

Things to Do

Meet animals of the Amazon

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It’s not every day you get to see Amazon wildlife up close. At Johannesburg Zoo’s Amazonia enclosure, you can spot spider monkeys, armadillos, pumas, and even gorillas.

Some of these incredible creatures, like spider monkeys and gorillas, are endangered. With only about 250 brown-headed spider monkeys and 5,000 eastern gorillas left in the wild, it’s heartening to see them cared for and protected, highlighting the zoo’s vital conservation work.

Tip: Visit the Amazon enclosure at 1 p.m. on a weekend to see the caretakers feed the gorillas.

Appreciate Africa’s symbol of beauty and power

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Known as the “King of the Jungle,” lions symbolize beauty, power, and leadership in African culture and folklore. You can marvel at 11 lions at the AngloGold Lion Enclosure, including the rare and stunning white lions.

On my last visit, I spotted a white lion. Its pale coat shimmered in the sunlight as it moved with effortless grace and strength. Seeing this magnificent creature up close was truly an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Visit the enclosure at 5 p.m. to have the best chance of spotting the white lion.

Get creeped out at Animals of the Amazon

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Check out the newest enclosure at Johannesburg Zoo, bringing the Amazon forest to life!

Here, you’ll find yellow anacondas and Amazon tree boas gliding through the trees. Poison dart frogs and cane toads hide in logs, while curly-haired tarantulas and Costa Rican tiger rump spiders creep into view—if you’re brave enough to look closely.

Don’t miss the Seba’s short-tailed bats hanging in the artificial cave!

Tips: Pay close attention to hollowed-out trunks to spot the curly-haired tarantulas.Look closely at burrows to see the Costa Rican tiger rump spiders.

See mankind’s closest relatives

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The Ape House is filled with all species of monkeys, apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. It houses many males, females, adolescents, and infants, fostering a community of Primates.

I still smile when I think back to my visit. A group of adolescent baboons was playing tag when one young baboon tripped over a rock and tumbled head over heels. Without missing a beat, it hopped up and dove right back into the fun—perhaps to save face!

Tips: Wear earth-toned clothing to not startle the apes. Bright colors might catch their attention more than you’d prefer.

When visiting the zoo on a weekend, visit the Ape House at 10 a.m. to see the feeding of chimpanzees.

Take a stroll at Cheetah Slopes

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Want to catch a glimpse of Africa’s fastest land animal? Head to the Cheetah Slopes, where cheetahs roam in a naturalistic setting. The enclosure also features African wild dogs and Ethiopian jackals, making it a thrilling and dynamic exhibit.

I once saw the African wild dogs in a playful mood, chasing each other through the trees. One clever dog zigzagged through the obstacles with impressive agility, outsmarting its pursuer.

With only about 6,600 African wild dogs left in the wild, seeing them thrive in this safe and spacious environment is truly heartwarming.

Tip: On a weekend, see the cheetahs and African wild dogs being fed by visiting the enclosure at 12:15 p.m.

Visit Crocodile County

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At Crocodile County, you’ll encounter an impressive lineup of reptiles, from rock monitor lizards and black mambas to gaboon vipers, anacondas, and Burmese pythons.

The true star, though, is the Nile crocodile—a creature that has outlasted the dinosaurs. These ancient predators can live 50 to 60 years, with some even reaching the ripe old age of 80!

Seeing one up close was awe-inspiring and terrifying. Its tough, scaly skin, razor-sharp teeth, and powerful frame radiated ancient strength. It’s no wonder they’ve endured for so long!

Tip: Every Sunday, there’s a crocodile talk happening at 1 p.m. You’ll learn more about the Nile crocodile and also see one munch food.

Learn more about animals in the Education Centre

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Learn more about Africa’s wildlife at the Education Centre. It offers interactive learning and a glimpse of how the zoo takes care of the animals.

There’s something for everyone! Activities include Zoo-to-You animal presentations, Holiday programs packed with educational fun for kids, the Honey Badger Club for adventurous little animal lovers, and the Behaviour Enrichment Club focused on animal welfare.

Explore hands-on exhibits featuring a digital species map, bone replicas, habitat sounds, and fascinating animal adaptations. You might even encounter wildlife via virtual reality!

Tip: Sit down at the Behaviour Enrichment Club. You’ll learn more about what it’s like to be a zookeeper.

Pet friendly farm animals at the Farm Yard

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The Farm Yard is a delightful place where you can interact with animals like Nguni cattle, Bapedi sheep, Shetland ponies, and Shire horses. Visitors can even feed these gentle creatures with pet food provided by the zoo.

It’s a fantastic spot for kids to learn about animal care. I once brought my son here, and he loved every moment—feeding the animals, discovering their habits, and understanding why caring for them matters.

For a fun twist, kids can also “meet” lions and tigers. Don’t worry, they’re just stuffed toys designed to teach about these majestic predators!

Tip: When feeding the animals, stay as relaxed as possible. They can feel your energy and will respond more positively if you’re calm and gentle.

See unusual primates in Madagascar

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If you’re a fan of King Julien from “Madagascar,” you’ll love the Madagascar enclosure at Johannesburg Zoo! It’s home to a variety of lemurs, including black-and-white ruffed, crowned, ring-tailed, red-bellied, and mongoose lemurs.

While you can’t feed the lemurs yourself, it’s fun to watch the zoo staff in action. Sometimes, they hide food to encourage the lemurs to forage naturally.

During my visit, I watched a staff member give a lemur a feeding puzzle—a forage box with hidden compartments. It was amazing to see how quickly the lemur figured it out, eagerly uncovering every treat.

Tip: Visit the enclosure before 10 a.m. to catch a magical sight. You’ll see the lemurs sit upright, arms stretched out, and soaking up the sun like little sun-worshippers. It’s a moment you don’t want to miss!

Admire scaly creatures at Reptile House

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If you’re craving more reptile encounters beyond Crocodile County, the Reptile House is a must-see. It features venomous snakes like puff adders and green mambas, freshwater fish, and even the elusive dwarf crocodile.

The real star, though, is the pygmy hippo. With its stocky build, smooth dark gray skin, and barrel-shaped torso, it’s a captivating sight. You’ll often find it relaxing in the water or foraging for food, adding a peaceful yet fascinating presence to the enclosure.

Tip: Visit the Reptile House first thing in the morning. Reptiles are more active then, giving you plenty of chances to observe their natural behaviors.

Enjoy and have fun at the amusement park

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For an adrenaline-filled adventure with the family, Johannesburg Zoo has its very own amusement park! It features a roller coaster, carousels, water rides, a Ferris wheel, and bumper cars.

While it may not be as large as a full-fledged amusement park, the mix of exciting rides and the zoo’s incredible animal exhibits makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. You get the perfect blend of thrills and education, ensuring a fun and memorable day for everyone.

Tip: Feeling hot and sweaty? Cool off by riding the Log Flume. The water ride takes you on a gentle journey with splashes and small drops that refresh you along the way.

Where to Eat

Stages, The Zoo Restaurant

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Address: Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown

Phone: +27 114 860 777

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pricing: $

Feeling hungry? The only restaurant at Johannesburg Zoo is Stages, The Zoo Restaurant. It offers a range of options, from hearty meals to light finger snacks, making it easy to refuel during your visit.

They make an excellent steak and egg combo. The steak is juicy and tender, while the egg is perfectly fried with a rich golden yolk, adding a creamy contrast to the savory meat. It’s the perfect meal to fuel up before heading back out to explore the zoo.

Tip: If you’re visiting the zoo on a Monday, make sure to pack your lunch. Stages, The Zoo Restaurant is closed that day.