Zoo/Aquarium

Johannesburg Zoo

Johannesburg's city zoo, founded in 1904, where you can bring your own picnic and add a ferry ride or a behind-the-scenes tour to the day.

Typical visit

Ages

Booking

Price

Adults R135, children R81 (child age not stated), seniors R81 and differently abled visitors R52, valid 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Last entry

Last entry is at 16:00.

Open days

Open 364 days a year, including Christmas, New Year and the Easter holidays.

Own food

You can bring your own food into the zoo.

Fun park

The amusement fun park and Hippo Cars open only on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

Not allowed

Leave alcohol and balloons at home; neither is allowed in the zoo.

Parking

Parking for cars and minivans costs R20.

OUR FAMILY ASSESSMENT

Family Intelligence

Johannesburg Zoo was founded in 1904, and a day here is built from the animals plus a handful of add-ons: a ferry ride, a behind-the-scenes tour, and golf carts for hire if the driver has a valid driver’s licence. Gates open between 08:00 and 08:30 and close at 17:30, and the zoo changes those times on special occasions.

The day of the week matters more than the hour. The kiosks and ice-cream vendors spread around the grounds do not open during the week, and the amusement park keeps to weekends and holidays too, so a weekday visit is a packed-lunch visit with fewer extras. On the second Sunday of each month the paths belong to the Zoo Trot, a 5 or 10 km fun walk or run that starts early in the morning. The wheelchair service has been suspended until further notice.

Family FAQ

How much does Johannesburg Zoo cost?

Adults R135, children R81 (child age not stated), seniors R81 and differently abled visitors R52, valid 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Can you bring your own food to Johannesburg Zoo?

You can bring your own food into the zoo.

Is there parking at Johannesburg Zoo?

Parking for cars and minivans costs R20.

Why kids will love it

The zoo runs night and day tours, school holiday programmes and regular public events, so a visit can be more than a walk past the enclosures. On weekends, public holidays and school holidays the amusement park and Hippo Cars are open as well, and the ferry ride is there for a short break from walking.