Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
4
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Johannesburg Zoo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
586 within 5 kms
Attractions
176 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Aileen W7 contributionsZoo wow just the ticketWow what a zoo. Clean spotless extremely well kept Animals where very content happy Cages spotless The whole zoo was really quite amazing and excellent value for money . Really must visit this special place.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 February 2024
- claireSouthbroom, South Africa8 contributionsA wonderful place to visitHad a truly memorable day with kids. Clean, well maintained and lots of new enclosures. Was lovely to see so many babies, giraffe less than a week old, teeny gorilla, baby buffalo and loads of others. It's a lovely safe day out. We were staying in Pretoria and wanted to go to the zoo there and were told it is a no go zone. Definitely worth the driveVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2024
- Lynton NSandton, South Africa28 contributionsGreat Day Spent at the ZooWe visited the Zoo on a Saturday Morning and ended up spending the entire day there. The Zoo is very well maintained will lots of animals to see. There’s clean toilets and lots of food trucks and restaurants all over the place. There is safe undercover parking with lots of security everywhere. There’s golf carts available for hire but you have to get there early. I highly recommend a visit.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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.
Popular mentions
4.0
1 184 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
504
Average
232
Poor
76
Terrible
37
Heather S
Nottingham, UK194 contributions
Mar 2022
We caught an Uber to the Military Museum next door, and after doing that, came to the zoo, to make a complete day out. Plenty to see, and the animals have nice big enclosures, and in a lot of cases moats/walls surrounding, so you're not looking through wire fences. Plenty of grassy space to sit / picnic too. At the end, we struggled to get an Uber back as they'd gone on strike, and the zoo was about to close, and we didn't know the phone numbers for any local taxi firms, but the staff at the golf buggy hire station were incredibly helpful, arranging a car for us, and making sure the driver knew where to take us and that we knew what the fare would be. They were so wonderful, at a time when we were starting to get a bit desperate, really appreciated them.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia W
Johannesburg, South Africa131 contributions
Dec 2020
I don't know if it is just Covid, but a lot about the Joburg Zoo seems sad. Nothing really maintained well. The kids loved seeing the animals, but I am not sure I would recommend the place. It is sad to see so much in need of repair, even if it is just aesthetic.
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
little_baggage
Pretoria, South Africa45 contributions
May 2022 • Family
I have visited this zoo a few times over about 35 years and it is still a really nice outing. The animals look healthy, the cages are clean and there are plenty of food stalls throughout the zoo. We rented a golf cart and even with it we spent almost 4 hours in the zoo.
There are a large number of empty cages, but I guess with the direction conservation is moving, it is difficult to replace an animal when it becomes deceased.
If you are planning to go, I advise that you go early. Around 9:00. Take sunscreen, water and your own food, if you choose, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. A stroller for little children is also essential.
There are a large number of empty cages, but I guess with the direction conservation is moving, it is difficult to replace an animal when it becomes deceased.
If you are planning to go, I advise that you go early. Around 9:00. Take sunscreen, water and your own food, if you choose, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. A stroller for little children is also essential.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriella E
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Unfortunately we choose to go to the zoo in a Saturday and there was a special fee tarif because of the zoo’s anniversary. More than 2h queue to get inside, no priority line, really bad organized. Full of people making lound sounds, stressing the animals, kids with noise toys everywhere, drunk people, not enough security staff, toilets in a really bad conditions, no paper, no soap.
No Wi-Fi. I have my doubts if the animals are well treated, really bad conditions for the visitors. I not recommend.
No Wi-Fi. I have my doubts if the animals are well treated, really bad conditions for the visitors. I not recommend.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HamzK
Durban, South Africa33 contributions
Mar 2022
While I'm against the concept of wild animals living in zoo's in general, this zoo is well laid out (requires the better part of a full day to visit without rushing) and decently maintained. Safe parking is available.
What was disappointing was the lack of availability of golf carts for hire - we put our name down on the waiting list, but were never called.
What was disappointing was the lack of availability of golf carts for hire - we put our name down on the waiting list, but were never called.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolaas v
Rawsonville, South Africa48 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We are not city people but had a day off in the big city looking for a nice day out.
I love animals.
The ups
Animals look healthy
Massive zoo many things to do.
Negatives
Many exhibitions doesn't have signs which describe the animals or contents of the enclosures which is the main purpose of a zoo in my opinion. 🤷♂️
Further more many enclosures need cleaning and attention. Paint etc.
This zoo has amazing potential just needs some TLC
I love animals.
The ups
Animals look healthy
Massive zoo many things to do.
Negatives
Many exhibitions doesn't have signs which describe the animals or contents of the enclosures which is the main purpose of a zoo in my opinion. 🤷♂️
Further more many enclosures need cleaning and attention. Paint etc.
This zoo has amazing potential just needs some TLC
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aileen W
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Wow what a zoo.
Clean spotless extremely well kept
Animals where very content happy
Cages spotless
The whole zoo was really quite amazing and excellent value for money .
Really must visit this special place.
Clean spotless extremely well kept
Animals where very content happy
Cages spotless
The whole zoo was really quite amazing and excellent value for money .
Really must visit this special place.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phila D
Johannesburg, South Africa1 460 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
The zoo is not as great as it used to be. The animals seem healthy enough but the rest of the zoo is not that well maintained.
Apart from that it is a nice enough place to visit for the day to just take a walk, relax and take a leisurely stroll.
Apart from that it is a nice enough place to visit for the day to just take a walk, relax and take a leisurely stroll.
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynton N
Sandton, South Africa28 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We visited the Zoo on a Saturday Morning and ended up spending the entire day there. The Zoo is very well maintained will lots of animals to see. There’s clean toilets and lots of food trucks and restaurants all over the place. There is safe undercover parking with lots of security everywhere. There’s golf carts available for hire but you have to get there early. I highly recommend a visit.
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petrie van Zijl
Randburg, South Africa62 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
We went to the Zoo for the first time in 4 years today. It was recently opened due to the COVID 19 lockdown, and I must say, the condition of the Zoo was superb! The animals, enclosures and open spaces are well maintained and the toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen them. We did not use the food stalls and rides, but they were operational and looked like lots of fun. Our children thoroughly enjoyed looking at the hippo, elephant, gorilla, monkeys, lion and giraffe.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much will it it cost to rent a 2 seater kids cart in Johannesburg zoo?
Written 20 August 2023
Do you have a thing that goes through the zoo that you can ride on for the day and how much will it cost for a group of 9 adults 2 kids 1 elderly person
Written 9 October 2020
There is a truck that drives you from the entrance round the zoo. It is optional and costs should not exceed 50.00 R per head.
Written 14 December 2020
gilmar p
Sandton, South Africa
Si eu posso ir sozinho e quanto custa para entrar no zoológico
Written 24 October 2019
I would like to know how in 2019 we are still believing that any animal is ok to have been taken from its family or troop/ tribe, taken from its origional surroundings to live in a small enclosure. How is this still possible? And please I seriously would like an answer.
Written 11 July 2019
Some (not all) zoos play an integral role in breeding programmes especially with endangered animals and also with educating rural people (especially in South Africa) as to how to work together with wild animals instead of just killing them for food. Im not sure where you come from, but not all societies are educated and have food like in countries like Europe. I have been to both good and bad zoos. Until you visit a zoo and see what the place is involved in, you cant judge! Many animals at zoos in South Africa were born in captivity or are in captivity because they would have been killed (for hunting or food) or would have been endangered by development in their "natural" environments due to houses being built or deforestation, in other countries. Not sure if you live in South Africa, but countless wild animals are killed due to roads and towns being built all over the place. Just a couple of weeks ago a perfectly healthy leopard killed a small child in a rural village, and was in turn shot by a vet as it would have continued to catch easy prey in the same place. Conversely, money from zoos in this country is also used for nature conservation. Not all zoos have small enclosures! Some zoos have such big enclosures you cant even get to see the animals! Again, I know that all zoos are far from ideal!
Written 15 July 2019
good monday to you,
I have two guests from Dubai in Cape Town, are interested in visiting the Johannesburg or Pretoria zoo's.
we will be flying to JHB. on friday, probably morning, and will be visiting around late morning.
Do you have guided tours for small (3 max), ? and what is the cost
Written 3 June 2019
How much is the cost per day for family of 5(2 adults, 3 kids, age 10,4 & 3)?
Written 19 July 2018
Sorry for a very late reply. But I think it was R90 for adults and R55 for child
Written 16 October 2019
How much does it cost to hire a wheelchair or golfcart as we have an elderly relative who would love to come but nowhere can I find the cost
Written 3 January 2018
Hi Ruth
Just called to find out for you - there do NOT have the golf cart tours available anymore but do have wheelchairs for hire (R100 per day).
Hope this helps.
Written 17 January 2018
Is it posible to meet and get a picture with a baby gorilla or a lion getting inside their cages?
Written 17 August 2017
If you do not mind being eaten or roughed-up and hospitalised shortly thereafter...maybe, but at your own risk and cost... So the official answer to that question would be a resounding "NO"...the zoo would certainly distance itself from such a request due to the risk of personal injury and legal consequences. If you would like to take a personal picture with an animal, I suggest or am aware that the lion park has special days or times when they have wild-life officials inside the park who oversee and support such pictures with baby cubs. This may be a much better and safer alternative ;-)
Written 17 August 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 20
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing