Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
4
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,172 reviews
Excellent
329
Very good
502
Average
231
Poor
75
Terrible
35
Heather S
Nottingham, UK180 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 April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
little_baggage
Pretoria, South Africa46 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 May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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 March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravellerSA_13
Johannesburg, South Africa3 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
From entry to exit we had a lovely time at the zoo. The staff were helpful and friendly. The zoo itself was clean and the enclosures are more spacious than other zoos I have seen. There was a large variety of animals that my niece really enjoyed looking at. There are lovely lawns for picnics or cafes and stalls to buy food. As the zoo is so large you would need an entire day to cover all of it and we missed quite a lot in the half-day we spent there.
Although the bathrooms were clean there was only hand sanitizer available and no soap and no toilet paper. There are lots of bathrooms around the zoo so maybe others would have been better.
Overall it was a good experience and I would recommend for a day out.
Although the bathrooms were clean there was only hand sanitizer available and no soap and no toilet paper. There are lots of bathrooms around the zoo so maybe others would have been better.
Overall it was a good experience and I would recommend for a day out.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin L
Centurion, South Africa130 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I’m one of those who loves seeing animals out in the wild rather than seeing them in zoos, but we all enjoyed a day out at this zoo.
There is a huge variety of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and others) so it caters for all, the cages are spacious and clean, there are cafes, food stalls and restrooms aplenty.
I would recommend this especially for children!
There is a huge variety of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and others) so it caters for all, the cages are spacious and clean, there are cafes, food stalls and restrooms aplenty.
I would recommend this especially for children!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sophia W
Johannesburg, South Africa132 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 March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicolaas v
Rawsonville, South Africa55 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 June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gautenger65
Johannesburg, South Africa73 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Sadly another heritage site showing signs of decay and poor management
Once an exciting place for adults and kids alike to visit and enjoy strolling the park like zoo filled with wildlife, our visit in January with our grandchildren was different. Some of the walkways near the lion cage were fenced off and broken, a number of the enclosures for animals were empty, overall the place felt tired. On the positive side the gardens were well maintained, but as a zoo we didn’t see any lions or leopards just empty enclosures. Toilets with no soap to enable grandchildren to wash hands, was just an indication that since City Parks have taken over management the enthusiasm to make the Zoo a World Class City experience has alas evaporated. Lower your expectations enjoy the bird life but this is no longer a must see and do place to visit.
Once an exciting place for adults and kids alike to visit and enjoy strolling the park like zoo filled with wildlife, our visit in January with our grandchildren was different. Some of the walkways near the lion cage were fenced off and broken, a number of the enclosures for animals were empty, overall the place felt tired. On the positive side the gardens were well maintained, but as a zoo we didn’t see any lions or leopards just empty enclosures. Toilets with no soap to enable grandchildren to wash hands, was just an indication that since City Parks have taken over management the enthusiasm to make the Zoo a World Class City experience has alas evaporated. Lower your expectations enjoy the bird life but this is no longer a must see and do place to visit.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phila D
Johannesburg, South Africa1,090 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 May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Petrie van Zijl
Randburg, South Africa47 contributions
Sep 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 September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Kwame224
Accra, Ghana41 contributions
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.
gilmar p
Sandton, South Africa
Si eu posso ir sozinho e quanto custa para entrar no zoológico
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.
JUSTINE-JESSE
Pretoria, South Africa731 contributions
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!
Stewart S
5 contributions
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
How much is the cost per day for family of 5(2 adults, 3 kids, age 10,4 & 3)?
Sunita Vij
Noida, India97 contributions
Sorry for a very late reply. But I think it was R90 for adults and R55 for child
Ruth M
Bournemouth
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
Brett H
Johannesburg, South Africa140 contributions
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.
Is it posible to meet and get a picture with a baby gorilla or a lion getting inside their cages?
Maruchia
Guarulhos, SP69 contributions
No, not possible. To interact with baby lions you should go to Lion Park.
Is it posible to meet and get a picture with a baby gorilla or a lion getting inside their cages?
Elna L
Roodepoort, South Africa287 contributions
Hi Gustavo the answer is no. Even if they in cages it's still wild animals.
patricialobakeng55
Johannesburg, South Africa
I want to know if there is a cameras by the entrance gate because what I've seen happening is so disgusting, seems like the security guys there all of them are working together including the cashiers,the other guy asked me to only pay for myself and one child and I must come to him to pay half for each of the other three by some corner...I never thought this was happening there as well I was so disgusted and he even dared to ask me am I some knd of investigator or reporter, my question to him was, do u wanna lose your job? and he said ohk go and pay then.
ronayo
Centurion, South Africa56 contributions
At the main entrance there might be cameras but we entered through the back entrance. The security and cashiers there were friendly and profesional.
Johannesburg Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Johannesburg Zoo
- Johannesburg Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Johannesburg Zoo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Johannesburg Zoo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Johannesburg Zoo:
- (0.18 mi) Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
- (0.23 mi) Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Johannesburg Melrose Arch
- (0.17 mi) Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg, Melrose Arch
- (0.33 mi) African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection®
- (0.14 mi) Chez Hotel Inn
- Restaurants near Johannesburg Zoo:
- (0.00 mi) Cafe Simo
- (0.00 mi) Cuppabake
- (0.08 mi) Free Food
- (0.06 mi) Nando's Drive Thru
- (0.12 mi) Mafiosi Italian Deli
- Attractions near Johannesburg Zoo:
- (0.16 mi) Blubird Wholefood Market
- (0.21 mi) Churchills
- (0.23 mi) The Melrose Gallery
- (0.31 mi) Melrose Arch
- (0.74 mi) Wildside Tours and Safaris - Day Tours