Quick Answer Intro
Johannesburg and its surrounding Gauteng region offer a diverse selection of animal attractions, ranging from inner-city zoos and interactive sanctuaries to sprawling private game reserves. Standard admission fees for city zoos and avian gardens (such as the Johannesburg Zoo and Montecasino Bird Gardens) range between R110 and R140 for adults and R80 to R95 for children. Larger game reserves and safari parks—including the Lion & Safari Park and Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve—range from R360 to R575+ per adult for self-drives or guided predator tours. Children under 2 to 3 years generally enter free across most venues.
Price Comparison Table for Animal Places Near Johannesburg
| Attraction | Location | Adult Price | Child Price (Ages 2/3–12) | Senior Price | Highlights |
| Johannesburg Zoo | Parkview, JHB | R135 | R81 | R81 | 54-hectare park with over 320 species, night tours, golf cart rentals |
| Montecasino Bird Gardens | Fourways, JHB | R140 | R95 | R95 | Walk-through aviary, flight shows, flamingos, reptiles, and lemurs |
| Lory Park Zoo | Midrand, JHB | R110 | R80 | R50 | Cozy animal sanctuary, big cats, bird encounters, guided walks |
| Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park | Lanseria, JHB | R115 | R85 | R100 | Crocodile feeding, reptile interactions, zip-lining over crocs |
| Lion & Safari Park | Cradle of Humankind | R400 (Self-Drive) / R575 (Guided) | Free (1 per paying adult on self-drive) | R215 (Self-Drive) | Lion, cheetah, and wild dog drives, giraffe feeding, quad safaris |
| Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve | Kromdraai, Krugersdorp | R360 (Self-Drive) | R220 | R280 | Big 4 game viewing, WonderCave access options, predator feeding |
| Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre | De Wildt (Hartbeespoort) | R165 (Walking) / R485 (Guided) | Rates vary by tour | Rates vary by tour | Cheetah conservation, high-speed cheetah run demonstrations |
Detailed Overview & Ticket Prices
1. Johannesburg Zoo
Situated on 54 hectares in northern Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Zoo is one of the city’s most iconic heritage sites. Home to over 2,000 animals across 320 species—including lions, white rhinos, gorillas, and elephants—the zoo provides expansive walkways and shade trees for day-long family outings.
- Adult Entrance: R135
- Child Entrance (Ages 3–12): R81
- Senior Citizens (60+): R81
- Students (Weekdays only): R81
- Parking Fee: R20 per car
- Golf Cart Rentals: R170 to R350 per hour (2-seater to 8-seater options)
- Key Features: Self-catering picnic areas, night tours, holiday programs, and golf cart hire.
2. Montecasino Bird Gardens
Located within the Montecasino entertainment complex in Fourways, this bird park features a lush walk-through aviary where tropical birds fly freely. Visitors can observe exotic birds, small mammals, reptiles, and watch popular flight demonstrations.
- Adult Entrance (Ages 13–59): R140
- Child Entrance (Ages 2–12): R95
- Senior Citizens (60+): R95
- Children Under 2: Free
- Key Features: Daily bird demonstrations at 11:00 and 15:00, Flamingo Café, and accessible garden pathways.
3. Lion & Safari Park
Situated near the Cradle of Humankind (approx. 45 minutes from central Johannesburg), the Lion & Safari Park offers close-up wildlife encounters across 600 hectares. General admission to the park complex, shops, and restaurants is free; visitors pay per chosen activity.
- Self-Drive Safari: R400 per adult | Seniors: R215 | Kids under 12: Free (1 child free per paying adult)
- 1-Hour Guided Safari: R575 per adult
- 2-Hour Guided Safari: R705 per adult | Seniors: R380 | Kids under 12: Free
- Quad Bike Safaris: From R1,280 per person
- Key Features: Lion, cheetah, and wild dog enclosures, giraffe feeding platforms, and open-air restaurants.
4. Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Located in Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, this reserve offers a bushveld safari experience close to the city. Guests can view white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and wild dogs while enjoying scenic picnic spots and play parks.
- Self-Drive Entry: R360 per adult | Kids (5–12 years): R220 | Pensioners: R280
- 1-Hour Guided Predator Tour: R570 per adult | Kids (5–12 years): R400
- 2-Hour Game Drive: R690 per adult | Kids (5–12 years): R480
- Conservation Fee: R30 flat fee per vehicle/entry
- Key Features: Predator feeding sessions (Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 13:00), WonderCave tours, and kids’ swimming pools.
5. Lory Park Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
Located in President Park, Midrand, Lory Park is a boutique zoo and rehabilitation sanctuary. It offers an intimate setting for visitors to learn about big cats, primates, raptors, and exotic birds.
- Adult Entrance: R110 (R115 for guided tours)
- Child Entrance (Under 12): R80 (R85 for guided tours)
- Senior Citizens: R50
- Children Under 2: Free
- Key Features: Hands-on educational talks, tea garden, lapa rentals for birthday parties, and quiet picnic areas.
6. Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park
Situated near Lanseria, Croc City provides educational tours focused on Nile crocodiles, alligators, venomous snakes, and tortoises. Thrill-seekers can try the “Croc FlyOver”—Africa’s first crocodile zipline experience.
- Adult Entrance: R115
- Child Entrance (Ages 2–12): R85
- Senior Citizens: R100
- Croc FlyOver (Zipline): R110 per person
- Key Features: Live reptile handling under guide supervision, weekend crocodile feeding at 12:00 and 15:00, and a dedicated kids’ play area.
7. Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
Located roughly an hour’s drive from Johannesburg near Hartbeespoort Dam, this world-renowned conservation center was established in 1971 to breed and conserve cheetahs and African wild dogs.
- 1-Hour Walking Tour: R165 per person
- 2-Hour Guided Game Drive Tour: R485 per adult
- Cheetah Run & Guided Tour: R590 per adult
- Key Features: Educational conservation talks, open safari vehicle drives, and live high-speed cheetah run demonstrations.
Tips for Visiting Animal Places Around Johannesburg
- Check Feeding Times: Places like Bothongo Rhino & Lion Reserve and Croc City host public feeding sessions on specific days (typically weekends at midday). Plan your arrival around these schedules.
- Pack Sun Protection & Walking Shoes: Outdoor venues like Joburg Zoo cover over 50 hectares. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
- Self-Catering vs. On-Site Restaurants: Johannesburg Zoo and Bothongo Reserve permit self-catering picnics and braais in designated areas. Venues like Montecasino Bird Gardens request that guests use on-site cafés.
- Conservation & Additional Fees: Some private reserves collect a separate R20 to R30 conservation fee upon entry to support habitat restoration and anti-poaching units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most budget-friendly animal attraction near Johannesburg?
Lory Park Zoo (Midrand) and Croc City (Lanseria) offer some of the most affordable entry rates, starting from R110 to R115 per adult and R80 to R85 per child. Johannesburg Zoo also offers great value at R135 per adult for a full day of access across 54 hectares.
Do children enter animal places for free near Johannesburg?
Yes. Children under 2 or 3 years enter free at almost all venues, including Johannesburg Zoo, Montecasino Bird Gardens, and Lory Park Zoo. Safari destinations like Lion & Safari Park and Bothongo Rhino & Lion Reserve offer free self-drive admission for one child under 12 per paying adult.
Can visitors bring their own food and drinks to Johannesburg Zoo?
Yes. Johannesburg Zoo allows visitors to bring their own picnic baskets, soft drinks, and snacks. Designated picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. However, alcohol, glass containers, braaiing, and balloons are prohibited.
Are self-drive safari options available close to Johannesburg?
Yes. Both the Lion & Safari Park and Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve offer self-drive options where visitors can drive their own road vehicles through predator enclosures and natural game areas.
Which animal venue near Johannesburg is best for toddlers?
Montecasino Bird Gardens and Lory Park Zoo are ideal for toddlers and young children. Both feature shorter, paved walking paths, manageable total footprints, interactive animal talks, and calm environments.
Do I need to book tickets in advance before visiting?
For general day visits to Johannesburg Zoo, Montecasino Bird Gardens, or Lory Park Zoo, tickets can be purchased at the gate upon arrival. However, specialized experiences—such as the Cheetah Run at Ann van Dyk Centre, private safari drives, or quad bike tours—require advance online booking.