Johannesburg Zoo School Trips: A Complete Guide
Introduction
School trips are a memorable part of the academic year — giving learners hands-on experiences that connect classroom topics like biology, conservation and ecosystems with the real world. Johannesburg Zoo, located in Parkview, Johannesburg, is one of South Africa’s leading zoological parks and an excellent destination for educational outings. With more than 320 animal species and structured educational programmes, the zoo offers a safe, fun, and enriching environment for school groups. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
This guide explains everything you need to know about planning a school trip to Johannesburg Zoo, including entrance costs, how fees work, booking advice, and helpful tips for a smooth visit.
Main Information
What the Zoo Offers for School Groups
Johannesburg Zoo has a dedicated Zoo School programme that brings wildlife education to life. The programme includes:
- Educational worksheets and materials designed around animal habitats, behaviour, and conservation.
- Support from the zoo’s education team during visits.
- Activities suitable for learners in different age groups, aligned with environmental learning goals. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
The education team generally operates Monday to Friday (during school terms) and bookings need to be made at least one week in advance. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
How Fees Work
School Group Entrance Fees
Johannesburg Zoo offers special school group rates for learners and educators that are generally lower than standard retail prices:
| Ticket Type | Fee (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| School groups (per person) | R50 (Mon–Fri) | Applies for learners and educators visiting with a school group. (JHB City Parks and Zoo) |
| Bus Parking | R30 flat rate | Only applies if a bus is used for transport. (JHB City Parks and Zoo) |
💡 Important: The school group rate is typically available Monday to Friday during school terms — weekends and public holidays usually follow standard zoo pricing. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
General Entrance Fees (Non-School)
For reference, here are the usual visitor prices at the zoo (not school group rates):
- Adult: R132 per person (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Child: R78 per person (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Student (with valid student card): R78 per person (weekdays only) (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Senior Citizen: R78 per person (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Group entrance tariff: R31 per person for other group types (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
These figures help show how school group rates compare favourably to standard tickets.
Preparing for a School Trip
Booking and Planning
To ensure your school trip runs smoothly:
- Book Ahead: Contact the zoo’s education department at least one week before your visit to confirm dates and learning materials. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Confirm Numbers: Finalise learner and educator numbers early to get the correct group rate.
- Bring Worksheets: The zoo provides worksheets — ask if these can be sent beforehand for lesson planning. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Arrival & Transport Tips
- Arrive Early: School groups with tight schedules benefit from arriving at opening time (usually around 08:30). (Facebook)
- Bus Parking: If using a bus, budget R30 for parking — a worthwhile detail for trip planning. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Supervision: Ensure enough teachers or parent volunteers to supervise learners throughout the visit.
Tips for Visitors
Whether this is your first school trip or your fifth, here are extra tips to enhance the experience:
- Dress Comfortably: The zoo’s grounds are large (about 55 hectares), and there’s a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and hats are recommended. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Pack Snacks / Picnic: While there are cafes and food stalls, packing water and snacks for learners is often easier with groups.
- Use Worksheets Effectively: Encourage learners to complete zoo worksheets during the visit to reinforce learning outcomes.
- Follow Safety Rules: Remind learners to stay on paths and listen to supervising adults.
Conclusion
A school trip to Johannesburg Zoo is more than just a fun outing — it’s an opportunity for experiential learning that deepens students’ understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and animal science. With affordable school group fees, structured educational support, and plenty of space to explore, the zoo is one of Johannesburg’s best educational day trip destinations. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Start planning early, confirm group rates, and make sure all learners have the chance to discover wildlife up close on this unforgettable educational adventure! 🦁🦓🐒
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