General admission to Gold Reef City Theme Park starts from R250 to R295 per person, granting full access to over 30 rides, live entertainment, and heritage attractions. Children under 3 years old enter for free, while discounted tickets are available for pensioners, student groups, and Tsogo Sun Rewards cardholders. All tickets must be booked online in advance, as tickets are not sold at the physical entrance gates.
Gold Reef City Ticket Prices and Admission Categories
Gold Reef City uses an all-inclusive ticketing model where standard admission covers unlimited rides across the park. Ticket pricing is tiered primarily by height and visitor category to ensure safety and age-appropriate ride access.
Standard Ticket Types and Rates
| Ticket Category | Requirements / Restrictions | Typical Price (ZAR) |
| General Admission (Rider) | Guests taller than 1.3 meters; access to all thrill, family, and kid rides | R250 – R295 |
| Junior Rider | Children under 1.3 meters; access to family and dedicated kiddies’ rides | R125 – R150 |
| Pensioner Ticket | South African citizens aged 60+ (Valid SA ID required upon entry) | R160 – R175 |
| Toddlers / Infants | Children under 3 years old | Free |
| Family Packages | Typically covers 2 adults and 2 children under 1.3 meters | Approx. R535 – R580 |
Note: Pricing may fluctuate slightly based on peak holiday periods, special promotional seasons, and booking partner fees. Always confirm final checkout totals on the official Tsogo Sun booking engine.
Tsogo Sun Rewards Member Discounts
If you hold a Tsogo Sun Rewards Card, you qualify for instant tier-based savings on theme park tickets:
- Gold Cardholders: Save approximately 10%
- Platinum Cardholders: Save approximately 15% to 20%
- Black Cardholders: Save up to 30% or more
To redeem your discount, log into your Rewards profile on the official web store before selecting your visit date and tickets.
What Is Included in Your Entrance Ticket
Your standard admission ticket functions as an all-day pass to the theme park’s core amenities and entertainment:
Major Thrill Rides
Full-access riders over 1.3 meters can experience South Africa’s most famous adrenaline coasters:
- The Anaconda: An inverted looping roller coaster designed by Giovanola.
- The Tower of Terror: A 50-meter vertical drop into an authentic open mine shaft.
- The Golden Loop: A high-speed launch coaster featuring back-and-forth vertical loops.
- The Jozi Express & Miner’s Revenge: Classic coaster twists and inverted multi-axis spins.
Family and Kids’ Rides
- Water Rides: The Raging River Rapids and the Log Ride.
- Family Classics: The Giant Wheel, Wave Swings, Lazy Boats, and Vintage Cars.
- Kiddies’ Corner: Over 14 dedicated miniature rides for younger children, including the Carousel, Dragon Ride, Balloon Wheel, and Flintstones train.
Historical & Cultural Exhibits
Gold Reef City is built around the historic Crown Mines Shaft 14, which operated during the 1886 Witwatersrand Gold Rush. General entry includes access to:
- The living mining town museum and heritage houses.
- Train and bullion coach exhibitions.
- Science Exploratory interactive museum.
Optional Add-Ons and Extra Costs
While regular admission covers all outdoor rides, certain specialized attractions require an additional nominal fee:
Authentic Underground Mine Tour
Descend 75 meters below ground to experience historical mining shafts and witness a live molten gold pour.
- Cost: Available as an add-on ticket (typically R100–R140 extra or bundled with heritage packages).
- Safety Rule: For safety reasons, children under 6 years of age are not permitted on the underground shaft descent.
Jump City Trampoline Park
A 21-trampoline indoor arena with basketball dunk lanes, dodgeball courts, and foam pits.
- Cost: Access requires specialized grip socks (approx. R30 per pair) and timed entry tokens.
Capital Air Helicopter Flips
Scenic flights taking off directly from the Gold Reef City helipad:
- Around the Park Flight: Approx. R800 per flight (accommodates up to 4 passengers).
- Johannesburg CBD & Soweto Tours: R1,000 to R2,250 per flight.
How to Book Gold Reef City Tickets Online
Gold Reef City operates a mandatory pre-booking system to control daily park capacity. Follow these steps to secure your tickets:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official Gold Reef City Theme Park ticketing store (
themeparktickets.goldreefcity.co.za). - Select Date and Session: Choose your intended date of visit. During peak holiday periods, popular dates can sell out days in advance.
- Choose Ticket Categories: Add the correct combination of Rider, Junior Rider, or Pensioner passes.
- Complete Cashless Payment: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or supported digital payment method.
- Save Your Digital Pass: Download your e-tickets or add them to your Apple/Google Wallet for scanning at the turnstiles.
Operating Hours and Practical Visitor Tips
Standard Opening Schedule
- Thursday to Sunday: 09:30 – 17:00
- Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed (except during Gauteng public school holidays)
- Gauteng School Holidays: Open 7 days a week from 09:30 to 17:00
Key Park Regulations
- No Outside Food or Drinks: Coolers, picnic baskets, and outside alcohol are strictly prohibited. The park houses over 12 sit-down restaurants, fast-food outlets, and refreshment kiosks.
- Height Restrictions: Strict safety protocols govern ride access. Children will be measured at turnstiles and ride entry points.
- Free Hotel Guest Entry: Guests staying at the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel or Gold Reef City Hotel receive complimentary park admission for the duration of their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy Gold Reef City tickets at the gate?
No, Gold Reef City does not sell theme park admission tickets at the entrance gates. All visitors must purchase their tickets online in advance through the official web portal to manage park capacity and safety.
Do babies and toddlers have to pay an entrance fee?
Children under the age of 3 enter the theme park free of charge. While free entry allows toddlers access into the park grounds, they can only participate in select toddler-safe rides based on height and ride attendant discretion.
Is the Underground Mine Tour included in general admission?
No, the authentic Underground Mine Tour and live gold-pouring demonstration are specialized heritage experiences that require an additional tour fee or a bundled Heritage Tour pass. In addition, children under the age of 6 are not permitted underground for safety reasons.
Do Gold Reef City hotel guests get free theme park admission?
Yes, visitors who book accommodation at the on-site Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel or the Gold Reef City Hotel receive complimentary entry tickets to the theme park as part of their room package.
What happens if it rains during our visit?
Gold Reef City remains open during light rain, but mechanical thrill rides and outdoor water coasters may temporarily pause operations during thunderstorms or heavy lightning for guest safety. Tickets are generally non-refundable due to inclement weather, so check local weather forecasts before booking.
Are outside food and beverages allowed inside the park?
No, outside food, beverages, picnic hampers, and cooler boxes are strictly prohibited within the theme park gates. Visitors can purchase food and refreshments from the numerous restaurants, fast-food outlets, and confectionery stalls located inside the venue.