Johannesburg Zoo Location & Directions
Your Guide to Visiting One of Johannesburg’s Top Family Attractions
Planning a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo? This guide provides clear, factual, and easy-to-follow information about where the zoo is, how to get there, ticket costs, what to expect, and useful tips for visitors.
Introduction
The Johannesburg Zoo is a popular wildlife attraction located in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. Covering about 55 hectares, it’s home to over 320 species of animals and attracts both local families and international visitors. The zoo offers a fun, educational day out and is open most of the year with daily operating hours. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Main Information
📍 Location & Address
The Johannesburg Zoo is located in the leafy suburb of Parkview, Johannesburg. Specifically:
- Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue & Upper Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
This location puts the zoo close to other green spaces like Zoo Lake and makes it easy to include other attractions in your visit.
🚗 Directions & Getting There
By Car
- If you’re driving, the easiest access is via Jan Smuts Avenue (a major road through Johannesburg) and turning onto Upper Park Drive toward the zoo entrance. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Follow signs for the Nairobi Zoo as you approach Parkview; the entrance is well signposted.
By Bus/Tour Services
- Some city sightseeing tours include Johannesburg Zoo as a stop if you prefer not to drive. These buses often start in central areas and stop at major attractions, including the zoo. (City Sightseeing)
Parking
- On-site parking is available for cars and buses for an extra fee. Typical parking costs are modest (e.g., cars around R19 and buses around R32). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Entrance Fees & How Costs Work
Understanding ticket prices helps you plan your visit with confidence. Below is the standard fee structure as advised by the official zoo tariff information effective from 1 July 2025:
| Visitor Type | Price (Standard) | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | R132.00 | |
| Child (ages 3–12) | R78.00 | |
| Senior Citizen / Pensioner | R78.00 | |
| Student (weekdays only, valid ID required) | R78.00 | |
| School Group (Mon–Fri) | R50.00 | |
| Differently Abled Visitor | R50.00 | |
| Group Entrance Rate (per person) | R31.00 | (JHB City Parks and Zoo) |
🐾 Special Pricing & Offers
- Annual Passes: If you plan to visit often, annual membership is available — e.g., adults R991 and children R604, which includes free parking. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Monthly Promotion: At times, special offers occur (e.g., R21 entry on the 21st of the month during promotions). These are not always available year-round, so check current offers before you go. (Time Out Worldwide)
📌 Additional Fees
- Tours (e.g., conservation walks) and special experiences have extra costs beyond standard entry. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Some activities like ferry tours or behind-the-scenes tours vary by group size and pricing. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Tips for Visitors
🕗 Operating Hours
- The zoo is typically open daily from about 08:30 to 17:30, with last entry usually around 16:00. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Hours can vary on special occasions or public holidays, so check ahead.
🎟️ Buying Tickets
- Tickets can be bought at the gate or online through Webtickets and some retail partners (e.g., Pick n Pay) to avoid queues. (Time Out Worldwide)
👟 Plan Your Day
- The zoo is large (55 ha) and involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- There are picnic areas and food vendors inside. You may bring your own food but certain items (like alcohol) are restricted. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
👍 Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings often have fewer crowds.
- Weekends, public holidays, and school vacations tend to be busier.
Conclusion
The Johannesburg Zoo is a well-loved destination in Johannesburg for families, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts. With its central Parkview location, easy parking, variety of animals, and flexible pricing options (including standard tickets, concessions, and annual passes), it offers a memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re planning a school trip, a weekend outing with friends, or a day of learning about animals, the Johannesburg Zoo remains one of Gauteng’s must-visit attractions.
Before you go, always double-check the zoo’s official website or ticketing partner pages for the latest hours and pricing, as these can change. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
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