Johannesburg Zoo Opening Times (2026) — Your Complete Guide
Johannesburg Zoo is one of South Africa’s most popular family attractions. Located in the leafy suburb of Parkview, Johannesburg, the zoo is home to over 320 species and around 2 000 animals, making it a top choice for locals and visitors alike. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
This guide covers everything you need to know about Johannesburg Zoo opening times, entrance fees, visitor tips, and how fees work so you can plan your visit with confidence.
🕰️ Introduction
Visiting Johannesburg Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals — it’s a full outdoor experience in a beautiful, 55-hectare park that’s perfect for families, school groups, and wildlife lovers. Whether you’re planning a day trip, birthday outing, or school excursion, knowing the opening times and fee structure ahead of time will help you make the most of your visit. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
📅 Opening Times — When You Can Visit
Here’s the current official opening schedule for Johannesburg Zoo:
- 🐾 Open every day of the year — including weekends and public holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- ⏰ Standard hours:
08:30 am – 17:30 pm (JHB City Parks and Zoo) - 🚪 Last entry: 16:00 pm (sometimes listed at 16:30 on ticketing sites) (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Note: On special occasions or special events the zoo’s opening and closing times may change. Always check ahead if your visit coincides with an event. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
💰 Entrance Fees — What You’ll Pay
Johannesburg Zoo’s entrance fees vary by age and category. These are based on the zoo’s current tariff schedule (effective 1 July 2025):
| Visitor Type | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | R132.00 |
| Child (ages 3–12) | R78.00 |
| Senior Citizen | R78.00 |
| Student* (weekdays + valid student card) | R78.00 |
| Differently Abled | R50.00 |
| School Groups (Mon–Fri) | R50.00 |
| Welfare Groups (weekdays) | R55.00 |
- Students must present a valid student card. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Other Fees & Options
- 🎡 Annual Membership:
Offers unlimited entry for a full year. Examples:
• Adult membership — R991
• Child membership — R604
• Pensioner membership — R604
(Membership excludes events/tours.) (JHB City Parks and Zoo) - 🚗 Parking:
• Cars & mini vans — R19
• Buses — R32 (JHB City Parks and Zoo) - 🛴 Golf Cart Hire: Useful if you don’t want to walk the entire zoo — prices start from around R170/hour. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🧠 How Fees Work — What You Should Know
- 🏷️ Age Groups:
Children are typically defined as ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are usually free (check at the gate). (JHB City Parks and Zoo) - 🎫 Ticket Purchase:
You can buy tickets: - At the zoo gate (cash or card)
- Online in advance via Webtickets — this helps avoid queues. (Time Out Worldwide)
- 💡 Special Offers:
The zoo sometimes runs promotions — for example, on the 21st of each month tickets have been offered for R21 during anniversary celebrations. (This type of offer is seasonal and may not always be available.) (Time Out Worldwide) - 🎓 Student & Group Discounts:
Students save when visiting on weekdays with ID. School group rates are cheaper per learner. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🎒 Tips for Visitors — Make Your Trip Better
Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your zoo visit:
✔️ Arrive Early
Getting there near opening time (08:30 am) helps beat crowds and enjoy animals when they are more active. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
✔️ Bring Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes — the zoo grounds are large. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Water, sunscreen, hat — shade varies around the park. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Snacks or a picnic — you can bring your own food (just don’t feed the animals). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
✔️ Book Tickets Ahead
Buying tickets online through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores saves time at the entrance. (Time Out Worldwide)
✔️ Plan for a Full Day
Most visitors spend 3–5 hours exploring the zoo, especially with kids or if you want to see all the exhibits. (Tripadvisor)
✔️ Check Event Schedules
Special events, tours, or peak periods (school holidays) can affect both pricing and crowd levels. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🏁 Conclusion
Visiting Johannesburg Zoo is a fantastic way to spend the day connecting with wildlife and enjoying nature in the heart of Johannesburg. With easy-to-remember opening times, clear ticket pricing, and options like annual passes or online booking, you can plan your visit confidently and affordably. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Whether you’re a local family or a tourist looking for a fun outing, knowing when the zoo opens, how much it costs, and how fees work will help you have a smooth and memorable experience.
Leave a Reply