Johannesburg Zoo Public Holiday Hours: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
The Johannesburg Zoo is one of South Africa’s most popular family attractions, offering visitors a chance to see wildlife up close right in the heart of Johannesburg. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or thinking about going on a public holiday, knowing the zoo’s opening hours and entrance fees will help you plan your day with confidence. In this post, we’ll explain the public holiday hours, how the fees work, and share tips for a smooth visit. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Main Information
📅 Public Holiday Hours
The Johannesburg Zoo remains open on all public holidays, including major holidays like Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter. It operates on the same schedule as regular days:
- 🕣 Opening Time: 08:30 AM
- 🕠 Closing Time: 05:30 PM
- 🕓 Last Entry: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (varies by source, but generally before closing) (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
This means you can plan a visit even if a public holiday falls during your trip — there’s no special holiday closure. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
How Fees Work
The Johannesburg Zoo has an entrance fee structure that varies by age and visitor type. These fees help support the care of the animals, maintenance of facilities, and conservation programmes. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🎟️ Standard Entrance Fees (Valid 1 July 2025 Onward)
| Visitor Type | Entrance Fee (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Adult (ages 13+) | R132.00 |
| Child (ages 3–12) | R78.00 |
| Senior Citizen (60+) | R78.00 |
| Student (with valid card)* | R78.00 |
| Differently Abled | R50.00 |
| School Group (Mon–Fri) | R50.00 |
| Group Tariff (per person) | R31.00 |
*Students must show a valid student ID; weekday restrictions may apply. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🅿️ Parking Costs
- Cars & Mini-vans: ~R19
- Buses (30–120 seats): ~R32 (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🪪 Other Ticket Options
- Annual Memberships — Unlimited entry for a year (Adults R991, Children/Pensioners R604) — great value for frequent visitors. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Note: Prices change occasionally, so check the official Johannesburg Zoo website or Webtickets before you go. (Time Out Worldwide)
Tips for Visitors
Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit on a public holiday:
🐾 Buy Tickets in Advance
You can purchase tickets online through Webtickets or at selected retail outlets (like Pick n Pay), which helps you avoid queues at the gate. (Time Out Worldwide)
🚗 Arrive Early
Public holidays can be busier than usual, especially in school holidays. Arriving when the zoo opens (08:30 AM) gives you more time to see the animals and avoid crowds.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo covers 55 hectares, so expect a fair bit of walking. Comfortable footwear and a hat are a must.
🍱 Food & Picnic Spots
You’re allowed to bring your own food and enjoy picnic spots around the grounds. Just remember that feeding the animals yourself isn’t permitted. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
☕ Onsite Services
There are cafés and food vendors inside the zoo, but queues can be longer on public holidays, so plan accordingly. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🪑 Special Events
Some events (like holiday programmes or night festivals) may have different hours or fees. Always check event details before you go. (Webtickets)
Conclusion
Visiting the Johannesburg Zoo on a public holiday is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying wildlife right in the city. The zoo’s regular opening hours of 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM apply all year round — including public holidays — and a clear fee structure makes it easy to plan your budget. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a frequent planner, booking tickets in advance and arriving early will help you have a fantastic day out. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
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