Quick Answer: How Much Do Gauteng Animal Parks Cost?
Entrance fees for animal parks and wildlife reserves across Gauteng range from R50 to R135 per adult for public zoos and boutique animal sanctuaries, and R260 to R360+ per adult for larger private game reserves and safari experiences. Children and senior citizens typically enjoy discounted entry rates (averaging R30 to R80), with many reserves offering free admission for toddlers under 2 years old.
Below is an overview of entrance fees, attraction types, and essential visitor details for the top animal parks in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas.
Overview of Animal Parks in Gauteng
Gauteng offers a wide spectrum of wildlife attractions, from heritage municipal zoos to private big-game reserves and specialized reptile or bird sanctuaries. Whether you are planning a family weekend outing, an educational day trip for kids, or a self-drive safari close to the city, knowing the entrance fees and package options helps you budget effectively.
Municipal & Public Zoos
Public zoos offer some of the most affordable full-day outdoor experiences in the province, featuring expansive grounds, diverse global animal species, and educational conservation programs.
Johannesburg Zoo (Parkview, Johannesburg)
Spanning 55 hectares, the Johannesburg Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 320 species. It is ideal for day walks, picnics, and family outings.
- Adults (12–59 years): R135.00
- Children (3–12 years): R81.00
- Senior Citizens (60+): R81.00
- Students (Weekdays only, card required): R81.00
- Parking: R20.00 per vehicle
National Zoological Garden / Pretoria Zoo (Pretoria Central)
The Pretoria Zoo is the largest zoo in South Africa, housing thousands of animal species alongside an aquarium and reptile park.
- Adults (Peak / Standard): R100.00
- Adults (Off-Peak): R80.00
- Children (3–12 years): R30.00 – R40.00
- Pensioners: Free entry on Tuesdays (standard rates apply on other days)
- Children under 3: Free
Game Reserves & Safari Parks
For visitors seeking a bushveld experience closer to home, Gauteng’s private nature reserves offer self-drive and guided game viewing opportunities.
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve (Krugersdorp / Cradle of Humankind)
Located in the Cradle of Humankind, this private reserve offers self-drive game viewing, predator enclosures, live feeding demonstrations, and access to picnic spots and play areas.
- Self-Drive Entrance (Adults): R260.00 – R360.00 (includes conservation fee)
- Self-Drive Entrance (Kids 5–12 years): R150.00 – R220.00 (Special: 1 child enters free per paying adult on self-drive packages)
- Self-Drive Entrance (Pensioners 60+): R200.00 – R280.00
- Guided 1-Hour Predator Tour: R570.00 per adult | R400.00 per child
- WonderCave + Self-Drive Combo: R390.00 – R520.00 per adult | R230.00 – R310.00 per child
Emerald Resort Animal World (Vanderbijlpark, Vaal)
Situated along the Vaal River, Animal World houses over 500 animals across 500 species, combining zoo walks with optional game drives.
- Zoo Only (Adults): R60.00 (Off-Peak) / R70.00 (Peak / Weekends)
- Zoo Only (Kids under 12 & Pensioners): R40.00 (Off-Peak) / R55.00 (Peak)
- Zoo + Game Drive Combo (Adults): R110.00 (Off-Peak) / R130.00 (Peak)
- Zoo + Game Drive Combo (Kids under 12): R70.00 (Off-Peak) / R100.00 (Peak)
Specialized Bird, Reptile & Sanctuary Parks
If you prefer smaller, walk-friendly sanctuaries focused on interactive encounters and specialized species, these parks offer great value.
Montecasino Bird Gardens (Fourways, Johannesburg)
A lush walk-through aviary featuring over 60 species of birds, small mammals, and reptiles, as well as the famous “Flight of Fantasy” bird show.
- Adults & Children over 10 years: R105.00 – R115.00
- Children (2–10 years): R70.00 – R75.00
- Pensioners: R70.00 – R75.00
- Hotel Guests: R33.00
Lory Park Zoo & Animal Sanctuary (Midrand)
A boutique, bird and big-cat sanctuary offering an intimate layout where visitors can view rescued big cats, primates, and exotic birds up close.
- Adults (12–59 years): R130.00
- Children (2–11 years): R100.00
- Pensioners (60+): R70.00
- Children under 2: Free
Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park (Chartwell / Fourways)
Specializing in indigenous and exotic reptiles, Croc City offers crocodile viewing, snake handling demonstrations, and an optional zip-line flyover.
- General Entrance (Adults): R100.00
- General Entrance (Children): R70.00
- Croc City Flyover (Zip-line add-on): R100.00 per person
Summary Table of Entrance Fees
| Animal Park / Attraction | Location | Adult Fee | Child Fee (Age Band) | Pensioner Fee |
| Johannesburg Zoo | Parkview, Joburg | R135.00 | R81.00 (3–12 yrs) | R81.00 |
| Pretoria Zoo (NZG) | Pretoria Central | R80.00 – R100.00 | R30.00 – R40.00 (3–12 yrs) | Free on Tuesdays / R80 |
| Rhino & Lion Reserve | Krugersdorp | R260.00 – R360.00 | R150.00 – R220.00 (5–12 yrs) | R200.00 – R280.00 |
| Lory Park Sanctuary | Midrand | R130.00 | R100.00 (2–11 yrs) | R70.00 |
| Montecasino Bird Gardens | Fourways | R105.00 – R115.00 | R70.00 – R75.00 (2–10 yrs) | R70.00 – R75.00 |
| Croc City Reptile Park | Chartwell | R100.00 | R70.00 (Under 12) | R70.00 |
| Emerald Animal World | Vanderbijlpark | R60.00 – R70.00 | R40.00 – R55.00 (Under 12) | R40.00 – R55.00 |
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Cashless Operations: Many Gauteng attractions, including public botanical and zoological gardens, have transitioned to cashless payment systems. Ensure you bring a debit or credit card.
- Promotions & Discount Days: Check official park websites before visiting. Facilities like Joburg Zoo and Pretoria Zoo frequently run promotional discount days or anniversary specials (e.g., National Gardens Week promotions).
- Pram & Wheelchair Accessibility: Public zoos (Joburg Zoo, Pretoria Zoo) and paved sanctuaries (Montecasino Bird Gardens) offer wide asphalt paths that are pram- and wheelchair-friendly.
- Picnics and Catering: Venues like Johannesburg Zoo and Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve allow visitors to bring their own picnic baskets and make use of dedicated outdoor braai areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most budget-friendly animal park to visit in Gauteng?
Public municipal facilities offer the most affordable entry rates. Emerald Resort Animal World (from R60 per adult) and the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria (from R80 per adult, with free entry for pensioners on Tuesdays) offer some of the lowest entrance fees in the province.
2. Do animal parks in Gauteng accept cash for entrance tickets?
Most major animal parks and public sanctuaries in Gauteng now operate on a cashless basis. Visitors are strongly advised to bring a valid card or pay via online booking platforms prior to arrival.
3. Are children under 2 years old required to pay an entry fee?
At almost all major animal parks in Gauteng—including Johannesburg Zoo, Lory Park, Montecasino Bird Gardens, and Pretoria Zoo—children under 2 or 3 years old enter free of charge.
4. Can I bring my own food and drinks for a picnic?
Yes, several open-air venues encourage picnics. Johannesburg Zoo, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, and Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve permit visitors to bring their own food, beverages, and picnic blankets. However, venues located inside commercial complexes (such as Montecasino Bird Gardens) do not allow outside food.
5. Do you need to pre-book entrance tickets online?
Pre-booking is generally not mandatory for standard day-walk entry at public zoos, though online booking is recommended for private game reserves, guided predator tours, or holiday events to guarantee your entry slot and avoid queue delays.
6. Which Gauteng animal parks offer game drives or safari tours?
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve (Krugersdorp) and Dinokeng Game Reserve (Hammanskraal) offer full self-drive bush safaris as well as guided open-vehicle game drives where visitors can see big game species like lions, rhinos, and cheetahs.