Johannesburg Zoo Entrance Fees & Visitor Guide
Quick Answer: How Much is the Entrance Fee for Johannesburg Zoo?
The standard entrance fee for Johannesburg Zoo is R135 for adults and R81 for children (ages 3–12). Senior citizens (pensioners) and full-time students with a valid student card pay R81.Children under 3 years old enter for free.Parking costs R20 for cars and mini-vans, and R34 for buses.
The zoo is open 365 days a year from 08:30 to 17:30, with the ticket office closing and last entry permitted at 16:00.
Standard Ticket Prices & Admission Fees
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) sets the standard admission tariffs for all daily visitors. Admission gives you access to the entire 54-hectare park, home to over 1,900 animals and 285 species including the Big Five, white lions, and Amazonian wildlife.
| Ticket Category | Price (Incl. VAT) | Details / Requirements |
| Adult | R135.00 | Standard adult admission (13 years and older) |
| Child | R81.00 | Children aged 3 to 12 years |
| Toddlers / Babies | Free | Children under 3 years old |
| Senior Citizen / Pensioner | R81.00 | South African ID / Pensioner card required |
| Student | R81.00 | Valid student ID required (Weekdays only) |
| Differently Abled Visitors | R52.00 | Concession tariff |
| School Groups | R52.00 | Per learner (Pre-booking required) |
| Welfare Groups | R57.00 | Per person (Weekdays only) |
Parking Fees & Internal Transport
Parking facilities are secured and accessible via the main gate on Upper Park Drive. Because the zoo spans 54 hectares, internal transport options are also available for hire inside the gates.
Parking Rates
- Cars and Mini-Vans:R20.00
- Buses (30–120 seaters):R34.00
Golf Carts & Buggy Hire
For visitors with limited mobility or families with young children, electric golf carts (zoo buggies) can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.A valid driver’s license is required.
- Zoo Buggies / Carts:R153.00 per hour
- Paws & Pull Luggage Trolleys:R50.00 for 3 hours or R100.00 for the full day
- Wheelchair Rental:Refundable deposit of R114.00
Ferry Rides & Guided Tours
- Weekday Ferry Ride:R8.00 per person
- Weekend Ferry Ride:R14.00 per person
- Ferry Tours (Group Rates):R133.00 to R165.00 depending on group size
- Behind the Scenes Tour:R160.00 (Flat rate)
- Evening / Night Tours:R160.00 to R176.00 per person
- Zoo Snooze (Overnight Camping):R216.00 to R277.00 per person
Annual Membership Pass Prices
If you plan to visit the Johannesburg Zoo multiple times throughout the year, an Annual Pass offers significant savings, including unlimited admission for 12 months and free parking.
- Adult Annual Pass:R1,027.00
- Child Annual Pass:R626.00
- Pensioner Annual Pass:R626.00
- Family Pass (Family of 4, up to 6 entries/yr):R1,380.00
Visiting Hours & Essential Information
- Operating Hours:Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 08:30 to 17:30.
- Ticket Sales & Last Entry:Ticket counters close at 16:00.
- Address: Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg.
- Picnics & Food: Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and blanket. On-site kiosks, food stalls, and restaurants are also available.
- Prohibited Items:No alcohol, domestic pets, glass containers, or balloons are permitted inside the zoo grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the entrance fee for Johannesburg Zoo?
The general entrance fee is R135 for adults and R81 for children aged 3 to 12. Senior citizens (pensioners) and full-time students (with valid ID) pay R81.Children under 3 years old enter for free.
2. Can I buy Johannesburg Zoo tickets online?
Yes, day admission tickets and event passes can be purchased online via Webtickets or directly at the entrance gates upon arrival.
3. How much does parking cost at the zoo?
Secure on-site parking costs R20 per car or mini-van and R34 for large buses.
4. What are the opening hours for Johannesburg Zoo?
The zoo is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30, including weekends and public holidays.Note that final entry and ticket sales end strictly at 16:00.
5. Can I bring my own food and drinks into Johannesburg Zoo?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring picnic baskets, cold drinks, and snacks to enjoy on the manicured lawns. However, alcohol, open fires, gas braais, and balloons are strictly prohibited.
6. Are golf carts or wheelchairs available to rent at the zoo?
Yes, electric golf carts (zoo buggies) are available for R153 per hour on a first-come, first-served basis (driver’s license required).Wheelchairs can also be hired at the main entrance with a refundable deposit of R114.
7. Are there special ticket rates for school groups?
Yes, pre-booked school groups pay a discounted rate of R52 per learner. Accompanying teachers or tour leaders should contact the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo education department prior to their visit.