Johannesburg Zoo Group Entrance Fee: Complete Guide & Pricing
Quick Answer: The group entrance fee at Johannesburg Zoo starts at R33.00 per person for standard group tariffs (often paired with venue bookings), while school group entry is R52.00 per learner and welfare group entry is R57.00 per person on weekdays. Regular entry rates for non-group visitors are R135.00 for adults and R81.00 for children and pensioners. Group reservations usually require prior booking with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and a R500.00 non-refundable booking administration fee.
Planning a group excursion to the historic Johannesburg Zoo—located in Parkview, Johannesburg—offers schools, corporate teams, tour operators, and community groups an affordable way to explore 54 hectares of wildlife exhibits housing over 1,900 animals across 285 species.
Whether you are organizing an educational school trip, a family reunion, a welfare outing, or a private event at one of the zoo’s venue lawns, understanding the exact fee structure and booking process ensures a seamless visit.
Complete Tariff Breakdown
The official Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) tariff schedule outlines specific rates based on visitor age, organization type, and group structure.
| Visitor Category | Tariff (Incl. VAT) | Applicable Conditions |
| Group Entrance Tariff | R33.00 per person | Applicable to general group arrangements & venue rentals |
| School Groups | R52.00 per learner | Mon–Fri only; require official school booking |
| Welfare Groups | R57.00 per person | Mon–Fri only; registered non-profit/charity groups |
| Differently Abled Visitors | R52.00 per person | Applicable to designated groups and individuals |
| Standard Adult Ticket | R135.00 | Individual adults (13–59 years) |
| Standard Child Ticket | R81.00 | Children ages 3 to 12 years (Under 3 enter free) |
| Senior Citizen Ticket | R81.00 | South African pensioners (60+ years with valid ID) |
| Student Ticket | R81.00 | Weekdays only; valid student card required |
| Non-Refundable Booking Admin Fee | R500.00 | Applied to formal group & venue reservations |
Detailed Group Discount Categories
1. School Group Visits
Educational school trips benefit from a heavily discounted rate of R52.00 per learner.
- Days Available: Monday through Friday during school terms.
- Requirements: Bookings must be placed in advance through the JCPZ Education Department. Teachers and chaperones should verify teacher-to-learner ratio allowances when confirming the booking.
- Educational Add-ons: Schools can add structured educational day tours at a flat rate of R104.00, or opt for night tours at R147.00.
2. Welfare & Non-Profit Organizations
Registered welfare organizations, senior care centers, and non-profit community groups qualify for a welfare rate of R57.00 per person.
- Days Available: Weekdays only (Monday to Friday).
- Requirements: Organizations must provide official registration documentation (NPO/PBO documentation) and request approval in advance.
3. Corporate & Event Group Rates
For large private groups, corporate team-building events, or parties hiring one of the zoo’s specialized venue spaces (such as the Old Elephant House, AngloGold Ashanti Centre, or Bandstand Lawns), the baseline Group Entrance Fee is R33.00 per person, which is added to the applicable venue hire rate.
Group Activity Add-Ons & Experiences
To enhance a group visit, Johannesburg Zoo offers several guided tours, transport options, and overnight experiences:
Group Ferry Tours
For groups wanting a comfortable, driven tour across the 54-hectare grounds:
- 15–20 People: R165.00 per group
- 21–34 People: R153.00 per group
- 35+ People: R133.00 per group
- Individual Ferry Rides: R8.00 per ride on weekdays; R14.00 per ride on weekends.
Golf Cart / Buggy Hires
Self-driven electric buggies can be hired by the hour to help navigate the park comfortably:
- 2-Seater Buggy: R170.00 / hour
- 4-Seater Buggy: R240.00 / hour
- 6-Seater Buggy: R300.00 / hour
- 8-Seater Buggy: R350.00 / hour
Overnight “Zoo Snooze”
Groups seeking a unique overnight camping experience among the animals can book a Zoo Snooze:
- 25–49 People: R277.00 per person
- 50+ People: R216.00 per person
Parking Fees for Group Transport
Parking facilities are located at the main entrance off Upper Park Drive:
- Minivans & Standard Cars: R20.00 per vehicle
- Large Buses (30–120 seaters): R34.00 per bus
Tip for Bus Drivers: Large buses should arrive early during peak school tour seasons (September to November) to secure dedicated bus parking bays along Upper Park Drive.
How to Book a Group Visit
- Submit a Request: Contact the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo booking office via telephone (011 646 2000 / 010 590 4448) or email well ahead of your intended visit date.
- Pay the Admin Fee: A non-refundable R500.00 booking administration fee applies to formal group registrations.
- Confirm Attendance Numbers: Provide the exact count of learners, adults, drivers, and chaperones to receive an official quote/invoice.
- Advance Payment: Payment must be settled via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) prior to arrival. Bring proof of payment 2 to 3 days before your visit or present it at the group entry gate.
- On-Site Payment Note: The zoo does not operate on-site ATM facilities, so all incidental purchases should be planned using card payments or pre-arranged cash.
Key Visitor Rules for Groups
- Operating Hours: Open 365 days a year from 08:30 to 17:30 (Last entry strictly at 16:00).
- Supervision: School groups must maintain active adult supervision at all times across all animal enclosures.
- Littering & Feeding: Feeding the animals is strictly prohibited. Dedicated picnic areas and lawn sites are available for group lunches.
- Accessibility: Wheelchairs are available at the main gate with a refundable deposit of R114.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the group entrance fee at Johannesburg Zoo?
The standard group entrance tariff is R33.00 per person when booked in conjunction with venue hire or organized group events. For school groups, the weekday rate is R52.00 per learner, while welfare group entry is R57.00 per person.
2. Do school groups get a discount at Johannesburg Zoo?
Yes, school groups receive a reduced tariff of R52.00 per learner on weekdays during normal school terms. Pre-booking through the JCPZ Education Department is required.
3. How much does bus parking cost for group trips?
Parking for large buses (30 to 120 seaters) costs R34.00 per bus. Parking for standard cars and minivans costs R20.00 per vehicle.
4. Are there group discounts for welfare organizations and charities?
Yes, registered welfare organizations pay a discounted weekday rate of R57.00 per person. Proof of NPO/PBO registration must be submitted during the booking process.
5. Is there a booking fee for group visits to the zoo?
Yes, a non-refundable R500.00 booking administration fee is charged for formal group reservations and venue bookings at Johannesburg Zoo.
6. Can groups hire ferries or golf carts at the zoo?
Yes, ferry tours can be booked for groups starting at R133.00 to R165.00 depending on group size. Multi-seater electric buggies (2 to 8 seaters) are also available for hourly rental ranging from R170.00 to R350.00 per hour.
7. What are the operating hours for group visits?
Johannesburg Zoo is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30, with the last gate entry allowed at 16:00. Group arrivals are encouraged early in the morning for smoother entry.