Johannesburg Zoo School Group Rates & Booking Guide
Quick Answer
The school group entry rate at the Johannesburg Zoo is R52 per learner and educator (valid Monday through Friday during school terms). Bus parking for school excursions is R34 per bus (30–120 seater buses). Educational guided school tours start from R104 per group, and advance booking is required at least one week prior to your visit.
Planning an educational field trip to the Johannesburg Zoo offers learners a hands-on experience with over 320 animal species across 81 hectares. Managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the facility provides discounted weekday rates for school groups, along with structured educational resources aligned with school curricula.
Johannesburg Zoo School Group Fees
Below is a breakdown of the official admission tariffs and add-on costs applicable to school groups:
| Category / Service | Tariff (Incl. VAT) | Details & Conditions |
| School Group Admission | R52.00 | Per learner & educator (Monday – Friday) |
| Bus Parking | R34.00 | Per bus (30–120 seater capacity) |
| School Day Tour | R104.00 | Flat rate for guided day educational tour |
| School Evening Tour | R147.00 | Flat rate for guided night/twilight educational tour |
| Zoo Snooze (Overnight) | R216.00 – R277.00 | Per person (depends on group size; includes night tour & bonfire) |
| Ferry Ride (Weekdays) | R8.00 | Per learner for a short ferry hop around key complexes |
Educational Programs & “Zoo School”
The Johannesburg Zoo’s Education Department operates a Living Classroom initiative designed to support Life Sciences and Natural Sciences topics.
- Curriculum Worksheets: The zoo provides master copies of learning worksheets tailored to various grade levels. These can be sent to educators prior to the trip or collected on arrival.
- Zoo School Sessions: Included with the school admission tariff, educators can schedule targeted educational sessions covering topics such as animal adaptation, biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem dynamics.
- Zoo-to-You Outreach: For schools unable to travel to the zoo, the education team offers outreach presentations bringing small mammals, reptiles, and birds directly to the classroom.
How to Book a School Field Trip
To qualify for the discounted school group rate, schools must follow the official booking process:
- Advance Booking: Contact the JCPZ Education Department at least 7 to 10 days prior to the intended visit date.
- Submit Details: Provide the exact school name, contact details, number of learners, grade level, number of accompanying educators, and preferred arrival time.
- Confirmation & Payment: Receive a written booking confirmation and payment instructions from the zoo’s administration team. Payment can be settled via electronic transfer (EFT) or at the entrance gate upon arrival with prior agreement.
- Schedule Guided Activities: If booking a Guided School Day Tour or Ferry Tour, ensure these are reserved during the initial booking step as guide availability is limited.
Guidelines & Tips for Teachers
- Chaperone Ratios: Maintain a recommended minimum ratio of 1 teacher or chaperone for every 10 to 15 learners to ensure safety and supervision.
- Picnic Areas: The zoo features broad lawns and shaded picnic spots. Learners are welcome to bring packed lunches and reusable water bottles.
- Footwear & Sun Protection: The zoo grounds cover 81 hectares. Learners and staff should wear comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, and sunscreen.
- Operating Hours: The zoo opens from 08:00 to 17:30 daily (last entry at 16:00). School group programs generally run during morning hours between 08:30 and 13:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the school group entry fee at the Johannesburg Zoo?
The entry fee for school groups is R52 per learner and educator. This special rate is available for official school visits taking place Monday through Friday during school terms.
2. Do educators and chaperones get the discounted school rate?
Yes. Teachers and accompanying adult chaperones pay the same discounted school rate of R52 per person when visiting as part of an official registered school group.
3. Is advance booking required for school groups?
Yes. School group bookings must be made at least one week in advance through the Johannesburg Zoo Education Department to qualify for discounted rates and to secure educational worksheets or guided tours.
4. How much does bus parking cost at the zoo?
Parking for school buses (30 to 120 seaters) costs R34 per bus. Standard light vehicles and minivans pay R20 per vehicle.
5. Can learners bring their own food and lunch boxes?
Yes. School groups are welcome to bring packed lunches, snacks, and drinks to enjoy in the designated outdoor picnic areas across the zoo grounds.
6. Are guided educational tours included in the standard school entry fee?
Self-guided access to animal exhibits and basic educational master worksheets are included in the R52 entrance fee. Dedicated guided day tours cost a flat additional fee of R104 per group and must be booked in advance.