National Zoological Garden Entrance Fee & Visitor Guide
Quick Answer
Entry tickets for the National Zoological Garden of South Africa (commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo) cost R100 to R110 for adults (18+ years) and R70 to R80 for children (ages 2–17). Toddlers under 2 years enter for free. Valid tertiary students pay R70 to R75, while pensioners pay R80 to R100 (with free entry on selected Tuesdays for registered SANBI members). Vehicle parking inside the secure lot costs R30.
Note: The National Zoological Garden operates as a strictly cashless facility. All payments at the gate must be made via credit/debit card or pre-booked online.
National Zoological Garden Ticket Prices
Spanning 85 hectares in Pretoria, the National Zoological Garden is the largest zoo in South Africa and home to over 9,000 animals across hundreds of species. Managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the zoo offers affordable day-pass rates for families, school groups, and solo travelers.
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee (approx.) | Details / Requirements |
| Adults (18+ years) | R100 – R110 | General admission for day visitors |
| Children (2–17 years) | R70 – R80 | Standard child entry rate |
| Toddlers (Under 2 years) | Free | No ticket required |
| Students | R70 – R75 | Must present valid tertiary student ID |
| Pensioners (60+ years) | R80 – R100 | Must present valid South African ID card |
| Vehicle Parking | R30 | Secure on-site parking fee per vehicle |
Additional Activities & Equipment Rentals
Beyond general park admission, the National Zoological Garden features several paid attractions and transport options to help visitors navigate the expansive grounds:
- Cableway (Funicular): R25 (one-way) or R35 (return) for adults; R20 (one-way) or R25 (return) for children. Provides panoramic views over the zoo and Pretoria skyline.
- Golf Cart Rentals: R100 per hour or R190 for two hours (subject to availability). Ideal for seniors or visitors with mobility challenges.
- Children’s Push Carts: R60 per day for a single-seater; R80 per day for a double-seater.
- Sunset Safari / Night at the Zoo: R130 for adults and R100 for children (requires advance booking for guided evening tours).
- Eziko Braai Area & Lapa Hire: Braai entry is R120 (includes zoo garden admission). Lapas can be hired for private events starting at R150 for small groups up to R500 for larger groups.
SANBI Annual Memberships
For frequent visitors, SANBI offers annual membership packages that grant unlimited entry to national botanical and zoological gardens across South Africa.
- National Adult Membership: R800 per year (unlimited access to Pretoria Zoo, Kirstenbosch, and all SANBI gardens).
- Regional Adult Membership: R650 per year (covers Pretoria Zoo, Pretoria National Botanical Garden, and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden).
- Family Memberships: R1,300 to R1,600 per year (covers 2 adults and up to 3 children).
Key Visitor Information & Guidelines
- Operating Hours: Open 365 days a year, Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:30.
- Ticket Office Hours: Gates sell tickets daily between 09:00 and 16:30.
- Location: 232 Boom Street, Daspoort, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Cashless Policy: Cash is no longer accepted at ticket counters, food kiosks, or facility rentals inside the zoo. Plan to use debit cards, credit cards, or online purchases.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), reusable water bottles, and charcoal if planning to utilize the designated Eziko braai facility. (Note: Wood fires are strictly prohibited for animal safety).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the entrance fee at the Pretoria Zoo?
General admission for adults is R100 to R110, while tickets for children aged 2 to 17 cost R70 to R80. Children under 2 years old enter free of charge.
2. Can I pay with cash at the National Zoological Garden?
No. The National Zoological Garden is completely cashless. All admission tickets, parking, concessions, and activity rentals must be paid using a credit card, debit card, or pre-purchased online tickets via Webtickets.
3. What are the operating hours of the zoo?
The zoo is open every day of the year (including weekends and public holidays) from 08:00 to 17:30. Ticket sales at the entrance close at 16:30.
4. How much does parking cost at the Pretoria Zoo?
Secure on-site vehicle parking costs R30 per vehicle. Parking fees are paid at the entrance gate.
5. Are pensioners eligible for free entry?
Pensioners pay a discounted rate of R80 to R100 on standard days. SANBI pensioner members enjoy free access on designated Pensioner Tuesdays across participating SANBI gardens upon presenting a valid ID card.
6. Can visitors bring their own food and drinks?
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring picnic baskets and cool boxes into the park. Designated picnic lawns and the Eziko Braai Area are available. Charcoal must be used for braais, as open wood fires are not allowed.
7. How much is the cableway ride inside the zoo?
The cableway ride costs R25 for a one-way ticket or R35 for a return ticket for adults. For children, it costs R20 one-way or R25 return.