Pretoria Zoo Entrance Fees and Visitor Guide
Quick Answer Intro
The entrance fee for the Pretoria Zoo (National Zoological Garden of South Africa) is R110 for adults and R75 for children aged 2 to 17 when purchased on-site at the gate. Visitors can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance via Webtickets, where prices drop to R95 for adults and R68 for children. Toddlers under 2 years enter for free, while students with a valid student ID pay R75 and pensioners pay R80. The zoo is open 365 days a year from 08:30 to 17:30 (ticket sales close at 16:30), and all ticket transactions at the venue are 100% cashless.
Spanning over 85 hectares in the heart of Tshwane, the National Zoological Garden of South Africa (commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo) is the largest zoo in South Africa and a world-renowned conservation center. Home to more than 9,000 animals across 700+ species—including lions, elephants, gorillas, hippos, and an extensive reptile park and aquarium—it offers an ideal day out for families, school trips, and wildlife lovers.
Detailed Ticket Price Breakdown
General admission tickets cover entry to the main walking trails, animal enclosures, the walk-through aviaries, the reptile park, and the inland aquarium.
| Visitor Category | On-Site Gate Price | Online Price (Webtickets) | Requirements / Notes |
| Adults | R110 | R95 | Ages 18 and older |
| Children | R75 | R68 | Ages 2 to 17 years |
| Toddlers | Free | Free | Under 2 years old |
| Students | R75 | R75 | Must present valid tertiary student ID |
| Pensioners / Seniors | R80 | R80 | Ages 60+ (South African ID required) |
Tip: Booking online in advance not only saves money per ticket but also allows you to skip the ticket booth queue at the entrance.
Additional Rates & On-Site Add-Ons
To make your trip more comfortable or adventurous, the Pretoria Zoo offers several optional facilities and special experiences:
- Secure On-Site Parking:R25 per vehicle. Safe parking is available at the main entrance on Boom Street.
- Golf Cart Rental:R100 per hour. Because the zoo grounds cover 85 hectares with over 6 km of walking paths, golf carts are available for rent to help seniors, families with young children, or visitors with mobility challenges get around easily.
- Night Safaris at the Zoo:R110 for adults / R95 for children. Guided sunset tours run on select evenings, allowing visitors to view nocturnal species in action.
- Overnight Camping:R165 for adults / R110 for children. Available on select weekend nights during warmer months (guests bring their own tent and camping equipment).
SANBI Annual Memberships
If you plan to visit the Pretoria Zoo multiple times a year, joining the SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) Membership Program offers unlimited access to the zoo as well as the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
- Adult Individual Annual Pass: R650 / year
- Scholar Annual Pass (6–17 yrs): R325 / year
- Student & Senior Annual Pass: R480 / year
- Family Packages: Customized bundle packages for couples and families are available online via Webtickets.
Key Rules & Essential Visitor Information
- Cashless Payments Only: Standard debit and credit cards, EFT payments, or pre-booked online tickets are required. Cash is not accepted at ticket gates or venue outlets.
- Operating Hours: Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 08:30 to 17:30. Gate sales and entry close strictly at 16:30.
- Picnics & Catering: Visitors are welcome to bring picnic baskets, blankets, and folding chairs to enjoy in designated green picnic areas. Own braai stands and pets are strictly prohibited.
- Location: 232 Boom Street, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the entrance fee for Pretoria Zoo?
Standard gate tickets cost R110 for adults and R75 for children aged 2 to 17. Booking online via Webtickets reduces the cost to R95 for adults and R68 for children. Toddlers under 2 years enter for free.
2. Can I pay with cash at the Pretoria Zoo ticket counter?
No. Pretoria Zoo and all SANBI facilities operate on a strictly cashless system. You must pay using a Visa/Mastercard debit or credit card, or purchase your tickets online prior to arrival.
3. Is parking available at Pretoria Zoo, and how much does it cost?
Yes, safe and secure on-site parking is available directly at the Boom Street main entrance for R25 per vehicle.
4. Are food and picnic baskets allowed inside the zoo?
Yes! Visitors are allowed to bring picnic baskets, food, non-alcoholic beverages, picnic blankets, and folding chairs to enjoy on the manicured lawns. Own braai (barbecue) stands and glass bottles are not permitted.
5. What are the opening hours for Pretoria Zoo?
The zoo is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. Ticket sales and main entrance access close at 16:30, so visitors must arrive before this time.
6. Does Pretoria Zoo offer discounts for students and pensioners?
Yes. Students with a valid student ID card pay R75, and senior citizens/pensioners (aged 60+ with South African ID) enter for R80.
7. What is the cheapest way to buy Pretoria Zoo tickets?
Purchasing tickets online in advance via Webtickets offers the best discount (R95 for adults instead of R110, and R68 for kids instead of R75).