Pretoria Zoo tickets can be purchased online through Webtickets or directly at the entrance gates using card payments, as the facility operates on a completely cashless basis. Standard entrance fees are approximately R110 to R120 for adults, R75 to R85 for children aged 2 to 14, and free for toddlers under the age of two. Booking online in advance helps visitors bypass ticket-counter queues and guarantees hassle-free access to South Africa’s largest zoological garden.
Pretoria Zoo Entrance Fees and Ticket Prices
The National Zoological Garden of South Africa (commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo) provides affordable access for families, school groups, and tourists. Ticket pricing is tiered according to age group, student status, and special institutional memberships.
Standard Day Visitor Rates
| Ticket Category | Gate Price (Estimated) | Online Price via Webtickets | Details |
| Adults | R110 – R120 | R95 – R110 | General adult admission (18+) |
| Children (Ages 2–14) | R75 – R85 | R68 – R75 | Valid for minors |
| Infants (Under 2) | Free | Free | No ticket required |
| Students | R75 – R80 | R75 | Must present a valid student card |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | R80 | R80 | Must present a valid South African ID |
Note: Special event days, evening tours, and holiday programs may carry separate ticket tariffs. Always verify final prices on the official booking portal prior to your visit.
Annual Memberships and SANBI Passes
For frequent visitors, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) offers annual membership packages that grant unlimited access to the Pretoria Zoo as well as partner botanical gardens such as Walter Sisulu and Pretoria National Botanical Garden:
- Individual Adult Membership: Approximately R650 per year.
- Scholar Membership (Ages 6–17): Approximately R325 per year.
- Senior Citizens and Students: Approximately R480 per year.
- Couple and Family Packages: Options starting from R1,000 to R1,300, covering two adults and multiple children.
How to Book Pretoria Zoo Online Tickets
Purchasing tickets online is the fastest way to plan a visit and avoid long lines during weekends and public holidays.
Step-by-Step Online Booking via Webtickets
- Visit the Webtickets Portal: Navigate to the official Webtickets website or follow the ticket link from the official Pretoria Zoo website.
- Search for Pretoria Zoo: Select “National Zoological Garden of South Africa” or “Pretoria Zoo.
- Choose Your Date and Quantity: Select your intended date of visit and choose the number of adult, child, pensioner, or student tickets needed.
- Complete Checkout: Log in to your Webtickets profile (or create a free account), select your payment method (credit card, debit card, or instant EFT), and finalize the payment.
- Download or Print Your Tickets: Your digital ticket containing a scannable barcode will be sent to your email and saved in your Webtickets account. You can present this on your mobile screen or bring a physical printout to the turnstiles.
Purchasing In-Person or via Pick n Pay
Visitors who prefer to pay offline can book tickets online via Webtickets and pay at any Pick n Pay supermarket or Boxer store nationwide. Simply present your Webtickets booking reference number at the store checkout till to complete the transaction and receive printed entry vouchers.
Cashless Payment Policy
Pretoria Zoo enforces a strict cashless policy at the main entrance gates and across many on-site service points. All on-site payments for tickets, parking, and cart rentals must be made using debit cards, credit cards, or supported digital payment systems.
Operating Hours and Best Times to Visit
The National Zoological Garden is open every day of the year, making it a reliable destination for weekend family outings and holiday trips.
Standard Operating Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:30
- Ticket Sales and Gate Entry Cutoff: 16:30 daily
- Operating Days: Open 365 days a year, including all public holidays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Visiting Times
- Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Ideal for quiet visits, school excursions, and photography, with minimal foot traffic.
- Weekends and Public Holidays: High volume of visitors; arriving between 08:30 and 09:30 ensures easy parking and cooler temperatures for walking through outdoor enclosures.
- Feeding Times and Animal Activity: Animals are generally most active during morning hours and late afternoon when temperatures cool down.
Getting Around: Golf Carts, Cableway, and Facilities
Covering approximately 85 hectares, the Pretoria Zoo is expansive and features undulating terrain along the slopes of the ridge. Several on-site transport options and visitor facilities make navigating the park comfortable.
Golf Cart and Mobility Rentals
For visitors with limited mobility or families with young children, golf carts are available for rental near the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Hourly and Full-Day Options: Rental fees typically range between R120 and R200 per hour depending on cart capacity.
- Requirements: A valid driver’s licence and a refundable security deposit or ID card are required at the rental desk.
- Push-Wagons and Strollers: Pull-along wagons for small children are also available for hire near the front gates.
The Pretoria Zoo Cableway
The zoo features an aerial cableway system that transports visitors from the flat lower plains up to the hilltop viewpoint above the carnivore and bird exhibits. The cable car provides panoramic views of the zoo grounds and the surrounding Pretoria city skyline. Note that cableway rides require an additional nominal fee and operation depends on daily weather conditions.
Picnic Areas, Braai Facilities, and Food Stalls
- Picnic Lawns: Lush lawns alongside the Apies River provide shaded areas for family picnics and relaxing.
- Braai Facilities: Dedicated braai (barbecue) zones are available for public use. Visitors must use charcoal (wood fires are generally prohibited for smoke management).
- Kiosks and Cafeterias: Fast-food stalls, cold beverage kiosks, and sit-down refreshment stations are located at central intervals throughout the grounds.
Important Visitor Rules and Guidelines
To ensure the safety of visitors and the wellbeing of the animals, all guests must follow official SANBI zoo regulations:
- No Feeding or Teasing Animals: Visitors may not feed any zoo animals under any circumstances.
- No Alcohol or Glass Bottles: Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are strictly prohibited from entering the general zoo grounds.
- Cooler Box Fees: Large picnic cooler boxes may incur a nominal inspection or entry fee at the gate on designated event days.
- No Pets Allowed: Domestic pets are strictly forbidden to protect animal biosecurity (registered guide dogs excepted by prior arrangement).
- Location & Parking: The zoo is located at 232 Boom Street, Pretoria. Secure paid parking is available directly opposite the main entrance gates for a small vehicle fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Pretoria Zoo tickets at the gate?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly at the main entrance on the day of your visit. However, cash is not accepted; you must pay using a debit or credit card. Buying tickets online in advance through Webtickets is recommended to bypass queues at the ticket booths.
How much do Pretoria Zoo tickets cost?
Standard day tickets cost approximately R110 to R120 for adults and R75 to R85 for children aged 2 to 14. Students with valid ID pay around R75 to R80, pensioners pay R80, and infants under the age of two enter for free. Online purchases via Webtickets occasionally offer slight discounts.
What are the operating hours for Pretoria Zoo?
Pretoria Zoo is open every day of the year from 09:00 to 17:30. The ticket counters and last entry gates close at 16:30 daily.
Can I bring my own food, drinks, and braai equipment to Pretoria Zoo?
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring picnic baskets, prepared food, and soft drinks into the designated public picnic areas. Dedicated braai facilities are available for public use, but only charcoal is permitted. Alcohol and glass containers are strictly prohibited on the premises.
How much does it cost to rent a golf cart at the Pretoria Zoo?
Golf carts are rented on an hourly or daily basis near the entrance, with rates generally ranging between R120 and R200 per hour depending on the cart size. A valid driver’s licence and security deposit are required to rent a cart.
Is the Pretoria Zoo wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, the lower and central sections of the zoo feature paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and baby strollers. However, certain upper trails leading along the northern mountain ridge have steeper inclines where golf cart hire or the cableway is recommended for visitors with mobility constraints.