The Johannesburg Zoo ranks among the city’s top family attractions. Visitors have the chance to see the Big 5—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—as well as hundreds of other species from around the globe. Guests can choose between general admission or a guided tour, which must be booked in advance.
Tour options include a 90-minute ferry, a behind-the-scenes experience to learn more about animal care, or a night tour to observe the zoo’s nocturnal residents. The zoo also features as a stop on the Green Route of the Johannesburg hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Johannesburg Zoo is north of the city center in the Parktown district. Take the M1 South motorway and follow the signs. The main entrance is on Upper Park Drive.
The zoo is open daily throughout the year from 8:30am to 5:30pm, including public holidays. Animals might not be as active during the winter season from June to August, while peak crowds occur during the South African summer from December to February. Plan to arrive early on a weekday.
The Johannesburg Zoo houses numerous endangered species and participates in several conservation projects across the globe. Visitors who want to lend financial support can join the "adopt an animal" program and sponsor an endangered animal, such as a black rhino, tiger, or African wild dog.