One of the serene areas for a family to braai and fish. There are 3 dams to choose from.
1 / 10

Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg

4.4
·7k reviews·Alberton, South Africa

Johannesburg's family-friendly farm escape with hiking, boating, ziplining, and a petting zoo. Dog-friendly and affordable!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Loading map...
One of the serene areas for a family to braai and fish. There are 3 dams to choose from.

Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Johannesburg's family-friendly farm escape with hiking, boating, ziplining, and a petting zoo. Dog-friendly and affordable!

4.4
(7k reviews)

"A fantastic day out for families and dog lovers, offering a variety of affordable activities in a safe, scenic setting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Rietvlei is a popular spot for dog walks and even hosts special doggie events.

💰 Affordable Activities

Enjoy paddle boating for R40 pp and ziplining for R100 pp. Great value for a day of fun!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 6,961 reviews

Type

Event Venue

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paddle Boating Adventure

Paddle Boating Adventure

Waterways within the farm

Enjoy a leisurely paddle on the farm's waters. Safety vests are mandatory, and instructions are provided.

Thrilling Zipline Experience

Thrilling Zipline Experience

Designated zipline area

Soar through the air on a 560m zipline for an adrenaline rush. A must-try for adventure seekers.

Petting Zoo and Mini Train

Petting Zoo and Mini Train

Children's activity area

Delight the little ones with animal encounters and a fun mini train ride. Perfect for family outings.

Scenic Hiking and Walking Trails

Scenic Hiking and Walking Trails

Various trails across the farm

Explore diverse trails suitable for all fitness levels, from gentle walks to more challenging hikes.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Rietvlei Zoo Farm

Rietvlei Zoo Farm offers a variety of activities, from hiking and zip-lining to paddle boating and a petting zoo. It's a great spot for families and dog owners, with affordable entry fees and diverse trails. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

What to Expect at Rietvlei Zoo Farm

This farm is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities suitable for all ages. While it's known for its walking and cycling trails, it also boasts a petting zoo, mini train, and boat rides. It's a dog-friendly venue, making it a favorite for pet owners looking for a fun day out.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy activities before peak
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique doggie days & more
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🛶 Explored Zoo Lake! It was just R20 per person for a fantastic canoeing adventure, with parking at R30. A perfect day out with friends or your special someone! #JoburgGems #ZooLake #AdventureTime #SAMA28 #johannesburgplugs #jhbdateideas #studentplug #mzansicomedy #mzansitiktok🇿🇦 #thingstodojoburg #canoeing #CapCut
@sphe_bhehj
27.7K likes • 407K views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Rietvlei is a popular spot for dog walks and even hosts special doggie events. Reddit

💰 Affordable Activities

Enjoy paddle boating for R40 pp and ziplining for R100 pp. Great value for a day of fun! Instagram+1

Here’s a fun thing to do in Joburg: Visit Zoo lake and do any of the following. 1. Have a picnic 2. Have a braai 3. Hire a row boat 4. Feed the ducks 5. Take your kids swimming for R15 if im not mistaken #zoolake #joburgzoolake #thingstodoinjoburg #outingideas #justexploring0
@just_exploring0
16.8K likes • 413.8K views
Fun things to do in Johannesburg Paddle boating 🚣 📍Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Alberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #explore #explorepage #fyp #funthingstodo #travelsouthafrica #shotleft #thingstodoinjoburg #trending#PlacesToVisit #gauteng #funthingstodoinjohannesburg #thingstodoinjoburg #joburgexperiences #tiktoksouthafrica #funthingstodoinjohannesburg
phillie_22
1.1K likes • 33.9K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails. Options range from 4km to 15km. Instagram

☀️ Pack a Picnic

While there are restaurants, a picnic is a great way to enjoy the scenic spots. Reddit

When your brotherly duties kick in😅 Rietvlei zoo farm is a fun packed property for outdoor activities, like this 560m zipline for R100 pp!🤭 #reels #adventure #hiking #zipline #brothers #thrills #summer #explore #johannesburg #southafrica #fun
ni_haosit
49 likes • 955 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! Rietvlei is a popular spot for dog walks and even hosts special doggie events. Reddit

💰 Affordable Activities

Enjoy paddle boating for R40 pp and ziplining for R100 pp. Great value for a day of fun! Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails. Options range from 4km to 15km. Instagram

☀️ Pack a Picnic

While there are restaurants, a picnic is a great way to enjoy the scenic spots. Reddit

📱 Download Trail Maps

Consider using apps like AllTrails for navigation on the various hiking routes. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Rietvlei Zoo Farm is widely praised as an affordable and versatile destination for outdoor activities, particularly for families and dog owners. Visitors appreciate the range of activities, from hiking and boating to a petting zoo and zipline, all within a safe and scenic environment. While generally positive, some visitors might find certain activities to be a bit crowded during peak times.

"We had so much fun.
There are hiking trails
Three wheeler drives for 2km and 4km on the hiking trails
Horse rides
It's Dog friendly
Has kiddies play areas
Sport areas
A river that flows into a dam.
You'll seriously never be bored.
There is a flea market and convenience stores aswell.
There bathroom facilities are very well kept."

Kim Williams

"Went for a 10km walk/hike with my son, what a beautiful sunny autumn day. Plenty to do here for the whole family and rates are very reasonable. The hike was easy and nature delivered lots of pretty butterflies and trees. Loved it."

Yolande van Heerden

"Very safe parking and I love that there's so much going on. From a car wash, park runs to lapas for hire. The hiking trails are also not super challenging and worth checking out."

Sipho Duma

What People Like

Affordable entry and activities
Dog-friendly environment
Variety of family activities

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rietvlei Zoo Farm is located in Alberton, South of Johannesburg. It's accessible by car, and many visitors find it convenient to drive. Public transport options might be limited, so checking routes in advance is recommended. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's generally well-signposted, especially if you're using GPS. It's a popular spot, so many locals are familiar with its location. Instagram

Parking is available at the farm. While specific details on cost aren't always highlighted, it's generally considered adequate for visitors. TikTok

For those looking for active travel, cycling is an option, and the farm itself offers cycling trails. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to Rietvlei Zoo Farm can be scarce. It's advisable to check local transport schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees are generally affordable. While specific prices can vary, it's known for being a budget-friendly outing. TikTokReddit

For general entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, for specific events or group visits, it's always best to check their official website or contact them directly. Reddit

Yes, while entry is affordable, popular activities like paddle boating (around R40 pp) and ziplining (around R100 pp) have separate charges. Instagram+1

Operating hours can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays. It's recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for day visits, offering a wide range of activities for families and individuals. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, cycling, paddle boating, a zipline, a petting zoo, a mini train, horse riding, and picnicking. It's a versatile destination for outdoor fun. InstagramReddit+2

Yes, it's very family-friendly with a petting zoo, mini train rides, and open spaces for kids to play. Reddit+1

Rietvlei Zoo Farm is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy walks and outdoor activities with their canine companions. Reddit+1

There are various trails ranging from 4km to 15km, suitable for beginners to experienced hikers and trail runners. The terrain is generally moderate. Instagram

Yes, the farm offers ample space for picnics, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal outdoors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Rietvlei Zoo Farm has restaurants and cafes on-site, offering a convenient option for meals and refreshments during your visit. Reddit

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, especially for picnics, which is a popular way to enjoy the farm's scenery. Reddit

The on-site dining options typically offer a range of casual meals and snacks suitable for a family outing. Reddit

Some sources mention braai facilities, making it a great spot for a traditional South African barbecue. TikTok

While specific menus aren't detailed, it's always a good idea to inquire directly with the on-site restaurants about their offerings for dietary restrictions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic trails, the lake for boating shots, the petting zoo animals, and the zipline in action offer great photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

With its diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species, Rietvlei Zoo Farm provides a good setting for nature photography. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the farm management beforehand to ensure compliance with any restrictions. Instagram

The petting zoo, mini train, and scenic picnic spots are ideal for capturing memorable family photos. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer look. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide