
A sprawling 210-acre zoo and research hub featuring a reptile park, aquarium, and diverse animal collections.

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, more active animals

Fewer crowds, more active animals

Must-see attractions
A sprawling 210-acre zoo and research hub featuring a reptile park, aquarium, and diverse animal collections.
"The animals seem well-cared for and are active, with large enclosures replicating their natural environment."

Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.

4.1 · 13,264 reviews
Zoo
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lion and Tiger Enclosures
Witness the power of lions and tigers up close, with special lookout points offering great views.

Aquarium
Explore diverse marine life, including sharks and penguins, though feeding times can be unpredictable.

Reptile Park
Discover a variety of reptiles, including impressive lizards like the Komodo dragon.

Throughout the Zoo
Enjoy the beautiful grounds with a river, open spaces for picnics, and scenic views of Pretoria.
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Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
Enjoy the open grass areas by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Animal feeding times can be inconsistent; don't be disappointed if a scheduled event doesn't happen.
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Keep an eye out for special free entry promotions, often announced for specific periods.
The zoo is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
Enjoy the open grass areas by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Animal feeding times can be inconsistent; don't be disappointed if a scheduled event doesn't happen.
The R30 parking is considered safe, with hawkers restricted from entering the premises.
The zoo is moving towards a cashless environment, so be prepared for card payments.
Visitors generally find the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa to be a pleasant place to visit, with animals that appear well-cared for and active. The zoo's natural landscape is beautiful, and there are ample spaces for picnics. However, some enclosures are under construction, and information boards could be more detailed. Inconsistent animal feeding schedules and some aging infrastructure are noted drawbacks.
"We had an absolute blast exploring the park in a golf cart! It was a fun and exciting day out with the whole family. The park is massive and there's so much to see - we couldn't get bored. Highly recommend it!"
christelle pretorius
"I haven't been to the Pretoria zoo in 13 years and I am definitely going more often after this visit. The animals are well looked after. The bathrooms are clean. There are multiple picnic spots, but also a zoo shop (opens at 9h00) and Duku restaurant.
They have recently renovated and reopened the seal exhibition. The only animals that we could not see were the elephants, but they have 2 types of hippos, 2 types of buffaloes, leopard, Lions, tiger, many species of interesting birds, camels, giraffe, rhinos, mountain sheep, goats, alpacas, monkeys, gorillas, aquarium, snakes, lizards, antelope etc.
The golf carts are convenient, but there are plenty of trees and beautiful walkways. And you will miss out on the more niche corners of the zoo like the Pygmy hippo!
We were there on a Saturday. It started getting busy from 11h00 so I would suggest getting there when they open. It takes 4 hours at least to get through the whole zoo and we had a golf cart. You can easily spend a full day here.
The gardens are well maintained and there are beautiful trees.
The staff are very friendly and it is has safe parking. They had very interesting displays at the entrance where passionate educators talked about conservation, climate change and the animals. It is very interesting to find out all the work they do to preserve the animals in South Africa.
They have a green screen where they take photos that you can buy after."
Juandri Klynsmith
"While there is a lot that can be improved in terms of general maintenance on the enclosures, it remained a lekker outing with the family. Fantastic variety of animals.
No elephant, no koala, no red panda, and did not see the rhino.
The golf cart is every penny worth.
All the animals are in excellent condition."
Frikkie Chalmers
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is located in Pretoria. Visitors can drive and park within the zoo premises for a fee. Some Reddit users suggest that parking at the Johannesburg Zoo might be easier, but the Pretoria Zoo offers a safe, ticketed parking option.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in social media, it's advisable to check local transport schedules for buses or trains that service the Pretoria area.
The zoo offers a R30 parking fee which is considered safe, as hawkers are not permitted inside the gate.
Yes, golf carts are available for rent to help you navigate the expansive zoo grounds if you prefer not to walk.
While not explicitly detailed, the zoo's natural landscape and paths might present challenges. Golf cart rentals could be a helpful option for those with mobility concerns.
Entrance fees are R100 for adults and R70 for children. However, there are occasional free entry periods, such as National Gardens Week, so it's worth checking for announcements.
Yes, free entry days are sometimes offered, like during National Gardens Week in March. Keep an eye on social media for these announcements.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or social media channels closer to your visit date.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's official website for online ticketing options to save time.
Some enclosures may be under construction or temporarily without animals. Visitors have noted that while animals are well-cared for, some areas are undergoing upgrades.
You can see a wide variety of animals, including big cats like lions and tigers, various reptiles, farm animals, and marine life in the aquarium.
The zoo features a reptile park, an aquarium, and exotic tree collections. Lookout points behind the lion enclosures offer views of the Pretoria skyline.
Yes, the zoo offers many opportunities for photography, especially of the animals and the natural landscape.
The zoo is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Golf carts are also available for rent to cover more ground.
There are benches located throughout the zoo, and large open grass areas are perfect for picnics.
Refreshment options are limited, typically including cooldrinks, water, ice cream, and small snacks. The restaurant offers a select menu.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which can be enjoyed in designated open grass areas.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but bringing your own food provides the most flexibility.
Basic items like cooldrinks and snacks are available. Prices are not specified, but it's generally advisable to bring your own for budget-friendliness.
Yes, there is a restaurant with a limited menu available for visitors.
Look for vantage points near the lion and tiger enclosures, the aquarium, and the reptile park. The natural landscape also offers scenic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use. Always be mindful of other visitors and zoo regulations.
While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them.
A zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots and larger enclosures.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoological gardens to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Check with the zoo directly for specific policies.
















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