South Africa Travel + Tourism Guide: Johannesburg Zoo

Johannesburg Zoo

Established in 1904, Johannesburg Zoo is situated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg 2km north of Parktown. The land that now comprises Johannesburg Zoo and the Zoo Lake was given to the city of Johannesburg by the mining firm Corner House (present-day Billington) in honour of one of their directors, Hermann Eckstein.

Presently there are around 2000 animals from over 365 species on the 54 hectare site.

Johannesburg Zoo includes antelopes, crocodiles, chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, hippos, lions, polar bears and tigers as well as large numbers of birds and reptiles.

The Waterfront.

© Walter Knirr / City of Johannesburg Zoo Lake JHB Hospital Hillbrow Tower

The zoo is in the middle of an ambitious redevelopment plan and part of the financing is offset by a variety of specialized tours on offer including a night tour, behind-the-scenes tour and dinner tour.

Interestingly, due to requirements in the Deed of Gift under which the site for Johannesburg Zoo and the surrounding Zoo Lake was acquired, the zoo and neighboring park is one of very few public areas that where never segregated during the apartheid period in South Africa.

Johannesburg Zoo
Private Bag X13
Parkview, 2122
Jan Smuts Avenue
Parkview
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: 011 646 2000

Zoo Access

From the M1 South motorway, take the Riviera Road exit, cross Oxford Road into Eastwold, then left into Erlswold Way, drive round the zoo to the main public entrance on Upper Park Drive.
Hours: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm, seven days a week.

Hotels in Johannesburg South Africa - Agoda - hotels in all locations
Safari Club - Deluxe Accommodation near Johannesburg Airport