I only saw the storks nesting above the entrance ... I recommend going before 3pm to avoid being in the same position... I've been to this zoo a year or two ago and I loved it! While most zoos can be depressed (small enclosures etc.) Joburg zoo was satisfactory (well done to the zoo planning and maintanence team!) However in my attempted visit last week... I was denied entrance a full hour and a half before the closing time!?! (zoo closes are 5.30pm)... apparently there was no cashier!! I had brought oversees guest to experience the diverse wildlife but was denied...!?! The cashiers for the festival of lights start at 5.30pm... But I specifically wanted to see the animals!!! I DID NOT want to see the festival of lights. We waited at least 10mins.. Calling all the helpline numbers to kindly complain but no answer!? It was a Thursday! How do you expect working class people to enjoy the zoo when the staff knock off at 4pm?!? Very disappointing (and pointless) visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Review specific to the evening event - We attended the Festival of Lights at the Joburg Zoo. It was beautiful, but very mediocre, considering the high fee you pay to enter. The traffic queue to get to the parking was a 45minute wait to move 200meters in a dark (poorly lit) road. There were no traffic pointers or security guards and we felt quite Vulnerable. There were no parking marshalls inside the parking lot to point the cars or direct the chaos, both on arrival and departure. The actual walk inside took about 45minutes to take a very relaxed walk and stop to take pictures. We love the Zoo, but would rather not support another one of these evening events. Everyone was stressed out by the time we entered, and the experience inside was not worth that upset to the family.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+

Great outing, most enclosures are beautiful and the animals seems happy! Parking and entrance were a breeze to get through. It would've been a 5-star for me if not for the lack of soap in the 4 bathrooms I went to during the day, trash in black bags left out (dried mud stains left on it which indicates that it's been left out for quite some time) some of the enclosures in need of repair. One of the ape enclosures window is broken and are very flimsy. I assume it's because of the ape fights naturally. I'm sure this zoo can afford hand soap for all facilities, have someone discard of trash and fix a broken window. Rest of our day here was amazing and very enjoyable. Also loved Truman at the restaurant. Excellent service and food
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Actually not a fan of zoos, but we had a fantastic family day out. Both the Gorilla and polar bear have passed away. But glad they are not stuck in their confinement. Amazon animals was my favourite- specifically the bats. Golf carts can be hired by the hour, as the zoo is huge. Hard to walk the whole venue even for abled bodies... elderly and small kids would love this. Food inside is generally expensive. Picnic food can be brought inside. Alcohol can be bought (beers/ciders) Restaurant was slow, but we all enjoyed our meal when it eventually came. Enjoyable day out Bought discounted tickets in advance on Hyperli.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Don't miss the Festival of Lights at the Joburg Zoo! It features illuminated life-size animal characters. You can pack a picnic basket and enjoy live entertainment on the lawns, or purchase food at the facility. There's safe and adequate parking. It opens from 7pm – 10pm Thursday to Sunday till the 7th of Jan 2024. You can purchase your tickets at the zoo using cash or card. The festival is suitable for all ages. Ticket prices are as follows: R75 for kids aged 3 to 12, R100 for pensioners, and R175 for kids aged 12 and above, as well as adults. Children under 3 enjoy free entrance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Went to visit for the Festival of lights happening till 7th January. Lots of rides for the whole family, food stalls and a live concert to enjoy. Parking was easy to find as they had people designated to direct cars to vacant parking spots therefore saving time. We did not experience any issues of safety throughout the evening and it was overall a very pleasant evening that offered a lot of excitement, especially for the kids.

I haven't been to the Jhb Zoo in years and it was so wonderful going back. The place was beautiful and my son loved looking at the animals. I was rather upset to see ppl stil throwing their litter on the ground even though there are numerous bins everywhere and signs to please not litter. Overall a wonderful day. Well done to the staff.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

Recently went for the Festival of Lights experience and was quite underwhelmed. The awe of the animal shaped lights wears off quickly and you’re left without a lot of activities to do. There are large lines if you wish to go on the rides or buy any snacks and refreshments. The zoo isn’t lit up well too, we stepped in mud which ruined our shoes and tainted the experience.

Great place to visit. Safe parking inside the zoo, there is is restaurant/Cafe inside. Burgers, chips, ribs and wings are the main items available. There are ice-cream stalls scattered about. Prepare to walk around the zoo so wear comfy shoes. Overall great place to be, especially on Sunday when less busy.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

I’ve heard a lot of people talking about how busy it gets in summer, but In winter you practically have the whole zoo to yourself. I bought tickets at the door without any issues. The hippos seemed to have the most people watching them when I was there
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We went to see the Christmas lights. It was spectacular! There were lots of people, but it never felt crowded. Food and drinks were available at various stalls as well as at the restaurant where we had dinner. Safe parking is available.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Amazing. Actually this is not a zoo. It is about conservation, protection and knowledge about wildlife. I loved the effort to protect animals from trafficking and teaching us humans not to harm the nature; protect the mother earth.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Used to be a great place to visit as a kid. Now, most of the exhibits are empty, and the animals are always sleeping(especially those kept in solitude). It's still not a bad place to visit though.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We had such a lovely time at the Zoo. One can see that some maintenance is due but the animals looked well taken care of and well. There are also quite a few babies to be seen at the moment. Jakkal puppies are crazy cute! The lady at the

The layout and the mapping is easy to navigate, vegetation is well maintained, the animals are well fed. But to be honest, I couldn't help but to feel pity for the animals because looking at them made me feel like I was watching innocent

One of the best places in the city to spend the day. Peaceful, relaxing, clean. So many animals to see. Every exhibition has an information board so you don't even need a guide. The area is well maintained, well marked so you don't get

we had a lot of fun as a family, it was our 1st time at the zoo and it was wonderful, all the animals were well taken care of. it was a rainy day, some animals did not show them selfs, but apart from that it was very nice, just prepare

The zoo was very fascinating and family oriented. The animals seemed well taken care of. The facility was clean and well organized. The staff was awesome and very helpful. I suggest you get a Cart if not use to walking.

Lovely place for a family day out. Lots of animals to see very big zoo do hire a golf cart to ensure you dont get very tired as there will be loads of walking should you choose to.

I recommend one to rent/hire the golf carts if you are not gym-friendly
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great experience! Relevant for family outings and group events. The place has also been improved in cleanliness, quality, and animal provisions …

Great improvements to the zoo. A beautiful day for all to enjoy
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Festival of Lights was greatly organized. Nice and clean, entertaining for all ages. Bought tickets via web tickets which offered savings

Very nice outing for the family and kids had fun looking at the animals