The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria, founded in 1899, is the national zoo of South Africa and one of the largest by area in the world. It covers about eighty hectares on a hillside close to the city centre, and the grounds are laid out along walking routes, some of them steep. The collection includes hundreds of species, from big cats and primates to birds, reptiles and aquatic animals, and the zoo plays a role in conservation breeding and research. Visitors can walk, ride a cable car to the upper levels, or use a shuttle in some areas. Because the site is large, a visit takes several hours, and families with young children often plan a full day. The zoo is an easy stop for anyone staying in the city and is especially suitable on a rainy day or for a weekend outing.
Highlights include the big cat enclosures, the primate section, the elephant and rhino areas and the aquarium, which has a good range of fish and marine species. A reptile park and a bird section add variety. A cable car provides a view of the grounds and saves energy on the uphill sections, and a restaurant and picnic areas offer breaks. Feeding times and keeper talks are scheduled, so check the daily programme and plan your route around them.
The experience is traditional in style, with fenced enclosures, and some visitors may prefer to see animals in free-ranging reserves. Others appreciate the chance to see many species in a single place, especially if they will not visit a safari park. The zoo has made improvements to enclosures over the years, and animal welfare standards are discussed publicly, so it is worth reading about current projects before you go.
Practical tips
Arrive at opening time to see animals when they are active, wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and take a hat. Strollers and wheelchairs can be used on many paths, but some slopes are steep. Entry is paid, with discounts for children and residents, and family tickets may be available. Parking is on site and rideshares can drop you at the gate.
The zoo fits easily into a city day. Combine it with a visit to Church Square and the Union Buildings in the morning, and spend the afternoon in the zoo. For travellers who plan a safari later in the trip, the zoo gives children a useful preview of the animals they will see in the wild. It is also a pleasant place for a slow walk under mature trees on a warm day.
Planning note
Weekends and school holidays are busiest, and queues at the cable car can be long in the middle of the day. Choose a weekday if possible, and carry snacks, because food options inside the grounds are more limited at the far ends of the site.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided walk or ride through themed sections, with a cable car, aquarium and reptile park.
Best time
Morning for active animals; spring and autumn for comfortable walking.
How long
Three to five hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, check feeding times and carry water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children and animal lovers.
- Families
- The main audience; allow a full day with breaks.
- Couples
- A relaxed day out with a cable car ride.
- Pair with
- Church Square and the Union Buildings.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
How big is the zoo?+
About eighty hectares, one of the largest zoos in the world by area.
Is there a cable car?+
Yes, it takes visitors to the upper parts of the grounds.
Is it good for toddlers?+
Yes, but the hills are steep, so a sturdy stroller helps.
When was it founded?+
In 1899.
Is it open every day?+
Check the current hours before you go.
