Johannesburg Zoo 🇿🇦

Established in 1904 on land originally part of the Braamfontein farm donated for public recreational use, the Johannesburg Zoo (or Joburg Zoo) offers a historic, 55-hectare (140-acre) wildlife experience in Johannesburg, South Africa. Housing around 2,000 animals across 320 to 326 species, this city-owned non-profit space is dedicated to animal accommodation, husbandry, enrichment, and medical care. As you explore its expansive grounds—which evolved in the 1960s from iron cages to open, landscaped enclosures—you will encounter a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, frogs, and spiders.

Notably, the zoo is one of the rare public areas that was never segregated during South African Apartheid. Highlights of your visit include seeing rare white lions, a famous genetic mutation that the zoo successfully breeds, alongside Siberian tigers, the largest cats in the world. Historically home to famous residents like Max the gorilla and Africa's last polar bear until 2014, the zoo also showcases historic features like a 1910 bandstand.

Operated with educational excursions and tours, it stands as a memorable wildlife destination for any travelers visiting Johannesburg.

What to see at Johannesburg Zoo

• Home to rare white lions and successfully bred Siberian tigers
• Spans 55 hectares with over 300 species in open, landscaped enclosures
• Offers special night tours and overnight sleepovers through its education department
• Features a modernized 700-car and 15-bus parkade added in 2017

Visiting tips

Take advantage of night tours or overnight sleepovers offered by the zoo's education department for a unique evening experience.

How long: 2-4 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Johannesburg Zoo is easy to reach on Johannesburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Johannesburg Art Gallery and Gold Reef City. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Johannesburg travel guide.