National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (Pretoria Zoo)

Widely regarded as one of the top zoos in the world, the National Zoo is a must-see for any visitor to the City of Tshwane.

The 85-hectare National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the largest zoo in the country and houses 3117 specimen of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimen of 202 bird species, 3871 specimen of 190 fish species, 388 specimen of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimen of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimen of 7 amphibian species.

The Zoo was established in 1899 but only officially became the National Zoo in 1916, and now hosts in excess of 600 000 visitors every year.

An Aquarium and Reptile Park also form part of the Zoo facility. The entrance fee for the Zoo also includes a visit to these parks.

The Zoo is a well-respected research facility and is famous for its successful breeding programmes.

Secure parking is available opposite and at the main entrance on the corner of Paul Kruger and Boom Streets. Security personnel are on duty 24 hours a day in the parking lot as well as in the zoo itself.

Children’s pushcarts are available for rent at a cost of R 60 – R 80 per day, and golf carts are available for rent at R 100 per hour or R 190 for two hours.

The Zoo offers a number of exciting tours, including the opportunity for families and groups to sleep over in the Zoo with their ‘Camping Tour’.

The National Zoo has its own unique venues with interesting menus to choose from, and a number of services are available from the restaurants for private functions.

The Zoo is a popular destination for those interested in purchasing cheap local African artwork – which is almost always on sale at the Zoo’s entrance on the sidewalk of Boom street.

Gautrain Bus Service to the Zoo

Tourists can visit the Zoo using the Gautrain bus, which departs from the Gautrain Pretoria Station. Board the CBD Inner P2 bus and disembark from the bus at stop number 7, at the National Zoo.

Related article: A guide to the Gautrain.