National Zoological Gardens

Zoo · Pretoria

National Zoological Gardens

Zoo · Pretoria

232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Highlights

210-acre zoo with reptile park, aquarium, research hub

232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa Get directions

pretoriazoo.org

@travelleisure

25 Best Zoos in the World

"The country’s largest zoo covers roughly 210 acres and is home to about 9,000 animals, including critically endangered species such as the Northern Bald Ibis and Western Lowland Gorilla. Its stated mission emphasizes championing exploration, conservation, sustainable use, and public appreciation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-zoos-in-the-world-6826018

View Postcard for National Zoological Gardens

Jan Rabe

Google

My rating might make it look worse than it is... it is actually a nice day out for a family. It is fairy neat, and offers good value. It could do with maintenance though, and several large exhibitions have been under construction for a while now.

I Am Antman (TonyK)

Google

I visited this the zoo with my family. I purchased the tickets online - which I would advise. Different from the other zoo in Johannesburg, I found this one overly better. The animals were happier and the staff friendlier. As a point of improvement, their kiosk can have more offerings.

John van Rooyen

Google

Definitely worth the visit and the entrance fee. It’s unfortunately- but understandable- that there are no elephants anymore. Would be good if the Zoo could do something to clean up the section of the Apies River that traverse the zoo.

Matthew Passmore

Google

Not a great experience . The crocodile we saw had no water to swim in , he didn’t look too happy with life . Overgrown everywhere , All restaurants and food trucks were closed Half the enclosures were empty, Rhinos didn't have fresh grass to eat and the river running through the park was filthy . On the positive side , they have golf carts to hire at affordable prices , they charge per hour and the animals we did see looked healthy .

Anri Pretorius

Google

A wonderful and relaxing day out. Although there was not certain animals to view, there were still so much to see. You can also rent a golf car if you are not up to a lot of walking. And the staff was really helpful and friendly. 😃 BUT.... Some of the enclosures was looked after, some not. I was sad to see that a lot of animals did not have clean water and and a foul smell came from a few enclosures. Me and my son were very unhappy and sad about the penguins. They were just standing together under a dark shade. They looked so sad and didn't walk around. Like scared penguins. Also, that caught my attention was when we walked over the Apies river, there were a lot of plastic and other filth in the water. This is so polluted. They really need to start cleaning up. This is unacceptable ☹️☹️☹️

Kione Chetty

Google

If this review is anything, it should inspire you to visit Parks like these more often. It's only through our patronage that we can sustain these majestic institutions. It was a great day out, however it's far from the zoo it once was. Many enclosures were vacant, dilapidated or just neglected. Staff who fed the predators didn't really care for the experience being provided to patrons and the park just felt sad. Hoping it gets the attention it deserves as there are some beautiful animals on display and ample space to keep little ones busy. A few more restaurants or refreshment stands also wouldn't hurt.

Petro

Google

Some of the animals were not available to see due to upgrades and cable car was also not working most of the tuck shops were closed but further the zoo was clean animals were taken care of and habitats were clean, the appies river was very dirty and that breaks my heart especially due to the sections in the zoo is sooo beautiful Zoo was really good priced and even the 1 store that was open the food was not expensive The gift shop has the cutest stuffed animals Loved it People need to go more to the zoo 🦍

Anette Snyman

Google

Absolutely worth the effort. Entrance is affordable. Unfortunately no elephants, rhinos, polar bears, grizzly bears or koalas. Some information signs are missing. Overall a great place for a family outing.