
Wildlife Safari Tours from Johannesburg
Exploring South Africa's national parks and taking a wildlife safari are both easily accessible activities from Johannesburg. Here are your options.
The Johannesburg Zoo ranks among the city’s top family attractions. Zoo goers have the chance to see the Big 5—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—as well as hundreds of other species from around the globe. Guests can choose between general admission, or a guided tour which must be booked in advance.
Tour options include a 90-minute ferry, a behind-the-scenes experience to learn more about animal care, or a night tour to observe the zoo’s nocturnal residents. The zoo also features as a stop on the Green Route of the Johannesburg hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Johannesburg Zoo is north of the city center in the Parktown district. Take the M1 South motorway and follow the signs. The main entrance is on Upper Park Drive.
The zoo is open daily throughout the year from 8:30am to 5:30pm, including public holidays. Animals might not be as active during the winter season from June to August, while peak crowds occur during the South African summer from December to February. Plan to arrive early on a weekday.
The Johannesburg Zoo houses numerous endangered species and participates in several conservation projects across the globe. Zoo goers who want to lend financial support can adopt an animal, like a black rhino, tiger, or African wild dog.