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South Africa is blessed with a richly varied tapestry of wildlife, and its zoos are at the forefront of conservation, education, and tourism. Every zoo in South Africa offers something unique and different, with foreign and indigenous species on display. The zoos are not just places for recreation but also sanctuaries for endangered animals, so they are among the most significant zoos in South Africa. Suppose you are an animal lover or a family looking for an educational outing. In that case, going to the world-famous zoos guarantees the promise of unforgettable experiences with the animal kingdom.
Top 10 Zoos In South Africa
Discover the most captivating zoos in South Africa, each offering unique experiences and insights into the animal kingdom.
1. National Zoological Garden Of South Africa
Photo: NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, located in Pretoria, is South Africa’s largest and one of the most popular zoos. It covers 85 hectares and has more than 9,000 animals belonging to 700 species, including lions, elephants, and reptiles. It also features a huge aquarium and a reptile park, and thus is an important zoo in South Africa for conservation and education. It has cable car rides, night tours, and guided tours suitable for wildlife lovers and families.
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Entry Fees: ZAR 110 / ₹500
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Johannesburg Zoo
Photo: CLS DNA / Wikimedia Commons
The Johannesburg Zoo spreads over 55 hectares and houses approximately 2,000 animals of more than 320 species. It is famous for its Big Five enclosure and is visited by families, tourists, and scientists. Special visits such as night safaris and educational tours add to its popularity. This South African Zoo also contributes significantly towards breeding endangered species such as the white lion and pygmy hippo. Conservation efforts, large enclosures, and panoramic views make it one of the favourite destinations.
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Entry Fees: ZAR 90 / ₹400
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
3. uShaka Marine World
Photo: Amada44 / Wikimedia Commons
uShaka Marine World, located in Durban, amalgamates a marine-themed South African Zoo and a water park. It is 16 hectares and includes one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere. Travelers can enjoy shows of dolphins, shark dives, and informative marine displays. Being one of the top-rated zoos, it provides an exhilarating underwater world that locals and travellers will love. Snorkelling escapades, seal tricks, and hands-on exhibits make it ideal for families.
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Entry Fees: Varies
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Cango Wildlife Ranch
Photo: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons
Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn is one of the top conservation-based South African Zoos. It was founded in 1976 and boasts over 90 species like cheetahs, lemurs, crocodiles, and pygmy hippos. It’s renowned as a favourite South African zoo and boasts such unusual attractions as cage diving with crocodiles and behind-the-scenes wildlife experiences. The zoo is also an integral part of the conservation of endangered species and is considered a critical zoo for breeding and education. It’s also an animal lover’s paradise for habitat conservation learning.
Location: Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Entry Fees: ZAR 160 / ₹720
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
5. Drakenstein Lion Park
Photo: IanZA / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Near Paarl, Drakenstein Lion Park is a sanctuary for rescued lions and a major zoo in South Africa for responsible wildlife care. Unlike traditional zoos, it focuses on providing the lions with a life-long home that cannot be reclaimed in the wild. This South African Zoo features large natural enclosures and educational visitor programs. It provides a home to over 30 lions, including white lions, and is well-known as a top-rated zoo for animal welfare. Educational signage and serene viewing areas make it perfect for respectful wildlife observation.
Location: Paarl, Western Cape
Entry Fees: ZAR 80 / ₹360
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
6. Lory Park Zoo
Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons
Based in Midrand, Lory Park Zoo is a small but lovely South African zoo suitable for families and animal enthusiasts. It’s one of South Africa’s most significant zoos for education and animal rehabilitation. Despite its size, the zoo has diverse animals ranging from lions and tigers to reptiles and exotic birds. It offers up-close animal encounters, especially with lemurs and birds of prey. The facility emphasizes wildlife education and encourages interactive learning for children.
Location: Midrand, Gauteng
Entry Fees: ZAR 100 / ₹450
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
7. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
Photo: Octagon / Wikimedia Commons
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, located close to Plettenberg Bay provides a sanctuary for rescued primates. It provides a free-roaming environment for over 500 monkeys from several different species. Its guided walking safaris inform tourists about conservation, which makes it a significant zoo. Gibbons, lemurs, and capuchins live peacefully in a semi-wild state. This South African Zoo is the world’s first free-range experience, thus making it a leader in ethical wildlife tourism.
Location: The Crags, Western Cape
Entry Fees: ZAR 280 / ₹1260
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
8. Seaview Predator Park
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Seaview Predator Park, outside Port Elizabeth, is a wildlife sanctuary and a top-class zoo in specializing in predators. The park has lions, tigers, caracals, and leopards in large enclosures. It’s a renowned zoo for its hands-on conservation and animal care. Visitors can have feeding tours and educational tours. Seaview offers rescue and rehabilitation to abused or neglected animals. The Indian Ocean views from the park contribute to its beauty, making it a scenic and untamed adventure.
Location: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Entry Fees: ZAR 100 / ₹450
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Lion & Safari Park
Photo: Jjordahl / Wikimedia Commons
Located between Pretoria and Johannesburg, Lion & Safari Park is an interesting South African Zoo that provides interactive wildlife experiences. Tourists see lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and others from game vehicles. It’s one of South Africa’s most renowned zoos for intimate wildlife experiences and night safaris. Having a firm conservation culture, the park is also an important zoo that educates people on predator nature and conservation issues.
Location: Lanseria, Gauteng
Entry Fees: ZAR 95 / ₹430
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
10. Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Based around Hartbeespoort Dam, the Elephant Sanctuary is a South African special zoo that provides personal and ethical interactions with elephants. It’s considered a well-known zoo for offering rare trunk-in-hand walking with elephants and education tours. This zoo is responsible for conserving elephants and informing people about their existence. From the facilities, tourists are enlightened on the elephant’s anatomy, behaviour, and the history behind this animal.
Location: Hartbeespoort, North West Province
Entry Fees: ZAR 695 / ₹3130
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
Visiting a South African zoo provides an adrenaline-boosting wildlife encounter and a relevant understanding of the nation’s conservation endeavours. From the sprawling Johannesburg Zoo to the cosy Elephant Sanctuary, every zoo has a unique story of nature and nurturing. Plan your adventure now and explore the best zoos in South Africa – because the wild awaits you!
Cover Photo: kikatani / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
