Johannesburg Zoo

Johannesburg Zoo dates back to 1904, when land from the old Braamfontein farm was given to the town for public recreation and Sir Percy FitzPatrick donated the first animals from his own collection. Today it is run by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and covers around 54 hectares of wooded grounds in Parkview, off Jan Smuts Avenue. It is home to 326 species and more than 2,000 animals.

The collection mixes African animals with species from other continents. Big cats are a highlight, and the zoo is known for its white lions and for being the only zoo in South Africa to have bred Siberian tigers. There are also primates, reptiles and a large range of birds. Paths wind between enclosures under tall trees, and there are lawns for picnics, which makes the zoo a relaxed half-day out rather than a quick visit.

It suits families with children best, and it is popular at weekends and in school holidays. Weekday mornings are quieter and cooler, and the animals are often more active before the midday heat. Allow three hours or more if you want to walk the whole site, and wear comfortable shoes, as distances add up. The zoo runs seasonal events and promotions; recent ones have included a Halloween experience and free entry for senior citizens in October.

Opening times and ticket prices are set by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, so check the official website or call before you go. The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Bring water, sunscreen and a hat in summer, as the paths are long and the afternoons can be hot, and keep a light jacket for winter mornings, which are often cold on the highveld. Summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms, so plan outdoor time for the morning. The zoo is also a stop on the City Sightseeing Red Route, which makes it easy to reach without a car.

Zoo Lake, one of the city's best-loved parks, lies just across Jan Smuts Avenue, with a lake, lawns and space for a stroll after your visit. The zoo is in the northern suburbs near Saxonwold, about 15 minutes by car from Rosebank, and most visitors arrive by car or ride-hailing app.