About National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

With 85 hectares of land, the National Zoological Garden of South Africa is the biggest zoo in the country. The Zoo is one of the top 10 zoos in the world according to World Atlas. It welcomes over 6 million visitors each year and has trails that are around 6 kilometers long in total. The National zoological gardens of south Africa Pretoria's 85-hectare Zoo are home to 3117 specimens representing 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens representing 202 bird species. The 3871 specimens represent 190 fish species. As part of the Pretoria Zoo's complex, there is also an aquarium and a reptile park. The Aquarium is the biggest inland marine aquarium in the country, and the Zoo has the third-largest collection of exotic plants.

Animals at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Amphibians
Amphibians

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa houses over 44 specimens of 7 wide ranges of amphibian species. You can find species such as Frogs, Tadpole, Toad, Salamander, Newt, Tree frogs, Wood frogs, Bullfrog, Caecilian and more. Amphibians are cold-blooded, require a damp environment to exist in, have a backbone, and can breathe through their skin.

Birds
Birds

You can spot birds like a greater flamingo, gray crowned crane, African penguin, American flamingo, blue crane, cape vulture, emu, northern bald ibis, scarlet ibis and wattled cranes. National zoological gardens of south Africa Pretoria are home to 1358 specimens representing 202 bird species.

Invertebrate
Invertebrate

About 388 specimens representing 4 invertebrate species can be found at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Zoo. See and learn more about these animals lacking a backbone like spiders, worms, snails, lobsters, crabs and insects like butterflies, coast rock lobsters, arthropods, molluscs, annelids, coelenterates, etc

Mammals
Mammals

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is a vast zoo that houses 3117 specimens representing 209 mammal species. Enjoy the sight as you spot the amazing wild animals such as lar gibbon, leopard, lion, meerkats, plains zebra, Hippopotamus, red kangaroo, spotted hyena and more.

Reptiles
Reptiles

The Creepy crawlies of the National zoological gardens of south Africa Pretoria sum around 309 specimens representing 93 reptile species of crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and more. Some of the must-see reptile encounters are the Burmese python, green mamba, komodo dragon, and macklot’s python.

Activities at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Children’s Pushcarts
Children’s Pushcarts

Visiting the National Zoological Gardens is great fun with your family and children. If you have children under the age of 3, you can make use of the Children’s pushcarts easily available for rent at cost of R60 for a single-seater and if you require a double-seater, you can rent it for R80 for a day.

Ride the jungle train
Ride the jungle train

Riding through the jungle in a train cum safari is fun for both adults and the younger ones in the family. On your visit to the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, you can ride on a zoo choo-choo tractor train that travels through various areas of the zoo. You can witness an amazing range of animals, birds, and water creatures in the garden.

Ride the big wheel
Ride the big wheel

Hop on this Ferris wheel to relax and have fun at the same time. Go on the top and witness some amazing views of the zoo. As you go in the air you will feel the adrenaline rush which makes it one of the best activities to do in the zoo.

Cableway
Cableway

Enjoy a panoramic view of the zoo and the nearby city that is only possible through cable car rides at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. The cableway is open every day from 10 AM to 4:15 PM. Adult round-trip tickets cost 35 R and children's tickets cost 25 R.

Children’s Parties
Children’s Parties

The National zoological gardens of South Africa Pretoria is a great place for celebrations. You can plan on hosting your children's birthday parties at the zoo and invite the guest to spend the day surrounded by lovely gardens, incredible animals, and the sounds of nature.

Food and Snacks
Food and Snacks

Several tasty takeout options are available in the cafeteria, and four kiosks sell snacks. The eatery furthermore offers seated dinners where you can enjoy a heart meal with your family. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa has many spots for picnics where you may unwind in the shadow of enormous trees. The picnic spot near the Apies River has braai amenities available.

History Of National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

History Of National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, often known as The Pretoria Zoo is situated in Pretoria, South Africa spanning 80-hectare. It is one of the 8th biggest zoos in the world and was established by J. W. B. Gunning in 1899. The zoological gardens were constructed when the Second Boer War began in 1899.

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 was passed on September 1, 2004, establishing the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The National Botanical Institute, the predecessor of SANBI, had a mission that was broadened by the Act to encompass duties about the complete variety of South Africa's fauna and plants.

The National Botanic Gardens and the Botanical Research Institute were combined to establish the National Botanical Institute (NBI), an independent, statutory organization. These institutions were established at the beginning of the 20th century to preserve and research the incredibly rich flora of southern Africa. By Act 10 of 2004, the NBI changed its name to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

Plan Your Visit

Essential Information
How To Reach
Best Time to Visit
Essential Information

Opening Hours: 9:00 Am to 5:30 Pm.

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

FAQ's

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    The National Zoological Garden also known as the Pretoria Zoo is the biggest zoo that houses 9,087 creatures from all around the world. The zoo is the largest in South Africa and has also received national status too.

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