Pretoria Zoo

The National Zoological Garden, which everyone calls Pretoria Zoo, opened in 1899 and is the only zoo in South Africa with national status. It is run by the South African National Biodiversity Institute and covers roughly 80 hectares either side of the Apies River in the city centre. Wikipedia puts the collection at around 9,000 animals of some 700 species. It draws more than 600,000 visitors a year and makes an easy family day out in Pretoria.

What to expect

The river divides the flat section of the zoo from the hillside, with two bridges linking them. A cable car links the bottom of the hill with the top, where you can see over the zoo towards the Union Buildings. The western section has the aquariums, and there is a separate reptile park. Birds are well represented too.

Do not come expecting elephants. The zoo’s last elephant, Charley, was moved to a wildlife reserve in 2024.

Practical details

The main entrance is at 232 Boom Street, Pretoria. Telephone +27 12 339 2700. The official website does not publish opening hours, and other listings may be out of date, so phone to confirm hours before you go. There is a restaurant, kiosks, picnic spots and braai areas, and golf carts can be hired.

Good to know

The walkways add up to more than 6 kilometres, much of it on a slope, so wear proper shoes. With small children or anyone who struggles on hills, a golf cart is worth it. Confirm the cable car is running on the day if it is the main draw. Arrive early in summer, when the afternoons get hot and the animals go quiet.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: National Zoological Garden (SANBI), Wikipedia, In Your Pocket.