About National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Animals at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Opening Hours: 9:00 Am to 5:30 Pm.
Location: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
By Taxi: A taxi is the best way to commute to the zoo if you are traveling in groups. The National Zoological Gardens is 51 km from the Tambo international airport, you can reach the zoo within 50 mins.
By Bus: You can take a bus from the Duduza taxi rank or Bloed street mall taxi rank and get to the National Zoological Gardens Zoo.
The best time to visit the National zoological gardens of South Africa Pretoria is between August to October. The best days you can visit are on the weekends between Wednesday to Friday as the zoo is less crowded. If you plan to visit the aquarium on weekdays, you can visit the zoo online and visit during the early morning hours when the zoo is less busy.
FAQ's
Why is the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Famous?
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.
Is the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa worth visiting?
Yes, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is worth visiting and has many adventurous activities, games, and interactive animals.
What is the best time to visit South Africa National Zoological Gardens?
If you are looking to explore the Zoo with family and children and want the zoo to be less crowded, then the best time to visit is in the morning between 9 am-10 am, when the area is less busy and choose to visit on a weekday. The Zoo is open all days of the year which makes planning for the day at the zoo more convenient.
What are the timings for National Zoological Gardens?
You can plan your visit to the National Zoological Gardens Zoo any day as it is accessible year-round. The Zoo's operating hours are 9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm. And closes by 5:30 pm.
How to reach the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa?
By Taxi: A taxi is the most convenient way to commute to the zoo. The zoo is 51 km from the Tambo international airport and takes 50 minutes to reach.
By Bus: You can also use public transport and take a bus from the Duduza taxi rank to reach the zoo.
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