Description of the attraction
The National Zoo in Pretoria was established in 1899. In this largest zoo in South Africa, located on an area of 85 hectares, there are more than 3,100 specimens of animals, birds, reptiles and fish, that is, more than 210 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 190 species of fish, 100 species of reptiles and 10 species of amphibians. These figures include fauna housed at the Pretoria Zoo, as well as at two animal conservation centers in Lichtenburg, the northwestern province of Mokopane and the province of Limpopo, and the Emerald Animal World.
Half of the zoo's grounds are located on a relatively flat surface, while the other half is located on the hillside. The two parts are separated by the Apis River, which flows through the zoo.
The Pretoria Zoo, as well as its breeding centers, carry out research work on the conservation and restoration of endemic local fauna. It also houses a large collection of exotic trees from South Africa, which is one of the three largest collections in the world.
At the zoo, you can explore the fascinating world of underwater life in the largest marine aquarium and visit a reptile park. You can also relax in nature with the whole family or a group, as well as spend the night and take a night excursion, observing the fascinating world of nocturnal animals. The zoo offers educational programs for children and schoolchildren. Also, visitors will not be left indifferent by the ZooMobile excursion. The zoo's large recreational area offers golf courses, a cable car ride to the top of a mountain, or a road train ride along the zoo's paths that are over 6 km long, and join the zoo staff to groom the animals.
For the convenience of visitors to the Pretoria Zoo, there is a restaurant that offers a varied menu, as well as several snack stalls. There is a children's playground next to the restaurant.
