National Zoological Gardens

Afrikaans name: Nasionale Dieretuin van Suid-Afrika

An Okapi in the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria

Photo © Steven Herbert

Gauteng

Although many people refer to it as the Pretoria Zoo it is actually called the National Zoological Gardens. It has been called the National Zoological Gardens since 1916.

The zoo is located on 85 acres of flat land with some hilly slopes as well. The Apies River flows through the middle if the zoo. Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are 6 km of paths laid out. If you like you can hire a golf cart to get around in a more relaxed manner.

There is an amazing varieties of animals on view at the zoo. The enclosures are quite spacious and fairly spread out. There is also an aquarium and reptile park.

One of the features of the zoo is the cable car which takes you to the top of a hill. From there you can get good views of Pretoria.

What was your impression of the zoo? Would you recommend it?

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above and below - The National Zoological Gardens, otherwise known as Pretoria Zoo, houses animals from many different habitats. One can see desert animals, such as the Addax (above), Koala Bears from Australia and Tigers from India. Below is a Striped Hyena which occurs from North Africa to India.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above and below - The National Zoological Gardens has a large aquarium featuring many freshwater and marine fish. There are numerous aquariums that cover various habitats and display a wide range of interesting fish.

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 34

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 80

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 83

A Visitors Guide to Gardens in South Africa - Author: Nancy Gardiner - Published: 1988 - Page: 124

Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Published: 2015 - Page: 141

go! - Issue 131 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 94

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 117

For more info: National Zoological Garden, Pretoria

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