Did you know there are exciting opportunities to visit the zoo at night?

Sunset Safaris

Experience the zoo while the sun is setting – some animals will be settling down to sleep, while the nocturnal animals will start their nightly activities. Join our guides who will inform you about animals, nature, the environment and ecology: the fantastic hearing abilities of bat-eared foxes, the role jackals play in the ecosystem, the hunting strategy of cheetahs, the intricate social interactions of wild dogs, the conservation crisis that rhinos are currently experiencing and other intriguing facets.

Please meet your guide at the National Zoo’s service entrance in Boom Street, Pretoria, by no later than 18h30. He will accompany you to your venue (see below) and then take you on a one-hour walking safari. On return to your venue, the braai fires will be ready for you to eat and enjoy the rest of the evening. Please vacate the premises by 23h30.

The National Zoo will provide a venue with table-and-bench units (except at the Hippo Lapa), braai stands and charcoal. Please provide your own food, drinks, other refreshments as well as crockery and cutlery.

Sunset Safaris take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 September to 31 March.

Zoo Camps

Zoo Camps are similar to the Sunset Safaris listed above with the important difference that you may camp in the zoo for the night.

Please meet your guide at the National Zoo’s service entrance in Boom Street, Pretoria, by no later than 17h30. He will accompany you to your venue (please see below) and allow you to set up your tents and other camping gear. He will then take you on a one-hour walking safari. On safari, the guide will inform you about animals, nature, the environment and ecology: the fantastic hearing abilities of bat-eared foxes, the role jackals play in the ecosystem, the hunting strategy of cheetahs, the intricate social interactions of wild dogs, the conservation crisis that rhinos are currently experiencing and other intriguing facets.

On return to your venue, the braai fires will be ready for you to eat, enjoy the rest of the evening and settle down for the night. Please vacate the premises by 7h30 the next morning.

The National Zoo will provide a venue with table-and-bench units, braai stands and charcoal. A lawn will be available for your tents. Please provide your own food, drinks, other refreshments, crockery and cutlery as well as all camping equipment, such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, etc. Do not forget breakfast the next morning. Electricity is available to boil water – please bring your own kettle or urn.

Zoo Camps take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 September to 31 March.

Venues

We have the following venues available for your consideration:

Farm Yard Lapa

The Farm Yard Lapa is a large thatched roof facility (8.5 m x 15 m) on the zoo’s farm. It is available for groups between 45 and 90 people. It has 10 table-bench units which are movable, allowing a group to arrange the area to their liking. An adjacent roofed area allows for braaing even in the event of rain. A bonfire stand is available – please bring your own wood. The large lawn on the farm makes this an ideal area for larger groups, especially those who would like to camp for the night. Electric lights and plugs are available.

A block of toilets is situated on the western side of the farm, about 150 m from the Farm Yard Lapa. No showers or other washing facilities are available.

The Farm Yard Lapa may be booked for both Sunset Safaris and Zoo Camps.

Farm Yard Barn

This barn (8.5 m x 12 m) is also situated on the zoo’s farm and is available for groups between 15 and 30 people. It has 4 table-bench units as well as a bonfire stand – please supply your own wood. The braai stand is outside, but may be moved into the barn in the event of rain. Electric lights and plugs are available. The lawn is ideal for camping.

A block of toilets is situated on the western side of the farm, about 150 m from the Farm Yard Barn. No showers or other washing facilities are available.

The Farm Yard Barn may be booked for both Sunset Safaris and Zoo Camps.

Anteater Nest

This venue is situated next to the zoo’s giant anteaters from South America. It covers an area of 4.5 m x 11 m, has 3 table-bench units and is available for groups between 15 and 30 people. The braai stand is outside. Electric lights and plugs are available. The lawn is ideal for camping.

A block of toilets is situated close by, about 150 m from the Anteater Nest. No showers or other washing facilities are available.

The Anteater Nest may be booked for both Sunset Safaris and Zoo Camps.

Hippo Lapa

This thatched roof lapa is situated next to the zoo’s hippo enclosure and has a unique atmosphere. It covers an area of 8 m x 14 m and has a table top as well as a braai stand. Please provide your own camping chairs. Electric lights and plugs are available. It is available for groups between 15 and 30 people.

A block of toilets is situated close by, about 50 m from the Hippo Lapa. No showers or other washing facilities are available.

The Hippo Lapa may be booked for Sunset Safaris only.

Apies River Arena

This area is next to the famous Apies River. As this open lawn does not have any shelter, the nearby owl house may be used as protection from rain. It has 3 table-bench units as well as a braai stand and is available for groups between 15 and 30 people. Electric lights and plugs are available.

A block of toilets is situated next to the lawn. No showers or other washing facilities are available.

The Apies River Arena may be booked for Sunset Safaris only.

Booking a night visit

Tariffs

Please note that you need to book the number of people, the type of activity and the venue simultaneously, e.g. “12 adults and 6 children for a Sunset Safari, using the Hippo Lapa” or “9 adults and 8 children for Zoo Camp, using the Anteater Nest”.

Sunset SafariZoo Camp
AdultsR 130 pp.R 180 pp.
ChildrenR 100 pp.R 120 pp.
School groupsR 80 pp.R 100 pp.

Bookings and other information:

Karabo Mabuse
K.Mabuse@sanbi.org.za
012 339 2728

Mavis Kwinda
M.Kwinda@sanbi.org.za
012 339 2844

If you would like to:

  • Add a Sunset Safari to a function/event booked at the Zoo’s catering services, or
  • Have the Zoo’s catering services provide dinner and/or breakfast during a Zoo Camp, please contact:

Johanna Moeng
J.Moeng@sanbi.org.za
012 339 2790
076 478 8148

DID YOU KNOW?

Vulture

Did you know vultures feed on carrion (dead carcasses) and do not kill their own prey? Their feet are weak and better suited to walking on the ground than to picking up prey