Zoo Lake, Johannesburg (Image: Light Box Studios)
Located off Jan Smuts Avenue across the road from the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake park offers one of the city’s best daytime picnic spots. Here an assortment of activities awaits visitors of every age, who can enjoy a relaxed outdoor environment with the option of paddling across the man-made lake. During weekends and public holidays the park attracts its largest crowds, lured by the wide open spaces and shady groves of trees.
Spring is a particularly beautiful time for a romantic stroll under the trees and the park is very popular with dog walkers and joggers too. There is no shortage of space on the lawns for a family braai or picnic and sports enthusiasts are well catered for with basketball courts, the Zoo Lake sports club, a five-a-side soccer area and the historic Zoo Lake swimming pool.
There are also plenty of activities for children. Alongside the lake they can feed the ducks, or take them rowing in one of the brightly coloured boats which are available for hire. Those who would like to try some authentic African cuisine can stop for a bite at the Moyo restaurant which looks out over the lake. Moyo serves sumptuous African cuisine in a colourful and family-friendly environment. From classic oxtail stew to crocodile pie, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Over the years Zoo Lake has developed a reputation as a popular concert venue. One of the biggest annual events hosted there is the Jazz on the Lake concert in early September.
Zoo Lake, Johannesburg (Image: Light Box Studios)
Contact details
Moyo Restaurant
Tel: +27 (0)11 646 0058
Fax: +27 (0)86 101 6696
Archery Club
Monique Howse: +27 (0)72 250 3655
Beginners meet on Saturdays from 14h00 to 16h00
The Lions Boat Club
Tel: +27 (0)11 646 5803
Zoo Lake, Johannesburg (Image: Light Box Studios)
Boat club visiting hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 09h30 to 17h00
Closed on Mondays
- Please call for prices
Swimming pool visiting hours
Hours: 10h00 to 17:45 daily
Swimming pool admission
Adults: R12
Children R9
Zoo Lake, Johannesburg (Image: Light Box Studios)
