About Zoo Lake
Set on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street in Johannesburg, virtually across from the Johannesburg Zoo, popular Zoo Lake always seens to be a hive of activity - dog walkers, joggers, skateboarders and kids.
Did you know? One of the most popular annual events in joburg is held at Zoo Lake. 'Jazz on the Lake', held in early September, is a celebration of the end of the winter cold and a welcome to the warmer days promised by the start of spring, celebrated by song and dance.
Zoo Lake is a large park situated around a manmade lake that makes for perfect weekend ambles, only 15 minutes from the centre of Johannesburg.
Zoo Lake is one of Johannesburg’s most popular outdoor spaces and certainly one of the safest, particularly over weekends. It takes roughly one to two hours to walk around the lake, depending on the route you take. Followed by a row on the lake or a lazy meal at the local restaurant and you can easily make a morning of it. On the first weekend of the month there is the ‘artists under the sun’ art market, which draws the crowds.
Probably the most interesting aspect about Zoo Lake is found in its history. The founders of Johannesburg made a gift of the Zoo and Zoo Lake to the city under the condition that they were to remain open to people of all races. This was as far back as 1904 when, despite the fact that this was before apartheid, blacks and whites in South Africa were living separate lives.
Originally part of the Sachsenwald plantation, thick with trees, Zoo Lake has been used for picnics, riding, hunting and a place to house wild animals since it began its life as a park. The manmade lake was first investigated as a possibility in 1906 and today the large island in its centre is a breeding ground for a number of birds.
Need to Know
WhereCorner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, Parkview, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
OvernightStay in Parkview Accommodation, Gauteng
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Johannesburg
Maison Jacaranda
Maison Jacaranda offers comfortable accommodation in a home environment in one self contained apartment and a traditional guest room. Both units ...
Remote Corner B&B
Remote Corner is a family owned and run accommodation tucked away in a gorgeous garden setting in Parkview. It is just minutes from downtown Joha...
Mi Casa Su Casa 5th Avenue
Mi Casa Su Casa on 5th Avenue offers comfortable accommodation for both business and leisure guests. Choose between six standard rooms with eithe...
Berry Cottage
Berry Cottage is a self catering holiday cottage on a secure property in the trendy area of Linden. Form here you are within safe walking distanc...
Floracliffe Guesthouse
Floracliffe Guesthouse is located within a stone's throw from various highways, offering quick access to a wide variety of shopping malls and oth...
Villa Simonne Guest Lodge
Villa Simonne's individually themed suites find their inspiration in the history and character of the most enchanting cities in the world. From P...
Ellipse Waterfall 3902
Ellipse Waterfall 3902 is an air-conditioned studio apartment furnished with a double bed. The kitchen is well equipped for a self-catering stay ...
Claires of Sandton
At Claires you will find a welcoming secure oasis that offers relaxed comfort, excellent service and great food. Each thoughtfully furnished, spa...
21 Kingfisher Guesthouse
Centrally located in the popular suburb of Fourways, north of Johannesburg, 21 Kingfisher Guesthouse is the perfect location for travellers. Alth...
Things to do in the area
Explore the Jo-burg Zoo
Of interest to visitors to Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Zoo was established in 1904 and has traditionally been owned and operated by the City o...
Moyo at Zoo Lake
Facing the setting African sun, overlooking the tranquil lake, protected by tall pine trees and their unmistakable smell, Moyo Zoo Lake welcomes ...
Night Time Tour at the Johannesburg Zoo
You can book a night-time tour of the Johannesburg Zoo any night from Monday to Saturday, and get ferried around to peer at the red pandas, glowi...
Accommodation convenient to Zoo Lake
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Johannesburg Accommodation / Parkview Accommodation