If you are looking for an affordable weekend outing have a good reason to gather the grandparents, call the cousins and pack a picnic this Saturday, 22 August, when entrance to the Johannesburg Zoo will cost just R22 per person.
The reduced entrance fee forms part of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ) popular R22 on the 22nd initiative, introduced to celebrate the Zoo’s 122nd anniversary.
This month’s special has extra appeal because the 22nd falls on a Saturday, giving families, friends and community groups the chance to turn an ordinary weekend into a fun day out.
JCPZ is encouraging residents to bring the whole family along, from grandparents and children to cousins, aunties, uncles and close friends.
Stokvels, senior citizens’ groups, churches, community organisations and youth groups are also being invited to take advantage of the special.
Visitors can pack a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and spend the day exploring the Zoo, enjoying its green spaces and making new memories together.
JCPZ Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew said the initiative was designed to make quality family time more accessible to Johannesburg residents.
“We want the R22 special to put quality family time within reach of more Johannesburg residents. With the 22nd falling on a Saturday, there could hardly be a better opportunity for a family reunion.
“Bring Grandma and Grandpa, bring the children, bring the cousins and the people you have been promising to spend more time with. For R22, come and make a new family memory at the Johannesburg Zoo.”
The Johannesburg Zoo has been part of the city’s history for 122 years, with generations of residents having visited the attraction as children before returning years later with their own families.
JCPZ said the special also gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to introduce younger visitors to wildlife, conservation and the importance of protecting the environment.
Keep the fun going — and the Zoo clean
With higher visitor numbers expected on Saturday, JCPZ has appealed to visitors to help keep the Zoo clean and welcoming.
Visitors are asked to use the bins provided and leave picnic areas, pathways, lawns and animal-viewing areas free of litter.
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to involve children in keeping the Zoo clean by teaching them to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Entrance fee: R22 per person
Venue: Johannesburg Zoo
Special: R22 on the 22nd
For Joburg residents wondering what to do this weekend, JCPZ has a simple suggestion: gather the family, pack a picnic and head to the Zoo.
At R22 per person, Saturday offers an affordable opportunity to reconnect, explore and enjoy one of Johannesburg’s best-known attractions.
Issued by Jenny Moodley, on behalf of:
Thanduxolo Mendrew
Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
