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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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 inIn 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...
Cradle Boutique Hotel
Cradle Boutique Hotel, located in a spectacular 9 000 hectare nature reserve, is one of a kind. It is the only hotel in the world situated on an ...
Goodnight Guest Lodge
Goodnight Guest Lodge offers guests a choice of elegant suites. All come with private entrances and the lodge has a unique country lodge atmosphe...
The Pecan Tree Guesthouse
The Pecan Tree Guesthouse is a unique up-market Guest House in the heart of Bryanston that offers bed and breakfast accommodation in luxurious su...
Mount Royal 29
Mount Royal 29 is a self catering apartment located in Morningside, Sandton. The apartment is located in the secure Mount Royal complex and is id...
Tuscan Rose Guest House
Tuscan Rose Guest House is a charming guest house ideal for business or holiday pleasure, situated in Strathavon, Sandton. Conveniently located i...
Topaz Cove Luxury Villas
Topaz Cove Luxury Villas is situated in the secure Emerald Estate in Modderfontein. Sandton and Midrand are within 15 km of the estate and there ...
Armagh Guesthouse
Armagh Guesthouse in Boksburg is Irish themed, located on a busy road close to all amenities yet secluded. The guesthouse has a lovely swimming p...
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