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Unleash the explorer in you with this ultimate guide to Zoo Lake
If you think a seasoned Joburger like me would never get lost in their own city, you’d be mistaken. Just last week, I got lost at Zoo Lake because I was distracted by the beautiful surroundings and the happy families.
And here’s a fun fact: did you know it’s a man-made lake? That’s right, and it’s been a gathering spot since the gold rush days!
So, grab your picnic basket and let me guide you through the charm and chaos of Zoo Lake, where every turn is a story waiting to unfold.
Things to Know
Address: Region B, Zone 1, Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, Parkview
Phone: +27 (011) 483-1017
Operating Hours:
- Open 24/7
Admission Fee:
- Free
Background
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Zoo Lake, located in Hermann Eckstein Park and across from the Johannesburg Zoo, is a popular spot for Joburg residents. The park has two dams, an upper feeder dam, and a larger lower dam, both built in natural marshland watered by the Parktown Spruit.
The land was donated by Beit and Co. in 1904, with a requirement to split the park into a public park and a zoological garden. It first opened to the public in 1908.
The park was designed around an artificial lake, and a central fountain was added in 1937. The fountain, known as the Coronation Fountain, is a symbol of the city’s heritage and was built to commemorate the crowning of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
How to Get to Zoo Lake
By Bus: To get to Zoo Lake, you can take bus line 01 and alight at 41 Lower Park Drive or bus line 80F-D and alight at Jan Smuts Avenue & Avonwold Road. Another option is bus line 80 and get off at 181 Jan Smuts Avenue.
By Taxi: The base fare is around R70 with an additional charge of about R9.50 per kilometre. Drop off at Lower Park Drive near the main entrance.
By Car: There are parking options near Zoo Lake, including street parking around the lake and a designated parking area close to the entrance.
What to Do and See in Zoo Lake
Enjoy a picnic on the green lawns
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Zoo Lake is a fantastic spot for a relaxing picnic. After a busy week, there’s nothing quite like spreading out a blanket on the green lawns and enjoying some fresh air.
When I head there, I always bring along a few snacks and light dishes to share with friends or family. It’s a simple, affordable way to catch up and create lasting memories.
Hire a boat and paddle around the lake
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The row boats at the lake can accommodate up to six people. As you paddle, you get a full-body workout that engages all your major muscle groups, helping you burn calories and tone your muscles.
Rowing is also great for your cardiovascular health, keeping your heart rate up and improving circulation. Moreover, it’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and clear your mind as you take in the peaceful surroundings of the water.
Walk with your dog along the designated paths
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Zoo Lake is a great spot for those looking to enjoy some quality time with their furry friends. When I take my dog for a walk here, we stick to the designated paths, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The fresh air and beautiful surroundings make it a relaxing experience for both of us. Not only does my dog get to explore new sights and smells, but it also helps keep him healthy and happy.
Go for a jog around the lake
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The lake offers serene surroundings and well-maintained paths making it a popular choice for those looking to stay active. I find the fresh air and scenic views incredibly refreshing, which makes the exercise feel less like a chore.
Attend the annual Jazz on the Lake in September
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Held in early September, Jazz on the Lake marks the end of winter and the joyful anticipation of spring.
I’ve been to this free concert a few times, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with energy. Arriving early is key to snagging a prime spot on the grass, where you can relax and enjoy the music.
Watch local wildlife and birds around the lake
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I was captivated by the variety of birds around the lake, including Egyptian geese, blacksmith lapwings, and the striking African fish eagle.
You can sit quietly by the water and wait for birds to come to you, or you can stroll along the paths, spotting different species as you go. The calm atmosphere and natural surroundings make it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bring your kids to the children’s play area
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One of the highlights here for our kids is the well-maintained children’s play area. When we visited, the playground was buzzing with activity, filled with children of all ages enjoying the swings, slides, and climbing frames.
Watching the kids interact, I noticed how they quickly learned to share, take turns, and resolve minor disagreements. Additionally, it was clear they were having a blast while also getting in some much-needed exercise.
Engage in various sports
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The Zoo Lake Sports Club, with its rich history dating back to the 1940s, provides ample opportunities to engage in cricket, soccer, and touch rugby.
For those interested in archery, the Archers of Zoo Lake club offers lessons for beginners to advanced archers. The outdoor range, with distances up to 90 metres, is perfect for honing your skills.
Additionally, there are facilities for basketball, running, and even giant inflatable challenges, ensuring there’s something fun for everyone.
Take a refreshing swim at the swimming pool
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Zoo Lake Swimming Pool, a cherished spot for locals, offers a refreshing retreat. With its unique 30-by-30-metre square shape, you can swim laps or enjoy a full circuit.
The pool becomes lively in summer, especially with kids in the shallow end and teenagers perfecting their dive bombs. The unheated water provides a bracing swim, particularly in spring and autumn.
Participate in a calming yoga session
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The beautiful outdoor setting of Zoo Lake makes it the perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air while practising yoga.
Yoga Works and Yoga Experience occasionally host yoga classes here. It’s not an everyday affair, so be sure to check their schedule for upcoming sessions.
Bring along some bread to feed ducks
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One of the most delightful activities at the lake is feeding the ducks! You can watch them dipping their heads in the water, flying, and paddling with their webbed feet. It’s a valuable learning experience for everyone, especially with the recent hatching of ducklings and goslings.
Where to Eat in Zoo Lake
Gioia Trattoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gioiatrattoria
Phone: +27 10 900 0263
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
Gioia Trattoria is suitable for family outings, business meetings, and remote work and offers a peaceful setting with friendly staff.
The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, such as pizzas, pasta, burgers, steaks, and vegetarian options.
The restaurant also has ample indoor seating, an outdoor terrace, and a children’s play area with jungle gyms and bike tracks.
Sakhumzi Zoo Lake
Website: https://www.sakhumzi.co.za/
Phone: +27 11 536 1379
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 8 PM
Sakhumzi at Zoo Lake is a great place to eat by the lake, offering an African dining experience for people of all ages. The highlight here is the large wooden deck where you can sit under the trees.
The restaurant serves a buffet, offering a variety of dishes including lamb stew, roasted chicken pieces, boerewors, tripe (mogudu), and a selection of seasonal vegetables and traditional South African sides. You can enjoy as much food as you like for R270 per person (no drinks included yet) for 2 hours.
Zoo Lake Bowls Club
Website: https://home.zoolakebowlsjhb.co.za/
Phone: +27 11 486 0843
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
The Zoo Lake Bowls Club is a historic sports club that is popular with South African and European football fans. The main bar area has a barn-like feel with a large projector screen, and there are smaller TVs around the club.
The club’s menu offers delicious, juicy burgers with caramelised onions, fried tomatoes, gherkins, and lettuce. They also serve draft beer.
It’s kid-friendly with plenty of space for children to run around, especially when the bowling greens are not in use. Occasionally, there are kid-friendly attractions, such as a bouncy castle!
Panettone Café
Phone: +27 11 026 3506
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Panettone Café is a family-friendly restaurant with a spacious outdoor seating area and a play area for kids.
Its menu offers a variety of simple international food with a Mediterranean influence, including salads, pizzas, pasta, and wraps. There are also fresh juices, wines, and soft drinks available to enjoy with your meal.
