Zoo Lake

A quintessentially Joburg experience

Although Johannesburg is revered as a business centre, it’s not all concrete, fumes, meetings and highways up here. Johannesburg City Parks has a number of recreational areas dotted all over the city to keep us sane. One of the most iconic and recognisable of these spaces is Zoo Lake.

Set right in the heart of the urban forest, Zoo Lake is a living Joburg postcard. It is positioned across the road from The Johannesburg Zoo and includes the legendary lake and it’s colourful rowing boats, it’s ducks, geese and bird island, as well as the nearby restaurants and recreational areas.

It is a place that operates much like New York’s Central Park, with joggers, families, children and friends using the premises for a much-needed breather in a busy city.

Right next to the lake, you will find the popular, pan-African themed restaurant Moyo. This is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sacred ibises returning to the lake in the early evenings.  Walk a little further and you will discover the legendary Zoo Lake Bowling Club, famous not only for its bowls activities, but also its popular bar. 

If you would prefer to use the area, as many do, as a fitness Mecca, a jog a around the lake or a session at the adjacent Zoo Lake Sports Club or swimming pool are excellent options. The park is one of the safest in the city, so you will have total peace of mind as you exercise.

Zoo Lake does more than fulfil its role as a recreational park; it also hosts an impressive variety of events, including Joburg Pride, Artists Under The Sun, Carols by Candlelight and Jazz on the Lake.

When visiting Joburg, a visit to Zoo Lake is a must. Whether rowing in one of the famous boats, being chased by hungry geese, or enjoying a drink at a nearby restaurant, the whole precinct represents a side of the city that, for many, remains a secret.