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Best zoo destinations in Africa

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Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
6.4
The Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata lies about 12 miles from central Nairobi. Jock and Betty Leslie Melville began a breeding programme in 1979 to protect the vulnerable Rothschild's giraffe. Visitors feed giraffes from a raised platform. Education programmes reach urban school children. Warthogs roam the grounds.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
  • 🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
  • 🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park
Johannesburg
Vibrant city life meets rich history
6.4
The zoo opened on 22 March 1904 and holds about 2,000 animals from some 320 species. It has bred white lions and Siberian tigers. Africa's last polar bear lived here until 2014. Night tours and overnight sleepovers are offered. The zoo drew 515,623 visitors in 2019.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from the Carlton Centre top floor
  • 🏠 Take a guided tour of Soweto and visit Mandela House
  • 🏛️ Learn South Africa’s history at the Apartheid Museum
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
7.1
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe began in 1952 as a reception centre for wildlife casualties. It took in sick, injured and orphaned animals, plus those confiscated from illegal trade. It lies near the northern shore of Lake Victoria. Chimpanzees and giraffes are among the animals visitors meet.
Highlights:
  • 🦓 Take a safari across the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 🐘 Watch hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel
  • 🦍 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet mountain gorillas
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
6.1
Kwame Nkrumah created the Accra Zoological Gardens in 1961. It now operates inside Achimota Forest, a green retreat from the city. About 160 animals from 30 species live here. The zoo drew 45,000 visitors in 2022. A children's play area and a tricycle shuttle from the main entrance help families.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at Bojo Beach
  • 🛍️ Shop vibrant stalls at Makola Market
  • 🕊️ Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
Zimbabwe
Wild safaris meet ancient ruins
6.2
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage near Bulawayo was founded in 1973 by Vivian and Paddy Wilson. It takes in orphaned, injured, abandoned and confiscated wild animals. The Barry Wilson Aviary houses birds and a carnivore section holds lions and leopards. Staff aim to educate children about Zimbabwe's wildlife.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit the ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe
  • 🦓 Go on a safari through Hwange National Park
  • 💦 Admire Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side’s best viewpoints
Boulders Beach
Swim with wild African penguins
African penguins settled this sheltered beach in 1982, starting with two breeding pairs. The colony has grown to about 3,000 birds. Boardwalks at Foxy Beach bring visitors within a few metres of them. The species is critically endangered. The beach lies inside Table Mountain National Park near Simon's Town.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk the boardwalks for stunning penguin colony views
  • 🏊‍♀️ Swim in protected waters surrounded by granite boulders
  • 🐧 Watch African penguins up close on sandy shores
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