Zoo Lake, Johannesburg
Strolls, ambles, boats and picnics etc
Ever been in town on a Sunday afternoon and wondered what to do? There are many parks in Johannesburg and a stroll at Zoo Lake is certainly worth considering. Amble around the lake, a rowing boat on the lake and a lazy snack or meal at Moyo Restaurant will fill that empty afternoon for you, especially if it happens to be the first weekend of the month when the 'Artists under the Sun' art market holds its monthly exhibition. Situated, as it is, along Jan Smuts avenue, the park is only 15 min from the city centre.
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This is probably the most popular of the city parks and a stroll around the park can take 1-2 hours depending on the route taken and the briskness of the walk. |
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Feeding the ducks is always popular with the kids. |
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The children will also enjoy an excursion on one of the rowing boats that are for hire. |
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Moyo Restaurant is a popular venue for a snack or meal. |
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The Zoo Lake Bowls Club is also popular with the sports enthusiasts. They have recently introduced a Croquet green to their amenities offered. |
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The following are the details about the use of the boats for the public
Phone number : James Ngwenya 011 646 5803
Closed on Mondays but open on Public Holidays
Summer time:
1st September to 30th April
9h30 to 17:00
Winter time
1st May to 31st August
9h30 to 16h30
Ticket prices
Adults :R7:50 per person
Children : R5.00
Minimum charge R10 per boat
Limit of 6 allowed on a boat
ARCHERY CLUB
Contact person Monique Howse 072 250 3655
Beginners meet on a Saturdays from 14h :00 to 16h:00
SWIMMING POOL
Contact person: Flip van Heerden 082 446 7097
Landline :011 646 8495
Hours: 10h00 – 18h00 daily including Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Costs Adults R5:30
Children R2:75
Winter closing end of March and re-opens 1st April
Security
Zoo Lake is perhaps one of the safer parks in the city. It should however be remembered that it is a public open space and as such basic precautions should be adhered to. Try to walk in a party of four or five people. Leave all your valuables at home. Always be conscious of what is going on around you. Johannesburg City Parks and the Zoo Lake Users Committee try to make your visit to the park a safe and pleasant occasion but in common with parks and public open spaces throughout the world, there is always risks. The onus is on the individual to ensure his or her own safety.
Conclusion
Zoo Lake is certainly worth a visit. I walked the area when taking these photos and was amazed at how beautiful the park is. Try it and see for yourself!
Contacts
Johannesburg City Parks
Under whose jurisdiction the park falls
Event management
+27 (0) 11 712 6664
Dee Daniel (phone office hours) + 27(0) 11 712 6604 Fax +27 (0) 11 712 6764
Zoo Lake Users Committee
PO Box 3233 Parklands, Gauteng 2121, South Africa
Telephone +27 (0) 11 726 2784 Fax +27 (0) 11 726 2157 or +27 (0) 11 646 3848
ARTICLE COURTESY OF
http://www.footprint.co.za
