National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria (must see)

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, or The Pretoria Zoo, is an 85-hectare (210-acre) zoo located in Pretoria. It is the national zoo of South Africa, and was founded by J. W. B. Gunning.

he zoo was originally established at the outbreak of the Second Boer War in 1899 and became the official National Zoological Gardens in 1916. Half of the zoo is situated on relatively flat ground, while the other half is located on the slopes of a hill. The two areas are separated by the Apies River flowing through the zoo. Two bridges provide access over the river.

Around 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) of pathways are laid out in the zoo. Golf carts are available for rent for those that prefer not to walk; most, but not all of the exhibits are accessible by golf cart. There are two restaurants located within the zoo and a picnic area on the banks of the Apies River. A crafts market is located outside zoo entrance. The zoo includes an aquarium, reptile park, aviary, Australian section, primate section and a carnivore section amongst others.