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Giza Zoo
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Giza Zoo, opened in 1891, is the oldest zoological garden in Africa and the Middle East. Spanning approximately 32 hectares, it was originally established as a botanical garden by Khedive Ismail, who curated an extensive collection of exotic flora from across the globe. The park's landscape features unique historical architecture, including artificial grottoes decorated with Red Sea corals and a suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The zoo houses a diverse range of species, including African elephants, lions, rare gazelles, and a significant collection of indigenous and migratory birds. Within the grounds, a specialized Zoological Museum displays an impressive array of taxidermy specimens from the region's wildlife history. Despite facing modern conservation challenges, the zoo remains a beloved recreational landmark for millions of Egyptians, especially during public holidays. Its dense greenery serves as a vital ecological oasis and avian nesting site within the sprawling metropolis of Cairo.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Essam · Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo · Qasr Al-Thaqafa
- Nearby: Shubra El Kheima (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Giza Zoo is a major family-oriented attraction featuring extensive outdoor animal enclosures and historic landscaped grounds. Visitors can freely explore the vast network of paved pathways that wind through lush gardens and shaded parkland.
Typical hours
Operations typically run from early morning until late afternoon, open every day of the week for public enjoyment. Weekends and Egyptian national holidays draw massive local crowds, so early morning arrival is strongly advised for a quieter experience.
Photography
Photography for personal use is widely permitted and encouraged throughout the park's scenic environments. However, visitors are strictly requested to turn off their camera flashes to avoid startling the animals or disrupting their natural routines.
Time needed
A comprehensive walkthrough of the massive grounds generally requires around three to four hours of continuous walking. Families traveling with younger children often plan for a half-day excursion to fully appreciate the varied exhibits and rest stops.
Combine with
This outing pairs beautifully with a relaxing visit to the adjacent Orman Botanical Garden for a full day of nature. Alternatively, you can easily walk towards the historic Cairo University campus or take a short taxi ride to the scenic banks of the Nile River.
Getting there
Reaching the destination is most convenient via local taxis or ride-sharing services from anywhere in downtown Cairo. Budget travelers can take the Cairo Metro to the Cairo University station, which leaves you with a brief walk to the main entrance gates.
Insider tip
Make sure to pack plenty of bottled water and light snacks, as the quality and availability of food stalls inside can be somewhat inconsistent. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate sun protection are absolutely essential for navigating the expansive outdoor paths.
Geography
Facts
- The zoo was officially opened on January 25, 1891.
- It covers a total area of approximately 80 feddans (32 hectares).
- Gustave Eiffel designed the famous suspension bridge in 1892.
- The grounds contain five artificial grottoes with coral decorations.
- It was the first zoo in the world to report successful hippo breeding.
- Over 175 different species of animals are represented in the zoo.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Giza Zoo (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When does the zoo open?
Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
How much is the ticket?
For foreigners about 65-100 EGP, Egyptians pay significantly less.
Are there historic buildings?
Yes, the zoo houses a famous suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
How big is the zoo?
It covers about 32 hectares and is the largest zoo in Egypt.
Is there shade?
Yes, there are many old trees and gardens that provide shade.
Giza Zoo: where is it located?
Giza Zoo is located in Egypt.
Giza Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Essam, Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo, Qasr Al-Thaqafa.
Giza Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Giza Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
Giza Zoo, opened in 1891, is the oldest zoological garden in Africa and the Middle East.
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Nearby cities
Giza
A major city on the west bank of the Nile, globally known for the Giza Plateau.
Al Hawamdeya
A growing industrial city south of Giza, known for sugar production.
Bawiti
The main settlement of the Bahariya Oasis, famous for the Valley of the Golden Mummies.
6th of October City
A modern industrial city, named after the date of the 1973 war.
Shubra El Kheima
A highly industrialized city north of Cairo.
Qalyub
A rural yet industrialized city bordering Greater Cairo.
History & landmarks
Grand Egyptian Museum
A vast, modern archaeological museum complex near the Giza Pyramids, designed to be the largest in the world dedicated to a single civili…
Bahariya Oasis
The Bahariya Oasis is a lush depression in the Western Desert, famous for its hot springs and as the gateway to the White and Black Deserts.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Cairo Opera House
The primary venue for performing arts in the Egyptian capital, located on the southern portion of Gezira Island.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A modern museum in Fustat that showcases Egyptian history across all its eras, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria.
Nature
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Large recreation park for families.
Saqqara Necropolis
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Step Pyramid of Djoser
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Dahshur Pyramids
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6th of October Industrial City
A major industrial hub west of Cairo, featuring food and automotive industries.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.