Zoo Lake is a favourite of Joburg residents and is the venue for the annual Jazz on the Lake and Carols by Candlelight events. It is also the monthly venue for the Artists under the Sun open air art exhibition.
It also boasts the Coronation Fountain, a Johannesburg heritage symbol. Zoo Lake is a popular spot for picnicking, walking your dog or taking a leisurely boat ride. It has its own information centre and has one of the popular African themed restaurants, Moyo. The Zoo Lake Sports Club is another favourite with residents, offering a variety of sports amenities, a restaurant and pub.
The land was donated by Beit and Co in 1904, with a stipulation that the park be divided into a public park and a zoological garden. It opened for the first time to the public in 1908.
Getting there: Zoo Lake is in Saxonwold on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Westwold Street. It is next to Johannesburg Zoo, which forms part of the greater Zoo Lake area.
