Tales from the Zoo Lake

Famous for its fountain, colourful row boats and indomitable geese, Zoo Lake is a Joburg icon. It’s also steeped in history.

It began as a fabulous gift of 200 acres to the people of Johannesburg by Werner Beit & Co, one of the most powerful mining houses in the city’s early years. The gift was given on two conditions: it was to be named after Herman Ekstein and the public park should be open to all, regardless of race. This later proved to be a major bone of contention for one-time resident HF Verwoerd, who lived across the road.

Join Karen Curry for a leisurely walk around this much-loved green space as she shares wonderful, magical, good and bad stories about our beloved Zoo Lake.

Wear good walking shoes and bring sun protection and water. Pack a picnic if you’d like to stay on after the tour, or enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. If you’re feeling energetic, take a row around the fountain too.