The Giza Zoo and Al-Orman Botanical Garden are set to raise the bar for entertainment, conservation, and heritage preservation as Egypt gears up to unveil these revitalised attractions come September 2025.
This ambitious transformation, which blends modern features with profound historical significance, was recently showcased by the Gardens Company during its participation in the Berlin International Tourism Exhibition (ITB Berlin) earlier this month.
The Gardens Company has unveiled the final design for redeveloping the Giza Zoo and Al-Orman Botanical Garden. The project aims to meet top international standards in quality, animal welfare, and sustainability.
Visitors can look forward to a variety of highlights, including the chance to interact with ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar, observe hippos gliding gracefully underwater, and enjoy a host of family-friendly activities such as feeding animals and guided tours with animal breeders.
For those with a taste for adventure, the plans include live shows featuring sea lions, birds, and elephants, as well as the construction of a glass dome offering a unique perspective of the mongoose.
The Giza Zoo will introduce new features to enhance visitor experiences, including the Safari Glamping Hotel for luxurious stays close to nature. The Zoo Antique Bazaar will offer handmade souvenirs and crafts, while a variety of restaurants, cafés, and amenities will ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit.
The Giza Zoo, established in 1891 during Khedive Ismail’s reign, is Africa’s first zoo and the third oldest globally. It houses over 3,000 historical trees, rare plants, and 186 unique species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, symbolizing a significant part of Egypt’s heritage.
The zoo’s redevelopment includes preserving key historical landmarks like the Eiffel Suspension Bridge, Japanese Hall, Royal Hall, Tea Island, and the Zoo Museum. Restoration efforts aim to honour the site’s cultural significance while incorporating a modern vision.
Animal enclosures and pathways have also been redesigned with great care to retain their historic character. Meanwhile, the zoo’s two sections – Giza Zoo and Al-Orman Botanical Garden – will be seamlessly linked via a newly constructed tunnel.
“This project marks a significant turning point in Egypt’s entertainment and tourism industry, combining innovation and modernity while safeguarding our ancient historical heritage,” Mohamed Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gardens Company, said in a statement during ITB Berlin.
“The redevelopment of Al-Orman and Giza Zoo aims to create a world-class tourist destination combining entertainment, education, and environmental conservation,” Kamel said.
“Experts and international consultants are involved to ensure top standards in animal welfare and heritage preservation.”
