Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in Bulawayo, Bulawayo: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Bulawayo, Bulawayo
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Chipangali is a sobering but rewarding wildlife experience for families. The animals are well cared for, and the conservation stories are told honestly. Expect a guided walk of 3–4 hours with plenty of close-up viewing.
What is Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage?
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage was established in 1973 and is one of Africa’s largest wildlife rehabilitation and release centres. It is not a zoo: every animal here has a story of injury, orphanhood, or confiscation, and many are eventually released. Families can walk the 40-acre sanctuary with a guide, see lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and primates, and learn about human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary is about 30 minutes south of Bulawayo and makes a meaningful half-day trip.
Wildlife rehabilitation and release; entry fees fund animal care.
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 13) | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | ZWG 6 | ZWG 5 | Free |
Adult US$6; child under 13 US$5. Guided tours included. Wednesday is feeding day for many carnivores.
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- Wednesday Feeding day offers the most activity.
- Guided tour Worth taking for the stories.
- Wednesday Feeding day is most active.
- Cash For entry and donations.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Fair | Animals visible but long tour. |
| 3–5 years | Good | Close-up animals engage young children. |
| 6–9 years | Excellent | Conservation stories and close viewing. |
| 10–12 years | Very good | Can understand rehabilitation context. |
| 13+ years | Excellent | Full appreciation of conservation work. |
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Key details
- Address
- Johannesburg Road (A6), 25 km south of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Bulawayo
- Opening hours
- Daily 08:00–17:00 Closed now
- How long to plan
- 3–4 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Wildlife rehabilitation centre
- Booking
- Recommended; guided tours
- Payment accepted
- Cash
What to expect when you visit
Guided tours, feeding sessions (Wednesdays)
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Is this a zoo?
No, it is a non-profit rehabilitation centre. Many animals are released back into the wild.
Can we visit without a guide?
Guided tours are the main way to visit; walk-ins are usually assigned to the next tour.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Yes, but long tour
- Minimum age
- 0
- Facilities
- Guided tours
- picnic area
- Access and parking
- Gravel paths; uneven
- Safety notes
Supervise children around enclosures
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided tours
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Wednesday (feeding day)
- Busiest times
- Weekends
- How to get there
From Bulawayo, take the A6/Gwanda Road south for about 25 km; signed.
- By car
- Yes, parking available
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Taxi
- Public transport
Bus to Gwanda then taxi
- Combine with
- Natural History Museum Bulawayo — museum morning
- Centenary Park — free city park
- What to bring
- Closed shoes
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Cash for entry
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Uneven paths; not wheelchair-friendly.
Lions, leopards, hyenas.
Baboons and monkeys.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage?
- Adults pay ZWG 6 and children (ages Under 13) pay ZWG 5. Children yes enter free. Adult US$6; child under 13 US$5. Guided tours included. Wednesday is feeding day for many carnivores.
- What are the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage opening hours?
- Daily 08:00–17:00. Busiest: Weekends.
- Is Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: 0. Supervise children around enclosures
- How long do you need at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage?
- Plan for 3–4 hours.
- What payment methods does Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage accept?
- Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage accepts Cash.
- Is Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Gravel paths; uneven.
- What is the best time to visit Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage?
- Wednesday (feeding day). It is busiest Weekends.
- How do you get to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage?
- Yes, parking available. Ride-hailing: Taxi. Public transport: Bus to Gwanda then taxi From Bulawayo, take the A6/Gwanda Road south for about 25 km; signed.
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